TOKYO, July 22 (Xinhua) -- The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020) on Monday announced that Japanese Emperor Naruhito has accepted the role of the Honorary Patron of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020.
The announcement followed a formal request by Tokyo 2020 submitted through the national government.
According to the organizers, Emperor Naruhito will assume the role from July 24 in 2019, exactly one year before the commencement of the Olympic Games in 2020, and relinquish it on September 6 in 2020, the closing day of the 2020 Paralympic Games.
"We are deeply grateful to His Majesty the Emperor for assuming the role of Honorary Patron of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, an event that will bring together the world's top athletes and showcase their technique and power," said Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori.
"The Games will also provide a great opportunity to deepen the friendship and solidarity between people all over the world and for us to reflect on the preciousness of peace," Mori said.
He said that Tokyo 2020 also aims to continue supporting the reconstruction and revival of areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
"We will continue our work to prepare for a successful Games and look forward to everyone's support," Mori added.
