The government is pushing a plan to establish a Sports Agency in preparation for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics to be hosted by Tokyo. It is understandable that the government is eager to help nurture athletes with the potential for remarkable achievements in the Olympics and Paralympics. But it should not forget the importance of strengthening the foundation of sports overall across the country and of improving the health of the general population.
When Tokyo was granted the right to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the education ministry announced a goal of winning 70 to 80 Olympic medals including 25 to 30 gold medals. This is an extremely ambitious goal given that Japan won 38 medals in the 2012 London Olympics, including seven gold medals. The government should refrain from gauging the success of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics in terms of the number of medals Japanese athletes win. They should remember that sports have the power to move people irrespective of who wins.
There are signs that the education ministry may provide more support to athletes for competition in which Japan has a higher chance of winning medals. Because such a policy could weaken the overall foundation of sports in Japan, it should be avoided. The government should not forget the Japanese public's immense interest in the London Games despite Japan's seven gold medals.