IOC President Bach Visits Japan ~ Expresses Hope for "A Great Games Through Unity and Solidarity"

On November 20, International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach made his first visit to Japan since taking office, holding a press conference and reception to request further support for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

At the press conference held at the Imperial Hotel Tokyo in Chiyoda Ward, President Bach was joined on stage by IOC Vice President John Coates, who will serve as Chairman of the Coordination Commission for the Tokyo 2020 Games; IOC Member and Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Tsunekazu Takeda; and IOC Communications Director Mark Adams. President Bach congratulated Japan on the bid win, stating, "The Japanese people united to achieve this success. I believe that unity will lead to a wonderful Games." He emphasized the importance of starting preparations early for 2020, reflecting the host country's culture, ensuring a lasting legacy after the Games, and promoting sports among the younger generation. He also highlighted sport's role as a "bridge builder," positioning it as a means of "dialogue."

Mr. Bach's first visit to Japan since becoming President

Mr. Bach answering questions from reporters

From left: Mr. Coates, Mr. Bach, and Mr. Takeda

Approximately 240 stakeholders gathered at the reception

Approximately 240 attendees, including Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (Minister in charge of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games) Hirofumi Shimomura, former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori (Honorary President of the Japan Sports Association), Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose, as well as representatives from the JOC, sponsoring companies, and the business community, attended the IOC-hosted reception held at Dentsu Inc. Hall in Shiodome. Olympic and Paralympic athletes, including Hiroyuki Murofushi and Mami Sato, also attended.

At the outset, JOC President Takeda declared, "I pledge here that we will continue our efforts to ensure the 2020 Games are a great success," welcoming President Bach's visit to Japan. Taking the stage next, President Bach stated, "The success of the Tokyo Games is something we can surely achieve if all of Japan unites as one. I feel your presence firsthand and firmly believe a wonderful Games will be held," expressing his expectations for strengthening the partnership. He called out, "Let us discover the future together." In his toast, Governor Inose remarked, "The bid campaign was like a marathon race, but the next seven years will be like an Ironman race – a long race we must win. I see today as a day to introduce our new bride, Mr. Bach, to everyone. As partners, I want us to keep running together."

Following the toast, at President Bach's suggestion, a commemorative photo was taken with corporate representatives, deepening the bonds of friendship.

Mr. Bach delivering remarks at the reception

Mr. Takeda welcoming President Bach's visit to Japan

Governor Inose delivering the toast

Commemorative photo with representatives of attendees