Ex-LDP Executive Tanigaki to join Tokyo government team on paralympics

May 29, 2019

Tokyo--Former Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Sadakazu Tanigaki was appointed Wednesday as honorary adviser to a Tokyo metropolitan government team for the success of the 2020 Tokyo Paralympic Games.

"We want your advice so the Paralympics can succeed and people with disabilities can lead comfortable lives," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said as she handed Tanigaki a letter of appointment at the metropolitan government office.

The team is also aimed at promoting barrier-free access in the Japanese capital. Tanigaki retired from politics after a major cycling accident. He uses a wheelchair.

"Although I am not in perfect shape, I will try my best," Tanigaki responded.

As a member of the team, Tanigaki will join discussions on improving barrier-free access ahead of the summer games.

The appointment of Tanigaki may reinforce speculation that Koike hopes to mend fences with the LDP ahead of the Tokyo gubernatorial election in summer 2020.

The speculation emerged after her dinner with current LDP Secretary-General Toshihiro Nikai on Tuesday night.

Koike, a former party member, ran against an LDP-backed candidate to win the governor's seat in 2016. Jiji Press