My name is Kazuya Kasahara, and I succeeded the founder, Mr. Toshio Asami, to become the second director-general of the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences (JISS).
JISS is going into its fifth year of operation this year, and as our program of activities for the previous year has come to an end, we are embarking on a new year and a new start.
This year is also the year in which we take the first steps towards the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. We are aware that an important period lies ahead in which the very purpose of our existence will be challenged, starting with the results of the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin.
The splendid performance of the Japanese athletes last year at the 2004 Athens Olympics created an excitement and enthusiasm among many Japanese for the first time in living memory. It goes without saying that these splendid achievements were the result of the unfailing dedication of the athletes and officials, with the main reasons for this success being the vigorous programs conducted by the various sporting organizations and the winning attitude of the athletes. However, it has also been acknowledged by many - most notably by those who were directly involved - that the establishment of JISS played a major role, too.
JISS has been given the mission of raising Japan's level of international competitiveness through the provision of scientific, medical, and information support, but we are a young organization that has much room to grow yet. However, we take pride in the fact that the establishment of our base of activities has united Japanese athletes under the banner of "Team Japan."
As we embark on a new year and a new start in the lead-up to the Turin and Beijing Olympics, the challenge has already begun for our athletes. We at JISS will give our wholehearted support to the athletes in their training and will help them achieve even better results by providing them with scientific, medical, and information support in full collaboration with the Japanese Olympic Committee and the relevant sporting organizations.
As I assume my duties as director-general of JISS, I know there is a tough job ahead, but I am firmly resolved to achieving our mission. I would also like to humbly and sincerely request your continued guidance, advice, and cooperation which you have generously provided us so far.
|
|
Kazuya Kasahara
Director General
Japan Institute of Sports Sciences
National Agency for the Advancement of Sports and Health |
