On June 11th, the Association of Iwate Prefecture and Iwate Mayors (Chair: Mayor of Morioka Hiroaki Tanifuji) visited with various national government organizations to urge their support of the reconstruction from the 2011 disaster and the realization of the ILC Project.

Governor of Iwate Takuya Tasso handed over a petition of 96 points in hopes of influencing the makeup of the national budget for the 2020 fiscal year. They also met with Hon. Shunichi Suzuki, Minister of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games (House of Representatives, Iwate 2nd district), and asked for his support in creating opportunities to show off the reconstruction through cultural exchange, and to develop sports in the regions outside of Tokyo.

Hon. Suzuki said, “The reconstruction is one of the concepts being used in the opening and closing ceremonies. Through this event, we hope to showcase the culture of Iwate and the Tohoku region.” Governor Tasso responded, “This is the second Olympics held in Tokyo, so I hope that the rural regions play a main role.”

At the Reconstruction Agency, Mayor of Morioka Hiroaki Tanifuji handed over the petition to government officer Hon. Hiroshi Ando, saying, “I hope you will work to secure the finances required to accomplish our reconstruction as quickly as possible.” Hon. Ando responded, “The challenges going forward are rebuilding the lives of survivors and supporting mental healthcare. I hope to fulfill your requests as closely as I can.”

On the same day, the Association of Tohoku Mayors (Chair: Mayor of Morioka Hiroaki Tanifuji) also visited with related government agencies to petition for the reconstruction and the ILC.