Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held the third meeting of the Ministerial Council on the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games at the Prime Minister's Office.

At the meeting, the “Basic Plan for the Holding of the Games” (draft) of the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the state of preparations for the “anticipated national response to implement smooth preparations for the formulation of the basic plan for the holding of the games,” and the Rugby World Cup 2019 were discussed.

The Prime Minister stated the following in his opening remarks.

”Only five years remain until the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. This year too, we must proceed with thorough preparations by the entire nation.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will create an optimal environment so that the participating athletes can deliver their best performances. Moreover, as a festive event that involves the entire nation, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will give momentum to restoring the vitality of Japan. In particular, the Olympics will be a “Recovery Olympics” that should spur recovery for the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and we will show the world how these areas have made a magnificent recovery.
Moreover, we will highlight the traditions, culture, and unique features of each of Japan's local regions that shape the beautiful Japan that is rooted in the regions.
That is the kind of Olympic and Paralympic Games I would like the 2020 events to be.
There is a popular comic called “Real” that depicts wheelchair basketball. Hearing the praise that this comic has received, I've been reading it, and I was deeply moved by the depiction of the sport of wheelchair basketball.
The Paralympics environment is steadily undergoing dramatic changes. Through hosting the Paralympic Games, I would like understanding of all kinds of disabilities to be deepened, and hope that Japan will become a place where there are no barriers for disabled people, as well as the country where disabled people are able to have the world's most fulfilling lifestyle.
Also, we must rapidly and steadily proceed with preparations for the Rugby World Cup 2019.
I will submit a Bill on Special Measures in a regular session of the Diet session and work towards its being passed, and strengthen our national support system.
Based on the basic plan for the holding of the games that was explained today, I would like every member of the Cabinet to make further proactive efforts to achieve the success of these events. Thank you very much.”