Press Conference by the Chief Cabinet Secretary (Excerpt)

Opening Statement by Chief Cabinet Secretary Suga

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: The Olympic and Paralympic Games are a celebratory event for the Japanese people, and the New National Stadium that is to be a venue for the Tokyo Games must receive the blessing of the people. This is a view strongly held by the Prime Minister. Regarding the issue of the New National Stadium, we have been listening humbly to the opinions of the people and reviewing the matter in light of various points raised. On this basis, today the Prime Minister decided to send the current design plan back to the drawing board and to create a new plan from the beginning. The Prime Minister has instructed Minister Endo and Minister Shimomura of this. We will work to keep costs down as much as possible in order to develop what will realistically be the best plan so as to ensure that the New National Stadium will become a place that provides dreams and inspiration to people from all over the world.

Q&As

REPORTER: A short while ago, the Prime Minister stated that the design plan would go back to the drawing board as he was assured that the stadium will be ready in time for the Olympic and Paralympic Games. What gives you such assurance?

CHIEF CABINET SECRETARY SUGA: First of all, about a month ago, Prime Minister Abe asked Minister Shimomura whether a review was truly impossible, and requested that he look further into the matter. I understand that later Minister Shimomura replied that if the decision to review the plan was made by the end of this month, the stadium would be ready just barely in time for the 2020 Tokyo Games. Bearing this in mind, today Prime Minister Abe gave orders for the creation of a new plan.

(Abridged)