[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the inauguration ceremony for the Secretariat of the Headquarters for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and delivered an address to the Headquarters staff.

The Prime Minister said in his address,

“Today we start up the Secretariat of the Headquarters for Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is truly the dream of people throughout the country.

The Olympics are the world’s largest festival. I would like us all to work as one with the members of this secretariat and give our all for the creation of an Olympic and Paralympic Games that will leave its mark on history.

Among the members of the Cabinet, Minister Endo, who was appointed just yesterday, will be responsible for this. With Minister Endo leading the way, we will hold an Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020 that shows the world just what Japan is capable of. In doing so, it will surely leave lasting memories with a great many people. It will also demonstrate to the world how splendidly Japan has succeeded in its reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. At the same time, we will ensure that people remember that this was an Olympic and Paralympic Games held in Japan, a country in which all people, even those with disabilities, can reach their full potential. I also hope that we will create a Japan in which everyone can enjoy sports and want to host an Olympic and Paralympic Games that puts this aspect of Japan on display.

Rather than thinking that there are still five years left, I believe we should think that there are only five years left. With that in mind, I ask that you all please make maximum efforts, starting from today. Thank you.”