Biden supports Japan’s resolve to hold Games

By Kensaku Fujiwara / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer

15:21 JST, April 17, 2021

WASHINGTON — U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his support for Japan’s resolve to hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer during the Japan-U.S. summit meeting on Friday.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed Japan’s determination to hold the Games as a symbol of global unity.

Suga said during a joint press conference after the summit meeting that he had told Biden of his determination to host the Olympics.

The prime minister stressed that Japan will take all possible measures to combat the novel coronavirus, based on the opinions of the World Health Organization and other experts. Suga added preparations will be made “from scientific and objective perspectives.”

“We will make thorough preparations to hold a safe and secure Games,” Suga said.

The joint statement released after the summit meeting states that Biden “supports Prime Minister Suga’s efforts to hold a safe and secure Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer.”

The statement also read, “Both leaders expressed their pride in the U.S. and Japanese athletes who have trained for these Games and will be competing in the best traditions of the Olympic spirit.”