Japan Passes New Laws for Tokyo 2020

(ATR) The Japanese public will have more holidays to free up congestion for the Tokyo 2020 opening and closing ceremonies.

A special measures law was passed that made July 23, July 24, and August 10, 2020 national holidays. The dates correspond to the opening and closing ceremony dates and the day before the opening ceremony.

Such laws are traditional in Olympic cities in an effort to reduce congestion for the ceremonies. The Olympic torch relay also tends to make its way to the host city starting the day before the opening ceremony, causing congestion.

"The resulting inclusion of special measures…takes into account the likely impact of the Opening Ceremony on people’s schedules, and is a significant step towards the smooth implementation of the Tokyo 2020 Games," Yoshiro Mori, Tokyo 2020 president, said in a statement about the law. "We would accordingly like to express our gratitude to everyone who has worked on this legislation.

"We will continue to work with all related parties with the aim of hosting a smooth and safe Games."

The Japanese Diet passed another law to strengthen anti-doping protections in Japan for the Olympics. It is the first such anti-doping law in Japan. According to a report from Kyodo News the law allows the sports ministry to ask for athletes’ personal information from authorities in order to help catch drug cheats entering Japan.

"This legislation establishes a legal framework for anti-doping measures, something which has been called for globally, and will boost anti-doping activities in Japan," Mori said in a statement. "This legislation also will make it possible for the Japan Anti-Doping Agency, the Japan Sport Council and public authorities to share information and implement anti-doping measures more effectively.

"With the help of related parties, we will continue our best effort to prepare for a Tokyo 2020 Games where athletes can compete on a level playing field."

Written by Aaron Bauer

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