Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike promised a Paralympic Games "brimming with hope" as the countdown for the event reached the one-year-to-go mark.
Following postponement due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Paralympics are now scheduled to take place in the Japanese capital from August 24th to September 5th in 2021.
It is still uncertain whether the Games will take place next year, given the global health crisis, but Koike claimed the competition could be a "symbol of humankind."
"The Para-athletes, who have overcome a range of difficulties, are truly looking forward to demonstrating the incredible skills they acquired through extensive training for the Games," she said.
"The people of the world are also waiting to witness the Paralympic Games.
"In order to respond to everyone’s hopes, we will first devote all of our efforts to winning the fight against an invisible enemy - the novel coronavirus.
"We will work closely with all parties concerned and advance preparations to hold a successful Games brimming with hope, which will serve as a symbol of humankind bonding even more strongly as the world came together as one to overcome this difficult situation."
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government began celebrations marking one year to go earlier this week.
Six buildings in the city are set to be lit up in the Paralympic colors of red, blue and green to support athletes preparing for the Games today, while posters of each Paralympic sport drawn by popular manga artists will be displayed at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government No. 1 Building.
Coronavirus countermeasures are viewed as key to the Games taking place next year following their postponement.
Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori today assured that organizers were still working on such countermeasures.
"I am convinced that one year from today, the performances of Para-athletes from around the globe will have special value as a symbol of solidarity, and a demonstration of human strength and the power to persevere," Mori said.
"Furthermore, we have made steady progress in ensuring that Games venues will be accessible to all.
"I believe that as numerous athletes, spectators, and officials experience such an environment firsthand it will serve as an important step forward in building an inclusive society.
"We will continue to work closely with the national government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and other related organizations in all aspects of preparations, including COVID-19 countermeasures, as we work to deliver a safe and secure Games."
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