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Tokyo 2016 Supporter Loses Election

ABC reports Japan’s Prime Minister Taro Aso, Tokyo 2016’s most vocal and controversial backer, and his conservative party, were ousted after holding power for half a century, a month before the International Olympic Committee (IOC) chooses the host city for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Dr. Ichiro Kono, head of Tokyo 2016, issued a statement to ABC Monday saying the upheaval in government should not impact a perceived strength of his city’s bid.

He said, “together with Tokyo 2016’s rock-solid financial guarantees, the support of Japan’s political leadership, including the new ruling party, is clear proof that we offer the safest, securest, most risk-free and most dependable bid. This is especially critical considering today’s uncertain environment. We are confident that the IOC fully understands that our bid has the strong backing of Japan’s political leadership”.

Yukio Hatoyama, leader of the Democratic Party that won by a 3-1 margin, says his government also wants to bring the Games to Japan.

“I want to see Tokyo get the 2016 Olympics, after London, and we shall make it a Games of sports, peace and the environment.

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