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[Provisional Translation]

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended a meeting of the Sports and Culture World Forum Public-Private Collaboration Implementation Committee held in Tokyo.

In his opening address, the Prime Minister said,

“I am delighted that this meeting of the Sports and Culture World Forum Public-Private Collaboration Implementation Committee is being held today, with the participation of such a large number of representatives from the fields of sports, culture, the economy, and local government.

I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to all those involved for their understanding and cooperation. 

About two years have passed since the decision to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo, and preparations are advancing under the leadership of President Mori of the Organizing Committee.

Legislation related to the Tokyo Games was recently implemented, and the government has established a system to accelerate preparations, under the leadership of Minister Endo, the minister in charge. 

In regard to the New National Stadium, last week I decided to cancel the current plan and create a new plan from scratch. I would like to have the Games be something that receives the blessing of the public and the athletes, and to make the New National Stadium a venue that inspires people around the world. I would like to ask for your understanding and cooperation.

In the spirit of “in only five years,” rather than that of “in five more years,” the entire government will work together and exert its full efforts to achieve the success of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Moreover, as well as the Olympic and Paralympic Games being a festive sports event, they also represent a major opportunity to communicate the culture of the host country to the world.

Along with globally promoting the values of sports, this Forum, being held in advance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, is the ideal opportunity to encourage the people of the world to appreciate Japan’s nature, which is abundant throughout all four seasons, and understand Japan’s culture, which has been cultivated over our country’s long history.

I would like to conclude my remarks by expressing my hope that, with your cooperation, this Forum will be a great success, and will also provide considerable momentum towards 2020. Thank you.”