Beginning in April 1996, Kobayashi held monthly press conferences to update the public on progress towards the games.[a 2] During the 107th IOC Session on February 2, 1998, Kobayashi acted as master of ceremonies.[a 3]
In the lead-up to the 1998 games, among other duties, Kobayashi represented the NAOC on the Olympic Technology Working Group, which met to resolve contract issues between the NAOC and IBM.[a 4] In his role as director general of the games, Kobayashi also served as chief of operations.[b 1]