On Wednesday, February 1, Governor Koike attended the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Olympic and Paralympic Games and Human Rights Symposium.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) is taking advantage of the opportunity offered by the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, aiming to realize a diverse city where human rights are respected, and promoting various measures related to human rights.

The symposium focused on the theme of The Olympics and Paralympics and Human Rights, as an important project among the TMG’s human rights-related initiatives, and people familiar with the London and Rio Olympic Games, as well as a Paralympian, were invited.

In her opening address, the governor introduced the Olympic Charter’s Fundamental Principles of Olympism and the Tokyo 2020 Management Plan for Sustainability, which declare that the Olympics must be free of any form of discrimination, and be an event that respects human rights. She declared that she wishes to “take all necessary measures to ensure that Tokyo 2020 will respect the rights of all people, regardless of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, or whether they have disabilities.” She went on to say that creating the new Tokyo that she envisions—a city that respects diversity and is warm and kind—is the perfect way to fulfil the spirit of Olympism.

The governor then spoke of the importance of realizing a diverse society where people respect each other’s culture and lifestyles. She said that creating an environment where it is easy to have and raise children, where women can participate fully, and achieving sexual equality, are also human rights issues, and that respect for human rights is indispensable for the sustainable future development of Tokyo.

In closing, the governor had this message for the world: “Athletes and everyone around the world, Tokyo is a city that accepts diversity. Please come to Tokyo in 2020. We are looking forward to seeing you. Thank you.”