TOKYO, Japan–The opening and closing ceremonies at Tokyo’s 2020 Olympics Games will showcase Japan’s ancient and modern sides, the traditional theatre actor newly appointed to direct the events said Tuesday.

The appointment of Mansai Nomura, who performs in Japan’s centuries-old classical theatre and is well known domestically, may suggest the importance that the country’s traditional arts will play in the ceremonies.

“I will do my utmost to produce Olympic and Paralympic ceremonies that are simple but rich in Japanese spirit,” Nomura told reporters.

“I want to show our palette holds paints of many colors,” he said, pledging to “cover the entire range, from high art to entertainment.”