Governor inspects the Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics

Governor Masuzoe, in Sochi to inspect the XXII Winter Olympic Games, issued the following statement after attending the closing ceremony on February 23.

With the kind courtesy of IOC President Thomas Bach, with whom I had a friendly conversation yesterday (February 22), I was given the opportunity to observe the closing ceremony of the XXII Winter Olympic Games. I would like to thank Mr. Bach for his kind consideration and say how impressed I was with the ceremony's magnificent and enjoyable performance. The performance was full of entertaining aspects, and I think it will be very instructive for our preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
My visit to Sochi was quite short, but I was able to conduct my inspections very comfortably without feeling inconvenienced by the strict security measures. I believe this was all due to the efforts of the Games operators. I would like to express my respects to the Sochi Organising Committee, which managed the Games superbly, and hope we will be able to continue exchanging information that will be beneficial for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
At this Olympic Games, I was deeply impressed by the remarkable progress made by the young athletes and the rousing performance of established athletes of Team Japan. May I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all those athletes who gave such wonderful performances.
The Paralympic Games will be starting from March 7. I look forward to further accomplishments by Team Japan and sincerely wish these Games much success as well.

Yoichi Masuzoe
Governor of Tokyo

(Photo) The governor answers questions from the press after his tour of the facilities.