Prime Minister Abe met with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), who praised Japan's organization of the games, saying, "The preparations in Tokyo are going smoothly. We think it will become the new standard for the games of the future." Prime Minister Abe indicated his willingness to establish a new full-time ministerial post to oversee the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and to create a new Sport Agency.

<March 13 (Friday) Prime Minister's Office>