Tokyo will repay the world the debt they owe them for their help after the devastating tsunami in 2011 when the city hosts the 2020 Olympic Games Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said on Saturday.
The 58-year-old was speaking after the Japanese capital secured their second Olympic Games -- having previously had them in 1964 -- by beating Istanbul by 60 votes to 36 at a meeting of International Olympic Committee (IOC) members in Buenos Aires.
Abe, whose final presentation allayed members' fears over contaminated water leaking from the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, said Japan would repay its debt to the world in full.
He added that he had seen how sport could change lives in the immediate aftermath of the quake and giant waves that struck northeast Japan in March 2011, leaving over 18,000 people dead and badly damaging the nuclear plant.
"Sport can mobilise people. That is the power shown exactly after the tsunami," he said.
"The situation was very tough but lots of athletes (including US sprint legend Carl Lewis) came to Japan and played with the kids and everybody had hope and courage.
"During the presentation I said about the boy I saw with a football given to him by one of these athletes. That football is not a gift. It is for the future. That is the power of sports.
"Japan needs hope and dreams and we are now looking forward to dreams and hopes. We will pay the debt of support we owe the world from the time of the tsunami."
Abe, who flew to South America from the G20 summit in St Petersburg, Russia, said the Olympics had given him such dreams when he was a boy in 1964 and was overwhelmed when he heard Tokyo announced as winners.
"I talked about the Olympic Games in 1964 then I was only 10 years old but a lot of kids were inspired like me by them and had dreams and hopes," he added.
"We wanted to have aspirations of winning a medal but for many it was not possible.
"When I heard Tokyo announced I was overwhelmed because I was the person that had got this medal and the joy was more than when I was first elected prime minister, the joy was greater."
Tokyo Governor Naoki Inose also said that hosting the Games would help Japan recover.
"By hosting the 2020 Tokyo Games, we will create hope," he said.
"We will offer dreams and hope to future generations and our hosting of the Games will accelerate the recovery of Japan's tsunami-affected area.
"We will promote the Olympic Movement globally in an effort to create a 'peaceful and better world'.
"Tokyo will be an environment where athletes can perform at their best, and we will offer guests from every corner of the world our excellent hospitality."
Japan's IOC member and Tokyo bid president Tsunekazu Takeda said the result was an enormous achievement after the city's failed effort to secure the 2016 Games, where they finished third.
The two-time showjumping Olympian said the trust placed in them would not be misplaced.
"The Olympic Family has put its faith in our great city to deliver the memorable Games we have promised and we will not let them down," said the 66-year-old.
"The most recent public polls revealed that 92 percent of the Japanese population supported Tokyo's hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, so I am confident that 116 million Japanese people are smiling right now."
AFP
Sat Sep 07 2013
Former special forces commander Prabowo to take up Indonesian presidency
Indonesia's Prabowo Subianto will take over as president of the world's third-largest democracy after sweeping the country's election with policies like free meals for school children
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Trump says he would impose tariffs on China if China went into Taiwan
Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said he would impose additional tariffs on China if China were to "go into Taiwan,"
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.