Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the third meeting of the Ministerial Council for the Further Consideration of the New National Stadium Construction Plan.

During the meeting, discussion took place on further consideration of the New National Stadium construction plan.

Based on the discussion, the Prime Minister said,

“Centering on Minister Endo, this Council has listened to many members of public and athletes, and compiled a ‘basic policy’ based on that and the proposal of the ruling parties.

In line with that ‘basic policy,’ I would like to continue to deepen consideration toward the establishment of a plan within this month.

Based on the concept of ‘putting athletes first,’ the new stadium, which is to be a venue for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, must be a place that inspires people around the world.

I also want you to prioritize the realization of a globally top-level barrier-free environment so that we can make it a stadium that everyone can enjoy, as well as efforts to facilitate harmony with the local environment around the Meiji Jingu Gaien area and the incorporation of ‘Japanese style,’ and work to build a stadium that people will continue to love for a long time.

Of course, we must also control costs. We must create the best and most realistic plan. To that end, I want you to make the stadium facilities easy to maintain and manage. After the Games, I would like you to work to shift the management of the stadium toward the private sector, and for you to exercise innovative ideas so the stadium will be endowed with a lasting Olympic legacy.

I request that the relevant ministers, including Minister Endo, continue to work on this while collaborating with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.”

