Tokyo, Japan has just edged out Madrid and Istanbul to become the host of the 2020 Olympic games. Although Tokyo was considered to be the frontrunner for the games, many had expressed concerns that lingering radiation from the Fukushima nuclear plant would scuttle its chances. Japan’s prime minister, Shinzo Abe, directly addressed those issues at length in his pitch to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). "Let me assure you the situation is under control. It has never done and will never do any damage to Tokyo," Abe said in response to IOC questions, "I make the statement to you in the most emphatic and unequivocal way." Japan recently adopted a plan to build a $320 million ice wall to limit the spread of radioactive water.

Along with allaying concerns about radiation, Japan generally pushed a pitch about safety in its bid. "You’re in safe pair of hands with Tokyo" was its final rallying cry. Japan will build new waterfront venues for the event at the site of the 1964 Olympics, which it hosted, and says it has $4.5 billion in reserve for the games.