Fukushima Offers to Host Some Events for 2020 Tokyo Olympics: Reports

Masao Uchibori, Fukushima Governor has put forward a proposal to the Tokyo authorities to showcase the region's recovery from the 2011 nuclear disaster by hosting some of the preliminary events for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games.

MOSCOW, December 16 (Sputnik) — Fukushima Governor Masao Uchibori has put forward a proposal to the Tokyo authorities to showcase the region's recovery from the 2011 nuclear disaster by hosting some of the preliminary events for the 2020 Summer Olympic Games, Kyodo News reported Tuesday.

"We need to set a goal so that we can show how much Fukushima has recovered [from the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster]," Uchibori told reporters after meeting with Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe, as quoted by Kyodo News.

Uchibori stated that the preliminary events would be held in the region's existing facilities. However, he did not specify the exact events discussed.

In March 2011, Japan was hit by a 9.0 earthquake and a subsequent tsunami, claiming more than 15,000 lives and causing a number of explosions at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The complete recovery of the region from the disaster's consequences is expected to take up to 40 years.

Tokyo was chosen to host the 2020 Summer Olympics at the 125th session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in September 2013. The games are to be held from July 24 to August 9, 2020, and the Paralympic Games — from August 25 to September 6.