Rio de Janeiro mayor Eduardo Paes took part in a press conference on Friday morning (19 August) with his Japanese counterpart, Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike, ahead of the Rio 2016 closing ceremony on Sunday.

The celebration at the Maracanã Stadium will include the traditional section where the next host city, Tokyo in this case, puts on a show before the Olympic flag is handed from Paes to Koike.

“I am sure that Toyko 2020, like Rio 2016, will be a great success,” said Ms Koike.

The governor said that respect for the environment and management of expenditure will be among the values of the Tokyo 2020 Games. “That is why I chose to wear a kimono today,” she explained. “It can be worn many times, as well as being a symbol of the respect and hospitality that we will extend to people who come to Japan.”

She also highlighted the importance of sustainability to Tokyo 2020, saying: “I want the Games in Japan to be a sustainable event,” and identified three pillars: limitation of greenhouse gas emissions, recycling, and reuse of resources.

(Photo: City of Rio de Janeiro)

Paes gave an assessment of the Rio 2016 Games, saying: “I am certain that bringing the Games to Rio was a good thing.

“The organising committee has done a great job,” he continued. Paes also called on the public to support the Paralympic Games, which get underway on 7 September.

“If the Olympic Games are about surpassing limitations, just imagine the Paralympics,” he said.

As regards the formal passing of the Olympic flag, in a symbolic gesture from one host city to the next, the governor revealed that she has been in training for the moment.