Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the Debate between Party Leaders and Other Matters

"The World and Japan" Database (Project Leader: TANAKA Akihiko)

Database of Japanese Politics and International Relations

National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies (GRIPS); Institute for Advanced Studies on Asia (IASA), The University of Tokyo

[Title] Press Conference by the Prime Minister on the Debate between Party Leaders and Other Matters

[Place]

[Date] June 9, 2021

[Source] Prime Minister of Japan and His Cabinet

[Notes] Provisional translation

[Full text]

(On the debate between party leaders)

This was my first debate between party leaders. It was a very important opportunity that allowed me to answer questions from opposition parties and give a careful explanation of my views on our responses to the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), which I believe is the biggest concern for the public, as well as the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. I would like to continue to explain these issues in a thorough manner.

(On holding the Olympic Games amid the COVID-19 pandemic)

I feel very strongly about this. At the same time, as I explained, the Paralympics were first named as such in the games 57 years ago. From what I heard, this marked a significant chapter in history for athletes involved in sports for people with disabilities. Against this background, it encouraged the people with disabilities to get out into the world and generated considerable momentum to realize an inclusive society. Bearing in mind the sentiments of the Paralympians today, I think we should place great importance on that historical background.