2021 New Year’s Speech

Japan Sports Agency Commissioner, MUROFUSHI Koji

I would like to wish you all a joyous New Year for 2021.

Three months have already passed since October 2020 when I took over as the Japan Sports Agency’s second commissioner after accepting the baton from the first JSA Commissioner, SUZUKI Daichi. In welcoming the new year, as Japan still faces anxiety with the rising number of coronavirus infections, the JSA is called on more than ever to focus on creating measures for sport to help society face and overcome this crisis.

Even now, as the public remains compelled to restrain and restrict its activities due to the pandemic, there are worries that people’s lack of exercise will create various secondary health damages.
In order to live well, we must be healthy in both body and in mind. In terms of physical wellbeing, exercise and sport helps mitigate the risk of developing illness such as lifestyle diseases. Sport also develops muscle strength, physical balance, and enhances immunity. Exercise and sport are also effective in improving mental health and enhancing resistance against anxiety and stress. The JSA will work to thoroughly implement infection prevention measures, while incorporating various physical activities under the “new normal” to enhance a healthy body and mind.

Sport has the power to give people courage, inspiration and a sense of unity. I have personally been able to carry on with my activities with the support of many people.
An incident that left a lasting impression was when I met children from the Tohoku region who suffered from the Great East Japan earthquake. I found myself at a loss for words after seeing the children’s expressions which bore so much pain after losing their homes, families, or friends. But I also witnessed them gradually regaining their laughter naturally by participating in sport activities (relays) with athletes. “Go for it! Faster! Careful when passing the baton!” All the children were rooting for their teams in excitement, and in the end, I saw them praising each other no matter teammate or opponent. It was at this very moment that I realized more than ever before, how the power of sport can help people overcome their difficulties.
I thought the only way that I could help uplift these children who I had seen with those glimmering eyes despite being burdened with so much pain and sorrow, was to achieve the impossible of winning a gold medal at 36-years-old. So, I ended up promising them I will return with a World Athletics Championship gold medal. Winning a medal for me was just a goal, and only a means to uplift the children’s suffering. In the end, I won gold at the World Athletics Championships and a bronze at the Olympics the following year, and I will never forget how their faces lit up.

As Japan embraces to host the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, the JSA will enhance environments so athletes can focus on their training and will collaborate with relevant organizations so athletes can compete in a safe environment. Seeing athletes from across the world competing in sport and after overcoming this crisis will give hope to people not just in Japan but across the world. The Games will undoubtedly embody the power of sport.

As the Japanese national rugby team’s success at the 2019 Rugby World Cup is still fresh in our minds, I believe this year’s Games will become a beacon of hope in such uncertain times and give people enthusiasm and spirit. The JSA will also make an all-out effort to create legacies for the Games including realizing a symbiotic society, revitalizing regions and economies, promoting international exchanges and an inspiring sports industry.

And finally, the JSA will begin examining the formulation of the Third Sport Basic Plan in 2021 to disseminate the value of sport in a way that is easy to understand, by reviewing the Second Sport Basic Plan which aims to secure all people with the opportunity to do, see and support sport, and realize a sport-oriented nation.
JSA will especially work to define a path for sport five to ten years from now after the Tokyo Games, linking sport to help solve various social issues. As such, the JSA will advance measures to further expand the scope of sport by enhancing collaborations between sport and other fields.

The JSA will strive to play a central role among relevant agencies, and collaborate with relevant organizations, local public organizations and businesses to help society overcome difficulties through the power of sport, and to move brightfully and cheerfully into the future.

I ask for everyone’s continued support and cooperation.

End