New Japanese PM sends letter to IOC members assuring support for Tokyo’s 2016 Olympics bid

Japan’s new PM writes IOC backing Tokyo 2016 bid

LONDON — Japan’s new prime minister has sent a letter to IOC members assuring them that government support for Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympics “remains as strong as ever.”

Yukio Hatoyama took office on Sept. 16 after his Democratic Party defeated the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party in elections at the end of August.

In a letter obtained by The Associated Press, Hatoyama reassures International Olympic Committee members of his personal support and his government’s backing for the Tokyo bid.

“Japan has undergone a change of national government,” he said in the letter dated Sept. 20. “However, I would like to offer you my fullest assurance that Japan’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and to Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games remains as strong as ever.”

Tokyo, which hosted the Olympics in 1964, is competing against Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. The IOC will vote on the host city in Copenhagen on Oct. 2.

Japanese organizers have urged Hatoyama to travel to Copenhagen for the vote. However, in his letter, he made no commitment to attend.

“I strongly hope that I will have the opportunity of meeting with you at some point in the future,” he said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and Spanish King Juan Carlos have said they will be in Copenhagen for the vote. President Barack Obama has left open the possibility of going, but is sending first lady Michelle Obama in any case. Obama, Silva and Juan Carlos have also sent letters to IOC members.

Hatoyama took over as prime minister from Taro Aso, who competed in shooting at the 1976 Montreal Olympics and addressed an IOC evaluation panel that visited the city in April.

“Please allow me to take this opportunity to express my own personal enthusiasm and support for Tokyo’s bid,” Hatoyama said. “Japan has a long, established tradition of successfully hosting major global sporting events, and an enduring commitment to the Olympic movement.”

He promised that Tokyo would provide “optimal conditions” for athletes and said Japan would “take all the necessary measures to ensure an environmentally responsible and sustainable” games.

The AP also obtained letters to the IOC from both Juan Carlos and Obama.

Obama’s letter promised that the United States would “welcome the world with open arms” if Chicago is selected.

“The City of Chicago is designed to host global celebrations and it will deliver a spectacular Olympic experience for one and all,” Obama said in the letter.

The 338-word typed form letter, dated Sept. 10, is addressed to individual members and bears the signature of the president.

“I deeply appreciate the tremendous work of the Olympic Movement and wish to convey my strong support for Chicago 2016,” Obama said, citing the “transformative power” of the Olympics to unite people.

Juan Carlos said he was going to Copenhagen to head Madrid’s delegation at a time “that will, I am sure, become part of my country’s history.”

He noted that he competed, in sailing, at the 1972 Munich Games and that several other members of the royal family have also been Olympians.

Juan Carlos said Spain was behind the bid “now more than ever” after the city’s failed candidacy for the 2012 Olympics, which went to London.

“In 2016 Madrid aspires to organize Olympic and Paralympic Games that will leave an enduring legacy for the Olympic Movement,” the king said in the letter dated Aug. 11. “We all strongly believe that Madrid represents the best option at this time.

“Madrid is a great capital, which has multicultural traditions and a long, rich history. The city, thanks to the Games, will show itself to the world as an example for future generations of peaceful coexistence and integration.”