Thomas Bach, the outgoing president of the International Olympic Committee, has visited Japan. He expressed his gratitude to the Japanese people for Tokyo hosting the Summer Games in 2021.



Bach attended a ceremony at the Imperial Palace on Friday to receive the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun for his efforts on the Tokyo Games and contributions to promoting sports and their development.



He then visited the office of the Japanese Olympic Committee. JOC Officials celebrated the honor.



In his speech, Bach referred to the Tokyo Games, which were held without spectators amid the COVID crisis.



He said the event took place under circumstances which no one could have expected. He also said it would not have been possible without support from the Japanese people.



Bach will end his two terms as IOC president for 12 years next month, to be succeeded by Kirsty Coventry from Zimbabwe, who will be the organization's first female chief.



Bach noted that he has worked to accomplish a mission to make the world a peaceful place, and that he and Coventry share the same values. He added that he expects his successor to lead the IOC in the right direction.