Japan's Lower House Passes Resolution to Support Tokyo's Olympic Bid

Tokyo 2020, Tokyo’s second consecutive bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games today received further momentum with the passing of a resolution by the House of Representatives to provide full cooperation and support to Tokyo’s campaign to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The resolution states that hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games will make a significant contribution to international friendship and goodwill and to the realisation of a sports-oriented society in Japan. The bill calls for the government, the members of the Diet and the people of Japan to unite in their support for the Games and work toward creating a truly world-class sporting infrastructure in Japan that will benefit the whole nation and act as a legacy for future generations. The resolution also points out that staging the Games will serve as a symbol of Japan's recovery from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan in March, and provide further hope and inspiration to those in the affected areas.

Later this week, the House of Councillors will consider the resolution and is expected to endorse the Lower House decision by declaring its support for the resolution.

Today’s resolution follows last week’s announcement of the formation of the Federation of Diet Members to Support Tokyo’s Bid to Host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatayama was appointed chairman of the federation, which also includes seven-time Olympian Seiko Hashimoto, currently a member of the House of Representatives, and multiple Olympic medallist in judo Ryoko Tani, presently serving as a member of the House of Councillors.

Tokyo 2020 President Tsunekazu Takeda expressed his delight at the passing of the resolution.

"It is wonderful news. I would like to offer my sincere thanks to the members of the House of Representatives for their kind support," Takeda said. "And I am confident that the House of Councillors will also adopt the resolution."

"This will serve as a major step forward in our efforts to boost domestic support for the bid, and I look forward to working closely with the members over the next months and years as we strive to realise our dream of bringing the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Japan," Takeda added.

For more information, contact: pressoffice@tokyo2020.jp

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