[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a press conference about the revision of the construction plan for the New National Stadium at the Prime Minister's Office.

During the press conference, the Prime Minister said,

“I have decided that we will cancel the current plan for the New National Stadium that is to be the venue for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, and create a new plan from scratch.

The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a festive event for the entire nation. Above all, what we need to prioritize is the creation of something that receives the blessing of the public and the athletes.

We have heard the opinions of the people. From about a month ago, we have been considering whether or not it would be possible to revise the existing plan. Today, we received the assurance that we could still complete construction by the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games if we revised the plan, so I have decided that we will do so.

I am resolved to control costs as much as possible and move forward in a realistic way with the best possible plan for making the New National Stadium a venue that moves and inspires the dreams of people around the world. I have instructed the relevant ministers to immediately work on the creation of a new plan.

The New National Stadium will not be completed in time for the Rugby World Cup, but the Government will work to thoroughly support the success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.”