Letter from Amb. Murata about the Olympics

Dear Friends,

The International Community is increasingly concerned about the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The February 3, 2019 edition of the Washington Post published an article about the present tragic situation in

Namie town in Fukushima prefecture where family separations continue and vacant houses are being torn down.

The Tokyo Olympic Games cannot serve as a perfect cover-up for the present situation in Fukushima.

The February 1, 2019 edition of the People's Daily of China carried an article on President Xi-Jinping's meeting with

President Bach of the IOC in which the former repeatedly referred to the importance of integrity

in making preparations for the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. His concern seems to reflect the impact of the

serious problems connected to the Tokyo Olympic Games, including the latest actions of the French prosecution

office in investigating possible corruption. For this reason, President Xi's remarks are considered opportune and important.

We notice mounting criticism regarding the hosting of baseball and softball games in Fukushima prefecture.

This criticism can no longer be ignored for obvious reasons.

The February 6, 2019 edition of Sankei newspaper reported that demonstrations had taken place in London

protesting against Japan's restarting of commercial whaling and calling for a boycott of the Tokyo Olympic Games.

The IOC and the JOC should also bear in mind that the International Community has not forgiven the huge, immoral

lies claiming the Fukushima Nuclear Accident was "under control" or that "July-August is ideal" for hosting the Olympic Games.

Please allow me to count on your understanding and support.

Mitsuhei Murata

Former Japanese Ambassador to Switzerland