On January 8, 2015, the WKF President, Mr Antonio Espinós, visited Mr Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology (MEXT), and also Mr Yoichi Masuzoe, the Governor of Tokyo.

On January 8, 2015, the WKF President, Mr Antonio Espinós, visited Mr Hakubun Shimomura, Minister of Education, Culture, Sports Science and Technology (MEXT), and also Mr Yoichi Masuzoe, the Governor of Tokyo.

Minister Shimomura showed his favourable attitude, saying "JKF President Mr Sasagawa has been asking for our support for a long time. I have heard that Mr Toshihisa Nagura from Japan has been appointed as WKF General Secretary recently, and I am happy to support Karatedo as a minister of the host country of Tokyo 2020."

The Governor of Tokyo, Mr Masuzoe, evaluated highly the possibility of Karatedo as an Olympic sport, taking account of some large advantages of Karatedo, including the large number of karate ahtletes and fans, leading to many spectators, and that no expensive new facilities are needed.

President Espinós attended the press conference held that evening at the Japan National Press Club, and appealed for the inclusion of Karatedo into the Olympics, saying "We are ready and enthusiastic for organising the successful championships during Tokyo 2020."