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The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) on Monday announced that Emperor Naruhito has accepted the role of Honorary Patron of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, following a formal request submitted through the national government.
The emperor will assume the role from July 24, exactly one year before the commencement of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020, and relinquish it on Sept 6, the closing day of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games. He is expected to officially declare both Games open.
Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori commented, “We are deeply grateful to his majesty the emperor for assuming the role of honorary patron of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, an event that will bring together the world’s top athletes and showcase their technique and power. The Games will also provide a great opportunity to deepen the friendship and solidarity between people all over the world and for us reflect on the preciousness of peace. Tokyo 2020 also aims to continue supporting the reconstruction and revival of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake and to share their progress with the world.
“His Majesty’s gracious assumption of this title is not only a great honor and source of inspiration, it will be a hugely positive force in terms of promoting the values of the Games, including peace, friendship, the support for reconstruction of disaster-hit areas, and the Paralympic movement’s message of diversity. We will continue our work to prepare for a successful Games and look forward to everyone’s support.”
© Japan Today
8 Comments
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Yubaru
Not like he had much of a choice in the matter! Better him though than Abe!
Tokyo-Engr
It is a good choice and like his father before him I have great confidence the Emperor would represent Japan well.
Cricky
I would be hesitant at best taking up that mantel, last time Abe made his wife an honorary figure head of a school, didn't work out so well. And do you really need the emperor explaining why thousands of people can't find accomodation and are queuing to board a ship those unable are given cardboard boxes and pointed to the nearest park in 40dg temps. If he could I'm sure the emperor would politely say NO THANKYOU.
Rena Matsui
Certainly not a title that was earned.
Toasted Heretic
All admirable aspirations and one or two guaranteed to rattle the right.
Kobe White Bar Owner
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@Rena MatsuiJuly 22 05:46 pm JST
Certainly not a title that was earned.
please share with us why it was not earned. I'm far from a royalist but please enlighten me.
AlexBecu
Definitely the right choice. A good introduction of the new Emperor of Japan to the rest of the world and its own people.