(On the appointment of Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee President Hashimoto)

Newly appointed President Hashimoto worked very hard as the Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. She will now assume the position of Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee President, and I hope she will again do her very best to achieve safe and secure games that are well-received by both the Japanese people and people around the world. The Government will support her vigorously in her new role. President Hashimoto also served as the Minister in charge of Women's Empowerment. Moreover, she herself is a veteran of seven Olympic Games, competing in both the summer and winter games. I wish her the very best in her efforts to realize the vision of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, making full use of these experiences.

(On the successor for the position of Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games)

I have asked Ms. Marukawa to assume the positions of Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Minister in charge of Women's Empowerment, and Minister of State for Gender Equality. After this, I will officially hand her a letter of appointment, following the Attestation Ceremony. As the Diet is currently in session, I hope that Ms. Marukawa will make use of her prior experience as the Olympic and Paralympic Games Minister to do her very best, so as not to impede deliberations in the Diet. Also, I would like her to realize a safe and secure games as the minister in charge, embracing a fresh approach as a woman. She will also serve as the Minister in charge of Women's Empowerment. I asked her to assume those positions and do her utmost to ensure the games are carried out in the midst of the current situation.

(On Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organising Committee President Hashimoto resigning from her Cabinet position)

She presented me with a resignation letter. I believe that was the culmination of Ms. Hashimoto herself agonizing over the decision for some time. As I mentioned earlier, she has seven Olympic appearances to her name, and it was in that context, in a spirit of impassioned enthusiasm to dedicate to ensuring the Games’ success.

(On the transparency of the selection process of the new President)

It seems to me that the Organising Committee has followed the process conscientiously, formally taking various conditions into consideration.

(On the alleged role that the Prime Minister played in the appointment of the new President)

I myself firmly conveyed my hope to former President Mori that the Organising Committee select its new president in a transparent manner by rigorously following the relevant procedures.

(On the qualifications of the newly appointed President)

I have great hopes for her success.

(On the measures that the Prime Minister requests the Organising Committee to undertake)

Needless to say, I would like the Organising Committee to be transparent, open, and trusted by the citizens.

(On the possible role of the Government)

The Government takes the view that the Organising Committee must reliably transition into action based on the Olympic Spirit; doing so will restore public trust.

(On the selection of the new President)

It is true that many things happened during the selection process. Despite that, the new president of the Organising Committee was chosen successfully. I hope that the committee will work in unity under new President Hashimoto.