Japan Sports Agency Inaugurated to Ready for Tokyo Olympics

A new agency was inaugurated October 1 under the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology to set every sports-related machinery ready for the Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics in 2020: the Sports Agency. Daichi Suzuki, 48, the gold-winning swimmer in the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, is appointed Director of the new agency.

Daichi Suzuki had developed his own style of backstroke inspired by Jesse Vassallo and won a gold medal in men's 100m backstroke in 1998. He is currently president of the Olympians Association of Japan (OAJ) and professor of physical education at Juntendo University.

The new agency has 5 departments with a staff of 121 of which 10 or so are appointed from sports-related corporations and PR companies. The agency basically arms at reshuffling the administrative framework from the traditional "compartmentalized" structure into an efficient machinery to cover a broad specter of sports promotion across the board - ranging from enhancing competitive abilities toward the Tokyo Olympics/Paralympics in 2020 to regional promotion of sports.

Addressing his staff on the first day in office October 1, Director Suzuki stressed on the importance of teamwork in discharging the agency's mission for the advancement of sports in Japan. Earlier in his interview in Wakayama, Mr. Suzuki jokingly commented, "I swim backward but I'll work forward". Asked why he had accepted the rather weighty post, Director Suzuki replied that though a mere swimmer he would be anxious to broaden his sphere of the profession by challenging "such a responsible position".

The term of office is two years (subject to reappointment) and Director Suzuki leaves current posts at JOC and Juntendo University.
Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga commented on Director Suzuki as the "best choice for the post" by virtue of his professional achievements and insight, expressing high hopes for his contribution in sports administration in Japan.