Japan’s new PM tells the IOC he fully supports the Tokyo 2016 bid

Following the footsteps of Juan Carlos and Obama, Japan’s new PM Yukio Hatoyama has sent a letter to the IOC expressing he fully supports the 2016 bid. The letter was obtained by The Associated Press and Hatoyama had written, “Japan has undergone a change of national government, however, I would like to offer you my fullest assurance that Japan’s commitment to the Olympic Movement and to Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games remains as strong as ever.” Former Prime Minister Taro Aso was Tokyo 2016’s most vocal and controversial backer.

Tokyo, which hosted the Olympics in 1964, is competing against Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro. The IOC will vote on the host city in Copenhagen on Oct. 2. It is yet to be confirmed whether Yukio Hatoyama will be attending the presentation in Denmark - but this just in. . . Oprah will be heading to Copenhagen with Michelle Obama to support 2016. . . now that’s a powerhouse right there!!

On a site note, the oddest supporter of the Tokyo 2016 bid is Boyz II Men - they even have a video message - apparently they have quite the connection to the Japanese city.