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OCA to Endorse Tokyo 2020

Expect OCA to support the candidacy of Tokyo for the 2020 Olympics.

“As NOCs, we are following the presentations of Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid,” Ahmad explained.

“We hope for the success of three cities, but as a principle, Asian members support the Asian candidate as always. Asia always supports their interests ... we will work for Tokyo. Asian matter will follow Asian interests, and this organization will never change.”

It's unclear how that support will take shape. The most likely scenario is at the next OCA General Assembly taking place in Manila next year, where a resolution could be introduced endorsing the bid city.

...

ATR

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Japan Airlines enlists as seventh official Tokyo 2020 bid partner

TOKYO: Tokyo 2020 today announced Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (JAL) as its latest Bid Partner. JAL is the seventh partner to join the bid. Tokyo 2020 bid leaders remarked that the growth of the corporate partnership programme reflects the momentum of Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and that corporate involvement will help the Tokyo deliver on its promise to deliver a dynamic celebration in the heart of the world’s most forward-thinking, safe and well-organised city.

JAL Representative Director and President, Yoshiharu Ueki, said: “JAL is pleased to announce its enlistment as a Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Sponsor. The JAL group will utilise both its domestic and international networks to the fullest in various areas, such as specially painted aircrafts, airline magazines and airline videos, in order to realise the goal of hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.”

Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 CEO and Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) Vice President, said: “With less than a year to go until the Host City election, I am pleased to introduce JAL, one of the most globally recognised airline companies, as the seventh official Tokyo 2020 Bid Partner. JAL has enthusiastically agreed to help promote our campaign on behalf of this marvellous city. We are grateful for JAL’s support, and I look forward to working closely with them and other forthcoming partners.”

Since Nagano 1998 Winter Olympic Games JAL has been the official airline partner of JOC and JAL has supported Japan’s national team members who take part in international sporting events. The airline also provided vital support for Japan’s national teams surrounding the London 2012 Games.

As one of the world’s leading airlines, JAL, alongside previously announced Tokyo 2020 sponsors, will play a vital role over the next 10 months. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will hold the final vote for the host of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the 125th IOC Session on 7 September 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partner Programme

The Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partner Programme welcomes the support of corporations that embrace the values of the Olympic Movement and the desire to create a long-term legacy for the city of Tokyo, Japan and the international sport community. All supporting companies receive permission to use the Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partner logo.

Tokyo 2020’s Official Bid Partners:

- All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (Airline company)

- ASICS Corporation (Manufacture and sales of sports goods)

- DESCENTE LTD. (Manufacture and sales of sportswear and related articles)

- Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Airline company)

- JTB Corp. (Travel agency)

- Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. (Travel Business)

- Mizuno Corporation. (Manufacturer and sales of sports goods)

http://keirradnedge....020-bid-partner

JAL+Tokyo+2020.png

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Tokyo 2020 sizing up London 2012 and looking for comparibles

Tokyo2020Emblem.jpg

Sports Features Communications

November 16 – A high level delegation from the Tokyo 2020 bid is also attending the London 2012 debrief in Rio November 17-21 as many of the pointers from last summer’s successful Olympics will be brought to light.

The focus of the fact finding mission will be to find the parallels between the two cities that will enhance the Tokyo bid plan they will consign to the IOC on January 7th.

The Tokyo team will be led by ceo and Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) Vice President, Masato Mizuno, together with Tokuaki Suzuki, Tokyo 2020 Deputy Director General of International Relations and Communications, Itaru Fukuda, Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Senior Director for Venues Planning, Akiko Nagano, TMG Deputy Director of Planning Division, Kenji Manaka, TMG Senior Staff Member of Planning Division, and Koji Nakamura, as well as TMG Staff Member for Venues Planning.

"We know based on what we saw first-hand in London this Summer that when a world-class capital city hosts an event such as the Olympic Games, infrastructure that is already in place is tried and tested,” said ceo Mizuno. “In addition, of course, new buildings and temporary venues must be ready on-time and on-budget. Thousands of volunteers must be in place to help make the Games, and spectator engagement must be primed.

“Most would agree that the London Games were outstanding. Just as London was ready nearly seven years ago, Tokyo is ready to deliver a spectacular celebration in the heart of one of the world's most dynamic cities."

The debrief will target three main areas: Vision development & implementation; Product and experience; and Delivering the Games.

Mizuno added, "We are delighted to attend the IOC Debriefing of the London 2012 Games, and appreciate the invitation from the IOC. Having the chance to meet face-to-face with the LOCOG members will enable us to grasp exactly what is expected from the Host City, and we intend to demonstrate what sets Tokyo 2020 apart.

“The Olympic Family's insights will be invaluable as we finalise our Candidature File, and we anticipate that many of our concepts will be validated based on the information shared in Rio."

Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid are all three bidding for the chance to host the 2020 summer Olympics. The IOC will convene in Buenos Aires in September to choose their final winner.

sportsfeatures

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ALSOK Enlists as Eighth Official Tokyo 2020 Bid Partner

11/19/2012

Tokyo, 19 November 2012 - Tokyo 2020, Japan’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, today announced ALSOK (officially SOHGO Security Services Co., Ltd.), one of Japan’s largest security services group, as its eighth and latest Bid Partner. ALSOK will collaborate with the Bid Committee to bring Olympism to the heart of the world’s most dynamic and safe urban environment.

ALSOK already enjoys partnerships in the sporting word, including sponsorship of the following Japanese Olympic stars: Saori Yoshida, three-time consecutive Olympic 55-kilogram freestyle wrestling division gold medallist; Kaori Icho, three-time consecutive Olympic 63-kilogram freestyle wrestling division gold medallist; and Riki Nakaya, London 2012 Games Judo 73-kilogram division silver medallist.

...

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, said: “I am pleased to introduce ALSOK, Japan’s leading security company, for agreeing to help promote Tokyo 2020’s campaign. ALSOK’s dedication to sport is a testament of their long and rich history in supporting athletes and also the common attribute among all our bid partners.”

ALSOK, alongside previously announced Tokyo 2020 sponsors, will play an active role in Tokyo 2020’s campaign over the next 10 months. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will hold the final vote for the host of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games at the 125th IOC Session on 7 September 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

...

http://www.japanport...sorship_ENG.pdf

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Olympic, Paralympic medalists parade through disaster-struck city in show of thanks

SENDAI -- Olympic and Paralympic medalists paraded through the streets here on Dec. 2 to express their gratitude for the support of local residents, who were hit hard by the March 11, 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.

Around 48,000 people in Sendai cheered on as 42 medalists, including wrestler Saori Yoshida, who won gold in the London Olympics, and swimmer Rina Kiyama, who won gold in the London Paralympics, paraded by Sendai Station.

Unlike the parade that took place in Tokyo's Ginza district in August -- where medalists drove by in buses -- athletes spoke directly with the fans who gathered, letting them pose for photos with their medals. Among the many Olympians who expressed their thanks for fans' support and hopes for the recovery of disaster areas was hammer thrower Koji Murofushi, who walked in the procession carrying a banner that had been sent to him from students at Kadowaki Junior High School in the Miyagi Prefecture city of Ishinomaki.

Earlier in the day, medalists split up in groups to visit temporary housing facilities in the hard hit prefectures of Fukushima, Miyagi and Iwate. They were also scheduled to visit elementary schools in the area on Dec. 3.

001.jpg

Olympic hammer thrower Koji Murofushi poses with a young fan at a parade of Olympic and Paralympic medalists in Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, on Dec. 2. (Mainichi)

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/newsselect/news/20121203p2a00m0na009000c.html

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Tokyo 2020 Celebrates a Great 2012 for World Class Sporting Events

Tokyo, 17 December 2012 - As 2012 draws to a close, Tokyo 2020 today looked back on a year which saw the city's status as a leader in world class sports organisation reaffirmed through hosting many of the world's finest athletes and passionate sports fans in which the city hosted a total of 21 International Federation sanctioned sporting events. The FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2012 was the latest opportunity to showcase its organisational expertise, technical excellence, unparalleled safety, first-rate public transportation and passion for international sport.

The wide range of sporting events hosted in the heart of Japan's capital city throughout 2012 have provided opportunities to showcase Japan's enthusiasm for sport and renowned tradition of hospitality as it welcomed visitors from across the world. Large and lively crowds filled stadiums nationwide, vividly demonstrating the country's appetite for sporting events. The smooth organisation of these international events reaffirms Tokyo's organisational skills - an asset that Tokyo 2020 is leveraging in its Bid plan for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC Member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, said: "Tokyo is regularly chosen to host major international competitions, and this year, Tokyo has consistently provided athletes, sports enthusiasts and officials with the highest standards of international event organisation. Given the global audience these competitions demand, including the most recent FIFA Club World Cup, top-class facilities and organisation is key in running a smooth operation. Our city, demonstrating its world-class credentials in these areas, will take this opportunity to showcase our bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020."

International Stadium Yokohama, Japan's largest stadium with room for 72,327 fans and within easy reach of Tokyo, will host Olympic football if Tokyo receives the honour to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

This year's tournament, took place from 6-16 December at Toyota Stadium in Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture and International Stadium Yokohama, gathered seven teams - Al Ahly SC (Egypt), Auckland City FC (New Zealand), Chelsea FC (England), Corinthians (Brazil), CF Monterrey (Mexico), Sanfrecce Hiroshima (Japan) and Ulsan Hyundai (South Korea). Corinthians was crowned club champions of the world yesterday.

Note to editors

List of International Federation sanctioned sporting events in the Greater Tokyo area shown below:

- Asian Water Polo Championship 2012 (1/24-27)

- Tokyo Marathon (2/26)

- HSBC Sevens World Series Rugby (3/31-4/1)

- ISU World Team Trophy (Ice Skating) (4/18-22)

- IAAF SEIKO Golden Grand Prix Kawasaki (5/6)

- FIVB Women's World Olympic Qualification Tournament (5/19-27)

- FILA Senior Female Wrestling World Cup (5/26-5/27)

- FIVB Men's World Olympic Qualification Tournament (6/01-10)

- FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup Japan 2012 (8/19-9/08)

- 34th IWWF Cablewakeboard World Cup Series in Tokyo (9/01-02)

- 4th FIBA Asia Cup (9/14-22)

- Yonex Open Japan 2012 (Badminton) (9/18-23)

- 2012 FITA Archery World Cup Final (9/22-23)

- Toray Pan Pacific Open Tennis Tournament (9/23-29)

- IIHF (Ice hockey) Semi-Annual and 135th General Congress (9/25-30)

- AEON Cup 2012 Worldwide Rhythmic Gymnastics Club Championships (9/28-9/30)

- 2012 ITU World Triathlon Yokohama(9/29-9/30)

- ATP Rakuten Japan Open Tennis (9/30-10/6)

- FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup 2012 (11/6-7)

- IJF Grand Slam Tokyo (11/30-12/02)

- 2012 FIFA Club World Cup (12/06-16)

http://www.sportsfeatures.com/presspoint/pressrelease/53502/tokyo-2020-celebrates-a-great-2012-for-world-class-sporting-events

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Tokyo 2020 bid receives backing from all Olympic and Paralympic International Federations

Wednesday, 19 December 2012

By Tom Degun


Tokyo_2020_logo-130x98.jpg

December 19 - The Tokyo bid for the 2020 Games has received a major boost after it was today confirmed that all 28 Olympic and all 16 Paralympic Summer Sport International Federations currently scheduled to compete at the event have accepted the Japanese capital's sports venue plans.


Since being shortlisted as a Candidate City for the 2020 event by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) earlier this year, the Tokyo bid team has worked to develop a dialogue with the International Federations to improve the bid and the Candidature File that will be submitted early next year on January 7.

Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President and Tokyo 2020 bid leader Tsunekazu Takeda said that the full backing of the International Federations gives them huge momentum heading into next year.

"I would like to personally thank all International Federations for their cooperation," said Takeda, who is also an IOC member.

"Our plan is the result of Tokyo 2020's will to place the needs of sport and athletes firmly in the centre of the Games.

"The approvals from all International Federations for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games prove Tokyo's outstanding capacity."

Tsunekazu_Takeda-550x365.jpg
Tsunekazu Takeda says the full backing of the International Federations is a huge boost for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic bid


Tokyo is currently bidding against Istanbul in Turkey and Madrid in Spain for the right to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.

The IOC will select the host city on September 7 next year at the 125th IOC Session in Buenos Aires, and Tokyo 2020 bid sports director Yuko Arakida feels his team is in a strong position following the approval of the International Federations.

"From an early stage, Tokyo 2020 has sought guidance from the International Federations to ensure that the needs of every sport were met," said Arakida.

"The close working relationships between the International Federations, the National Federations and our bid team have enabled a smooth and quick process.

"We're very grateful to the International Federations for their participation leading to these sign offs, and are pleased to have developed an athlete-focused plan that suits their needs and we are sure that Tokyo will provide excellent exposure for all sports."

http://www.insidethegames.biz/olympics/summer-olympics/2020/1012167-tokyo-2020-bid-receives-backing-from-all-26-olympic-and-paralympic-international-federations

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17:10 21 December

Olympics: Women's soccer star Sawa to submit Tokyo's 2020 file to IOC

TOKYO, Dec. 21, Kyodo

Reigning FIFA Women's World Player of the Year Homare Sawa will present Tokyo's candidature file for the 2020 Olympics to the International Olympic Committee next month, the Tokyo bid committee announced Friday.

Sawa, who helped Japan win its first medal in women's soccer at this summer's London Olympics, will submit the file on Jan. 7 to the IOC at its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The file will detail Tokyo's plan to host the 2020 Games, which would be the city's second Summer Olympics after 1964. Tokyo is bidding against Madrid and Istanbul, two cities that have never hosted the Olympics.

The IOC Evaluation Commission will inspect the three cities in March before compiling a final report on the candidates. The winner will be decided next Sept. 7 at the IOC Session in Buenos Aires.

http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2012/12/200773.html?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

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Yahoo! and Gree partner Tokyo 2020 bid

21 December 2012 | By Ian McPherson

Internet portal Yahoo! and mobile social gaming company Gree have become official partners of Tokyo’s bid to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Japanese companies join sports brands Asics, Mizuno, Descente, travel companies JTB and Kinki Nippon Tourist, security firm ALSOK, Kintentsu International, All Nippon Airways and Japan Airlines as official bid partners.

According to an official press release, Yahoo! and Gree will promote the bid through ‘a dedicated online portal that will be jointly managed by Yahoo! Japan and Gree, and displayed in media advertisements, subway stations and other communication channels.’

Yahoo! Japan president and chief executive Manabu Miyasaka said: “Yahoo! Japan will fully support the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic bid as problem solving engine. Under our slogan ‘What can the internet do for Japan,’ we look forward to continue providing a unique service that enables people to share and express their passion for the Olympics and Paralympics.

“By leveraging the internet’s unique interactive capabilities, we intend to unite people’s passion for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Yahoo! Japan is committed to creating an exciting and engaging communication environment for all sports fans,” Miyasaka continued.

Gree founder and chief executive Yoshikazu Tanaka added: “Hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo would bring a major boost to Japan’s economy and industry, but not only that, it would give people in Japan a new dream and a renewed sense of optimism, and provide an arena for showcasing Japan’s cultural and technological strengths to the world.

At Gree we are firm believers in the values guiding the Olympic movement, which reaches beyond borders and cultural differences to bring people around the world together in peace. We’re excited to be working with the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee and Yahoo! Japan to bring the Games to Tokyo and play our part in making this vision a reality.”

Tsunekazu Takeda, International Olympic Committee (IOC) member and president of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, commented: “I am delighted to introduce Yahoo! Japan and Gree, two of Japan’s information technology giants. Their enlistment as official bid partners underscores the Japanese business community’s strong desire to contribute its know how, technologies and creativity toward a fantastic Tokyo 2020. I look forward to working closely with our current and future partners who share our enthusiasm for hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.”

http://www.sportspromedia.com/news/yahoo_and_gree_partner_tokyo_2020_bid

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Yomiuri Enlisted as Tokyo 2020's 11th Official Bid Partner

12/26/2012
Tokyo 2020 today welcomed Yomiuri Shimbun, the world's most widely circulated newspaper with a subscription base of some 10 million, as its eleventh and latest Official Bid Partner. Yomiuri Shimbun will collaborate closely with the Bid Committee to further enhance public support through strategic communication campaigns aimed at reaching a wide and diverse audience throughout Japan.

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC Member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, said: "I am delighted to welcome Yomiuri Shimbun, one of Japan's most influential and recognised newspapers, to our Tokyo 2020 family. The company has also been a long-time supporter of JOC as well. The level of corporate support for Tokyo 2020 has been very encouraging and demonstrates the high level of passion our nation has for sport. We work closely with the Official Bid Partners based on our mutual enthusiasm for hosting the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

Yomiuri Shimbun will work alongside other Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partners to support the Tokyo 2020 campaign over the next nine months. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) will select the host of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games by vote during the 125th IOC Session on 7 September 2013 in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partners
The Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partner Programme enables corporations to express their support for the Olympic Movement and wish to create a long-term legacy for the city of Tokyo, the nation of Japan and the international sport community. Participating companies may use the Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partner logo in their communication programs.

The list of current Tokyo 2020 Official Bid Partners is as follows:
- ASICS Corporation (manufacture and sales of sports goods)
- DESCENTE LTD. (manufacture and sales of sportswear and related articles)
- JTB Corp. (travel support services)
- Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd. (travel support services)
- Mizuno Corporation. (manufacture and sales of sports goods)
- All Nippon Airways Co., Ltd. (airline)
- Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (airline)
- ALSOK / SOHGO Security Services Co., Ltd. (security services)
- Yahoo! JAPAN (internet search engine)
- GREE (social gaming platform)
- Yomiuri Shimbun (Newspaper)

For more information contact: Masa Takaya - Communications Manager, Japanese Olympic Committee Acting Communications Director, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Phone: +81 3 6279 0049 Mobile: +81 80 1355 9110 Email: m-takaya@joc.or.jp

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Olympics: Winning 2020 Games crucial for Japan's sports: JOC chief

TOKYO, Dec. 27, Kyodo

The chairman of the Japan Olympic Committee said Thursday that winning the right to host the 2020 Games would have a huge effect on sports in Japan.

"Success or failure in this will have a huge impact on the sports world (in Japan)," Japanese Olympic Committee chairman Tsunekazu Takeda said. "We want to exert ourselves to win the right to host the Games."

"If you only have a plan, it doesn't matter how good it is, because you aren't going to win. It is imperative that you are able to send a message to the world."

Tokyo is vying with Madrid and Istanbul to host the 2020 Games.

Tokyo's bid committee will present its candidature file to the International Olympic Committee in Switzerland on Jan. 7. Among those presenting the file will be soccer player Homare Sawa, who captained Japan to victory in the 2011 Women's World Cup and won a silver medal at the London Olympics. She will be joined by Masato Mizuno, the CEO of the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee.

"We want to give our best efforts when we have a chance to have direct contact with overseas IOC members," Takeda said.

Each city's candidature file lays out the detailed plans of its bid. These will then be reviewed by the IOC's 2020 Evaluation Commission before the commission visits each city in March. The commission is scheduled to visit Tokyo from March 4 to 7.

The final decision on which city will host the 2020 Games will be made on Sept. 7 in Buenos Aires.

==Kyodo

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December 28, 2012
New Minister reaffirms rock-steady backing for Tokyo 2020


TOKYO: A delegation of senior members of the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee yesterday visited the newly appointed Hakubun Shimomura, Japan’s Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, who expressed the Japanese government’s continued unequivocal support for the bid.

Minister Shimomura informed the Tokyo 2020 bid leaders that the realisation of the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and the advancement of sports in Japan through the creation of an Agency for Sports, are crucially important matters to the national government.
Shimomura said: “I was elected in Tokyo, so this bid means very much to me. I plan on attending the Candidature File submission press conference in Tokyo to reiterate the unequivocal support our newly formed national government will continue to provide the bid.”


Tokyo 2020′s delegation was led by Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC Member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, and Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 CEO and Japanese Olympic Committee Vice President.

The Japanese parliament’s House of Representatives and the House of Councillors both passed resolutions expressing their full cooperation and support for Tokyo 2020 last December.
The bid committee responded by inaugurating the Tokyo 2020 Council, a senior advisory board consisting of 64 members from government, including the Prime Minister, who serves as Supreme Advisor, and leading figures from Japan’s business and sporting communities.


#
More info:
Masa Takaya – Communications Manager, Japanese Olympic Committee Acting Communications Director, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Phone: +81 3 6279 0049 Mobile: +81 80 1355 9110 Email: m-takaya@joc.or.jp


Nao Miyawaki – Head of International Communications, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Email: nao.miyawaki@tokyo2020.jp

Hiromi Sato – Manager, International Communications, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Email: hiromi.sato@tokyo2020.jp

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d.gif

Tokyo to step up campaign for Olympic bid

Shinji Hijikata and Yuji Kondo / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writers

The start of 2013 will signify the beginning of a fierce competition between Tokyo and its two rivals Madrid and Istanbul to host the 2020 Summer Olympics.

In early January, the three cities will be allowed to start international public relations campaigns after submitting their master plans for hosting the Games to the International Olympic Committee.

Tokyo hopes to overcome its defeat in bidding for the 2016 Games by stepping up efforts to raise the rate of public support for the bid at home and by boosting promotion activities abroad.

According to a survey by the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee from late November to December, 66 percent of the public expressed their support for Tokyo's bid for the Games. The bid committee consists of officials from the Japan Olympic Committee and the Tokyo metropolitan government.

Perhaps partly due to the London Olympics, in which Japanese athletes won a record number of medals, the figure was above the 47 percent support rate reported in an IOC survey released in May.

Still, bid committee members are not completely satisfied.

"I think the figure should be a little higher," said newly elected Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose on Dec. 21, shortly after taking office. He then announced his goal of raising the figure above 70 percent.

Some observers are worried because a low support rate would likely be a major hurdle for Tokyo being chosen.

The bid committee is touting its plan of "ultimately compact Games," in which the main competition venues would be concentrated within an eight-kilometer radius from the athletes' village. The plan has met with praise from the IOC, but the low rate of public support is apparently a primary concern.

As of May, the bid approval ratings in Tokyo's two rival cities already topped 70 percent. The support rate for Madrid's bid was 80 percent in the latest survey.

The lack of sufficient support for Tokyo's bid can be partly attributed to the Japanese national character, with its tendency to avoid strong declarations, according to a source close to the Tokyo bid committee.

But time is running out to win over the public, as the IOC is expected to conduct another survey on public sentiment sometime in January or February.

===

3 trillion yen economic effect

Promotional campaigns to boost the approval rating would come at a high cost.

The Tokyo metropolitan government's failure to win its bid to host the 2016 Games despite a massive amount of public spending resulted in serious criticism. This has led the 2020 bid committee to halve the promotional budget to 7.5 billion yen.

The bid committee decided to focus primarily on women in its domestic campaign activities.

The IOC survey on public support is expected to be conducted via telephone and the Internet. As for telephone-based inquiries, housewives would likely be the main respondents.

To appeal to women, who may have little interest in sports, the bid committee has begun spotlighting Olympic medalists in its promotion campaigns in addition to the popular idol group AKB48 and pop dance group EXILE.

Inose is also making fervent efforts to win support for Tokyo's bid, having appeared live on a daytime TV variety show Tuesday.

"If you're selected to answer questions from the IOC, please tell them, 'We're ready to host [the 2020 Olympics],'" Inose said.

If Tokyo hosts the 2020 Games, an economic effect of about 3 trillion yen is projected for the country.

The bid committee aims to enhance public support by promoting the Games as the "Reconstruction Olympics." It plans to host the soccer qualifying rounds and the torch relay, as well as Olympic trials for Japanese athletes, in areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake.

===

Appeal to foreign media

The three bidding cities are required to submit their respective master plans to the IOC by Jan. 7. Beginning the next day, they will be allowed to conduct international campaign activities.

At that time, the bid committee will shift its focus from domestic to overseas targets.

Following successful bidding examples in the past, the Tokyo committee plans to make strong appeals to foreign media.

In its bid for the 2016 Games, the committee failed to hold a press conference for foreign media after submitting its master plan. Tokyo eventually was defeated by Rio de Janeiro, which held a press conference in London.

Based on such lessons, Inose and other executives of the bid committee will hold a press conference in London on Jan. 10.

Overseas campaign activities will likely require the cooperation of famous persons who are widely recognized abroad.

"We'd like to request the cooperation of stars who have strong international appeal," said Masato Mizuno, vice president of the Tokyo bid committee.

(Dec. 31, 2012)
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14:17 6 January

Olympics: Sawa, Tokyo 2020 envoys depart for Switzerland

TOKYO, Jan. 6, Kyodo

Envoys for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games bid committee left Japan on Sunday for Lausanne, Switzerland, where they will present the International Olympic Committee with Tokyo's candidature file on Monday.

Among those making the presentation will be bid committee CEO Masato Mizuno, silver medal-winning women's soccer player Homare Sawa and Paralympic swimmer Takayuki Suzuki. Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul are the three cities competing to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. Each city's candidature file represents its master plan for organizing the Olympic Games.

"I want to feel that deeply moving spirit from the London Games once again in Tokyo," Sawa said. "I want to do all I can."

Mizuno said, "It's a superb, compact plan that utilizes civic energy and operational know-how to produce an Olympic Games the world will marvel at."

When Tokyo bid for the 2016 Games, its candidature file was held in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth wrapping, but the 2020 candidature file was simply enclosed in a box.

The final selection of the 2020 Games host city will be made at the 125th IOC session in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7.

==Kyodo

http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2013/01/202710.html

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When Tokyo bid for the 2016 Games, its candidature file was held in a traditional Japanese furoshiki cloth wrapping, but the 2020 candidature file was simply enclosed in a box.

Probably just as well. Would any IOC members even see the outside wrapping...

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