Tokyo 2020 Bid Strengthened by Report that Ranks Japan Among the World's Most Peaceful Nations

Tokyo 2020, Japan’s Bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, today welcomed the Global Peace Index 2012 ranking of Japan as the world’s fifth most peaceful nation. The confirmation of Japan’s high rating in terms of international peace, domestic safety and security is a testament to values the country shares with the Olympic Movement and with the people of Japan, for whom excellence, friendship and respect are a way of life. Following the establishment of the Global Peace Index in 2007, Japan has consistently ranked as one of the top seven most peaceful countries.

Based on 23 qualitative and quantitative indicators, Japan’s strong political stability and exceptionally low levels of violent crime and homicides are among factors that led to it being ranked 5 out of 158 nations, following only Iceland, Denmark, New Zealand and Canada. The report validates a common perception of the Japanese capital: residents and visitors find that it offers a safe and secure environment.

Tokyo 2020 CEO Masato Mizuno was pleased with the Global Peace Index ranking, saying: "We are delighted that this report underscores Japan’s marvellous safety and security. A secure and peaceful atmosphere would ensure a rich 2020 Games experience for Olympic and Paralympic Family members, athletes and visitors. Hosting the Games in Tokyo would enable athletes to perform at peak levels at the world’s largest sporting event."

Tokyo’s status as one of the world’s safest urban centres is mainly due to the law-abiding nature of the Japanese people and the country’s strict control of firearms and narcotics. Crime rates throughout Japan are extremely low by international standards, and the number of all crimes in Japan has decreased for eight consecutive years.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, one of the world’s largest police forces with 46,000 personnel, operates 102 police stations and 1,200 kobans, or police boxes, to respond to emergencies, maintain law and order and provide assistance in neighbourhoods throughout the city. The koban system enables police officers to maintain close relationships with citizens and visitors alike, creating ideal conditions for a safe and enjoyable Games environment.

The Global Peace Index is a collaborative effort between its founder, Australian IT entrepreneur and philanthropist Steve Killelea, and the Institute for Economics and Peace, a global think tank dedicated to research and education concerning the relationship between economic development, business and peace.

The Global Peace Index 2012 is based on 23 indicators, including internal and external factors ranging from a nation's level of military expenditure to its relationships with neighbouring countries and respect for human rights. The indicators were selected by an international panel of academics, businesspeople, philanthropists and peace institutions. The GPI is collated and calculated by the Economist Intelligence Unit. In 2012 five new countries (Benin, Djibouti, Guinea-Bissau, Lesotho and Mauritius) were added to the index, bringing the total to 158 nations covering 99% of the world’s population. For the 2012 report and the full list of 158 nations, please visit: http://www.visionofhumanity.org/gpi-data/#/2012/scor/JP/detail

(Mr) Masa Takaya Communications Manager, Japanese Olympic Committee

Acting Communications Director, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee

(Ms) Hiromi SatoManager, International Communications, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee

Phone: 03-6279-0049 / Fax: 03-6279-0157 / pressoffice@tokyo2020.jp

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