2. Making the Tokyo 2020 Games and Rugby World Cup 2019 a success

Addressing four issues, including the heat

Next, I would like to speak about the Tokyo 2020 Games and Rugby World Cup 2019.

To gain a bird’s-eye view of four major issues -- measures for the most crucial issue of summer heat, work style reform, volunteerism, and promotion of barrier free upgrades -- and speedily and strongly promote measures addressing these issues in order to ensure the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games, we established a TMG-wide study team headed by my vice governors. Concerning measures to combat heat, in addition to continuing to advance the use of solar heat-blocking pavement and creation of more shade using roadside trees, the TMG as a whole will think about further initiatives from both hard and soft approaches, including measures for the “last mile” from the station nearest to the competition venue to the entrance of the venue itself.

And, with regard to work style reform, using the occasion of the Games, we will promote the spread of new work styles that value life-work balance, including telework, and have this also contribute to alleviating traffic congestion during the Games. Just last month we launched a project to promote traffic demand management with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee and central government in preparation for controlling traffic volume during the Games. While also working with the business world, we will work to strike a balance between smooth game operations, the daily lives of Tokyo citizens, and economic activities.

Raising all-Japan unity

At the 18th Asian Games held in Indonesia, which recently came to a close, Japan won 75 gold medals -- its second highest gold medal count ever -- showing very promising results as we head toward the Olympic Games. This included Tokyo native Rikako Ikee being named the Olympic Council of Asia's Most Valuable Player. Please allow me to express my great respect for all of the athletes. At the upcoming Asian Para Games to be held next month, I also look forward to Japanese athletes giving their all and further raising enthusiasm for cheering on para sports throughout Japan.

On the 25th of last month, which marked two years to the start of the Paralympic Games, we held a Paralympic Games Countdown Event where many people had the opportunity to actually try para sports. Through such efforts, I hope to realize a Paralympic Games where crowds at events cheer even louder, encouraging each and every athlete to demonstrate their utmost power and skill.

It has been decided that both the torch relay, which will instantly boost unity for the Games throughout Japan, and the Olympic competitions -- 33 sports, the highest number to date -- will start in Fukushima Prefecture. Along with the passion of the Games, we will show the current state of recovery in areas that were affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, from Fukushima to all of Japan, and then to the world. I will never forget the reason why we have termed these Olympic and Paralympic Games the “recovery Games,” and I am committed to continuing to do all that needs to be done to make them a success.

Concerning volunteers, who will play leading roles alongside the athletes, we will finally start the recruitment of volunteers on the 26th of this month. To encourage a broad range of people to participate, regardless of age, gender, or whether or not one has an impairment, we will publicize and actively hold information sessions. With an eye to instilling a culture of volunteerism as a legacy of the Games, we will hold volunteer summits for metropolitan high school students and others to raise enthusiasm for proactively participating in social contribution activities, and foster excitement for taking part in the Games among the people of Tokyo and Japan.

With regard to the Tokyo Tokyo FESTIVAL, the cultural program that will bring vibrant color to the Games, in addition to the SaLaD Music Festival, a concert for people of all ages featuring a combination of classical music and dance, which was held the day before yesterday, we will hold a range of events this fall, including the Tokyo Grand Tea Ceremony. In November, as part of Tandem Paris-Tokyo 2018, a cultural program jointly conducted with the City of Paris, we will hold a variety of events in Paris to introduce Japanese culture, including an art event on the theme of furoshiki, the traditional Japanese wrapping cloth. I will also travel to Paris for the occasion. While there, I look forward to strengthening cooperation with the city, which will host the 2024 Games, and widely promoting the appeal of Tokyo as the host city of the 2020 Games with respect to our culture, sightseeing, and leading environmental policies.

One year to go to Rugby World Cup 2019

General public ticket lottery applications kicked off today for Rugby World Cup 2019, which is now just a year away. Through the one year-to-go countdown event we will hold next week, campaigns on social media, and other efforts, we hope to have many citizens of Tokyo and Japan feel connected to the tournament and together build excitement for the event.

Over 38,000 people responded to the call for about 10,000 volunteers for Rugby World Cup 2019 -- a tournament record. With the support of all of the volunteers and while working closely with the other 11 host cities nationwide, including Kamaishi City, Iwate Prefecture, where the Kamaishi Unosumai Memorial Stadium recently opened, we will do all possible to make the tournament a success.