Governor Koike’s comments on the new dates for the Tokyo 2020 Games

In response to the announcement of the new dates for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, the Governor has made the following comments.

In view of the global outbreak of COVID-19, we need a certain amount of time to ensure the delivery of a Games that is safe and secure for the athletes and spectators.

I think that preparations for the new dates will go smoothly as they match the originally scheduled period for the competitions, for which we have been making many preparations, including matters related to ticketing, the venues, volunteers and transport.

I therefore believe that the opening of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 on 23 July 2021 is ideal.

This situation has been the cause of much concern among the athletes, volunteers, torchbearers, local municipalities and many more people and organisations. Since we now have a clear goal to aim for, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will commit all its resources and work closely with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee, the national government, and other stakeholders to fully prepare for the delivery of a Games that is safe and secure.