Bureau of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Preparation

Governor's Comments on the Rio Olympic Games Opening Ceremony

The opening ceremony of the Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games was held on August 5 (August 6, JST). The governor's comments on the opening ceremony are as follows.

Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo

The opening ceremony of the Games of the XXXI Olympiad was held today in Rio de Janeiro.

I was deeply moved by the magnificent opening ceremony, including the impressive lighting of the Olympic cauldron. I also look very forward to seeing the superb performances of the world's top athletes, which will take place over the next two weeks. But above all, I hold high expectations on the performances of the Japanese team and sincerely wish the success of the Games.

As the next host city of the Games, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government wishes to learn much from Rio 2016, centering on its operation of the Games. I myself will be going to Rio de Janeiro for the closing ceremony to receive the Olympic flag from the mayor of Rio de Janeiro at the flag handover ceremony.

During the Games, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will partner with the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee to hold the "Tokyo 2020 Live Sites in 2016-from Rio to Tokyo," where you can view live broadcasts of the Rio Olympic Games. This event will be held at Ueno Park, Showa Kinen Park, and venues in the three prefectures affected by the 2011 earthquake. I hope that many of you will take this opportunity to experience the thrill of the Olympic Games. Please visit the sites with your family and friends, and come together as one to cheer on the athletes.

We will spare no effort in proceeding with our preparations to ensure that the momentum of Rio 2016 is solidly carried on to the Tokyo Games.