JAPANTODAY

Japan is planning to create a new cabinet post to oversee the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the education minister said Tuesday.
 
The cabinet agreed to introduce legislation that would add a new minister in charge of preparations for the 2020 Summer Games, according to Hakubun Shimomura, the minister of education, culture, sports, science and technology. Under the bill, a new minister will be responsible for planning key issues related to the event, in areas including security, transportation and venues.
 
The Olympics currently fall under the responsibility of Shimomura’s ministry. With the Games less than six years away, there is a growing need to step up the coordination of the various ministries and agencies involved in the event, Shimomura said. “It is desirable to have a devoted minister,” he said.
 
If the Diet approves the bill, the cabinet would increase in size to 19 members from the current 18. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is expected to appoint a new member later this year.
 
The legislation also outlines a basic policy for managing and preparing for the Games, and envisions a government Olympics task force that would operate through 2020, according to Kyodo News agency.