Accountability is responsibility to explain one's own decisions and actions. For this responsibility to be fulfilled, the "purpose" and "goals" of any decisions or actions concerned must be explained beforehand. In presenting goals, measurements for evaluating achievements against intended goals need to be clarified. Without conducting ex post verification and evaluation based on such preset measurements, it is theoretically impossible to prove the achievement of, or the degree of achievement in pursuit of intended goals. Unless such self-evaluation concerning the degree of achievement is conducted and explained, it cannot be said that accountability is fulfilled. That is to say that accountability can be fulfilled only when both, "ex ante explanation," and, "ex post verification and evaluation," are mutually present.
Turning to the world of sports in this regard, the notion of, "regional development through international sports events," is taken for granted to the extent that it has become a mere refrain, while the reality of such attempts remains undiscussed or clouded in ambiguity. However, it is possible for a local government to present a general idea as to, "what achievements in terms of regional development," can be expected as a result of hosting a certain sports event.
How to prioritize policy measures, which are presented by a local government in general terms, is not subject to any uniform criteria. Rather, it is a matter of strategy and must be selected by the people of each local community (strategy, as referred to here, is to discuss and determine, "what not to do"). As a minimum requirement, however, it must be spelled out beforehand for what purpose and with what expectation a particular event is to be held, and consensus regarding the purpose must be sought through debates. At the same time, goals should be set and evaluation measurements presented. Then, once the event is over, the degree to which the intended goals were achieved must be examined and evaluated. Without these procedures, accountability cannot be fulfilled.
