One year before the Tokyo Olympics Grand commemorative ceremony held

The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee held a preparation status briefing and ceremony (co-hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government) at the Tokyo International Forum in Chiyoda Ward on July 24, one year before the Tokyo Olympics opening.

■ "Preparations Report Meeting"

 The meeting was attended by approximately 200 people, including the organizers (Organizing Committee): Honorary President Fujio Mitarai, President Yoshiro Mori, and Secretary General Toshiro Muto; guests: International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Thomas Bach and Tokyo Olympic Coordination Commission Chairman John Coates; Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, serving as the Organizing Committee's Senior Advisor and Chairman; as well as council members and directors.
At the outset, Chairman Mori stated, "We are now one year away from the opening of the world's largest event. Preparations for the Games are progressing so smoothly that the IOC has praised their pace as 'setting a new Olympic record'. I believe this is the result of cooperation from all sectors, including local governments. The Olympics cannot succeed with Tokyo alone; we want to continue guiding them to success with the support of all Japan."
Chairman Mori also introduced eight members of the Tokyo Olympics opening and closing ceremony planning team, including Kyogen performer Mansai Nomura, noting this was their first official introduction. He reported that President Bach had offered words of encouragement to the members.

President Bach highly praised Tokyo, stating, "I have never seen a host city this well prepared one year out," and expressed gratitude for the support from all across Japan. He also highlighted the economic benefits the Games will bring to Japan and the unity fostered among the people through the torch relay, saying, "The Games are a great opportunity to showcase the best of Japan to the world. Together with athletes from around the world, I am looking forward to 2020. The IOC will work together with everyone over the remaining year to ensure its success." He concluded by saying "Yoroshiku onegai shimasu" (Please take care of me) in Japanese.

Prime Minister Abe stated, "Six years have passed since the bid was awarded. I wish to express my respect for the dedicated efforts of all involved. We aim to make this a Games worthy of the new Reiwa era. The government will also provide unified support."

■ "Ceremony"

The ceremony held in Hall A was a grand event, attended by approximately 4,000 guests. This included members of the Organizing Committee, the IOC, ambassadors from various countries, national sports federations, Games partners, around 500 junior high and high school students from Tokyo, and elementary and junior high school students from the three prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

The opening featured a performance by the Tsugaru shamisen duo, the Yoshida Brothers, against a backdrop of projection mapping specially provided by Panasonic, a Worldwide Partner of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated, "As preparations enter their final stages, we feel a heightened sense of responsibility as the host city. We are currently engaged in concrete verification efforts, including the commencement of test events for each sport, ensuring safety, and implementing heat countermeasures, while also promoting 'Smooth Biz' (telework, staggered business hours, and traffic demand management). We want to welcome athletes and spectators to a safe and secure city. We will work together with everyone toward the opening one year from now."
Representatives from the NOCs (National Olympic Committees) of seven countries, including Japan, and the IOC Refugee Team took the stage. President Bach personally handed each representative an invitation to the Games.

For the torch runner recruitment PR, ambassadors Olympian Tadahiro Nomura, Paralympian Aki Taguchi, actress Satomi Ishihara, and comedy duo Sandwichman's Miki Date and Takeshi Tomizawa appeared, calling for applications.

■ "Olympic Medal Design Announcement"