Former Olympic swimming champion Daichi Suzuki believes the launch of Japan's new sports agency can help lift the gloom surrounding Tokyo's preparations for the 2020 Olympics.
The government on Thursday established a national sports agency to coordinate administration ahead of the 2020 Games, naming 1988 Seoul Olympic 100-meter backstroke gold medalist Suzuki as its head.
The body will be charged with a range of duties, including looking after the general health of the population, improving the nation's sporting success and sending coaches overseas to gain expertise.