Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide and IOC President Thomas Bach spoke by phone for about 15 minutes on Wednesday. The talks were their first since Suga took office as prime minister last week.

Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Hashimoto Seiko also took part in the talks. She said Bach congratulated Suga on assuming the post.

Hashimoto said they had a very warm and positive conversation. She added that they agreed to do all they can to address the coronavirus issue and to hold successful games next year.

The 2020 Tokyo Games were postponed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.