By Duncan Mackay at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building

IOC vice-president John Coates has praised Tokyo's early preparations for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics ©ShugoTakemi/Tokyo 2020Tokyo 2020 is an opportunity for Japan to show how "resilient" it is following the earthquake and tsunami which devastated the country three years ago, International Olympic Committee (IOC) vice-president John Coates claimed here today as preparations for the Games really started.


Coates, chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission which was beginning its first three-day visit to the Japanese capital, praised the early work done by organisers but warned everyone must work together if the Olympics and Paralympics were to be as successful as the last time they were held here, in 1964. 

"Fifty years ago, the Olympic Games came to Tokyo and Asia for the very first time," the Australian said as he addressed officials at the start of this meeting.

"Today, that Olympic journey begins once again for this great city and people

"We on the Coordination Commission are all very excited to be here and to be able to assist as you take on this historic endeavour for the second time.

"Tokyo 2020 represents a great opportunity for the Olympic Movement and for Tokyo and for Japan.

"For Tokyo, it will be an opportunity to showcase yourself once again to the world, as in 1964, and to show, that despite great tragedy, the Japanese people are resilient and that the country is strong and that the country is united."

This first IOC Coordination Commission meeting is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building ©ITGThis first IOC Coordination Commission meeting is being held at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building ©ITG

Today a number of issues were discussed by the IOC Coordination Commission, which includes former London 2012 chairman Sebastian Coe and SportAccord President Marius Vizer, including concept and progress since Tokyo was elected to host the Games last September ahead of rivals Istanbul and Madrid. 

Early discussions, however, are set to focus on a review of venues ordered by newly-elected Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe to combat spiralling costs. 

"In order to realise the promises that were made during the bid, I decided it would be necessary to review the plan appropriately, taking into consideration some challenges related to legacy for Tokyo and sustainability and the impact on the citizens lives," Masuzoe told the Coordination Commission. 

He promised to avoid some of the mistakes that RIo 2016 have made, which has led to them being heavily criticised by a number of International Federations. 

"Going forward the review of the plans will be in close collaboration with Tokyo 2020 and we will discuss with sports federations our plans," Masuzoe said. 

"We will seek advice from IOC members.

"We have six years to go until the start of Tokyo 2020 but I would like to give you my commitment to deliver a wonderful Games and I will do my very best to deliver so that you will be back to rejoice at their success."

Tthere was praise from Coates about the early commercial success of the Games. 

"We are pleased that Tokyo 2020 has the full support of all the domestic stakeholders, which is underlined by the presence of your [Sports] Minister [Yoshitaka Sakurada] and Governor Masuzoe," he said. 

"This domestic support is also confirmed by the three latest commercial agreements signed by the IOC.

"The first being the extension of the Olympic Partner Progrmme - or TOP - with Panasonic until 2024.

"The second being the signing of Bridgestone Corporation as a TOP partner and them joining the Olympic Movement.

"And, finally, the Japanese Television Consortium renewing its confidence in the Olympic Games by agreeing to broadcast the Olympics until 2024.

"This support for the Olympic Movement, and in particular the 2020 Olympic Games, fills us with confidence that Japan as a country is behind these Games and its legacy.

"But it will be equally critical to the success of the Games that Tokyo 2020 and this Coordination Commission work together as one team."

IOC Coordination Commission chairman John Coates is greeted by Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori at the start of the three-day meeting ©ShugoTakemi/Tokyo 2020IOC Coordination Commission chairman John Coates is greeted by Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori at the start of the three-day meeting ©ShugoTakemi/Tokyo 2020

Yoshirō Mori, President of Tokyo 2020, promised they would seek the advice and support of the IOC Coordination Commission. 

"We are already in the boat and have started rowing," he said.

"We have already seen a lot of challenges, but we are in one team and, with understanding and support, we can overcome up to 2020 and reach the opposite coast."

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