Tokyo 2020 Bid News

[gotosy]

First picture of one bid book released in Lausanne today... but can't see the book...

another pic

[world atlas]

7 Jan. 2013 - “Living legends” of sport hand deliver Tokyo 2020’s Candidature File to IOC Headquarters in Lausanne Japan’s plan promises inspiration, celebration

Tokyo 2020 today moved another step closer to its goal of delivering a dynamic celebration in the heart of Japan’s capital by submitting its complete Candidature File to the headquarters of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The Tokyo 2020 delegation was headlined by living football legend Olympian Homare Sawa and Paralympic champion in Swimming Takayuki Suzuki.

The Candidature File details Tokyo 2020’s unique plan for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and explains how the Games will help reinforce and renew the Olympic Values for a new generation.

The Tokyo 2020 delegation in Lausanne consisted of Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 CEO and Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) Vice President; Katsura Enyo, Senior Director for Planning of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Promotion Division, Bureau of Sports;

Yasuhiro Nakamori, Tokyo 2020 Executive Board Member. Additionally, two Tokyo 2020 Bid Ambassadors joined the delegation: Homare Sawa, the FIFA Women's World Player of the Year in 2011 and a key player on Japan’s silver-medal football team at London 2012;

and Takayuki Suzuki, three-time swimming Paralympian and London 2012 Games 50m backstroke bronze medallist. The delegation officially delivered the Candidature File to the IOC at 09h00 GMT on 7 January

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC Member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, said: “With tremendous support from people in Tokyo and across Japan, we have celebrated a memorable milestone today with the submission of our Candidature File.

Based on lessons from our bid for the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games, we have retained the best of that bid plan while adding important new strengths.

Now that our Candidature File is complete, Tokyo is one step closer to implementing an innovative and inspiring Games plan. The Games in 2020 in Tokyo will offer athletes, spectators and Olympic and Paralympic Family members a true once-in-a-lifetime experience.”

Tokyo 2020 will reveal highlights of its Candidature File at a press conference in Tokyo on 8 January, and a press conference in London on 10 January.

http://tokyo2020.jp/en/news/index.php?mode=page&id=518

[ktoles]

Tokyo has their bid book now up too and while it is far superior to that of Istanbul's it is still a bit disappointing to me and lacking a bit of detail that I like. I guess we were really spoiled with 2012 and 2016 Bid Books, it's just that when I don't see those very minute details I end up being disappointed, while there is some quality stuff there, it seems to me like they just coasted and copied a lot of what they had from 2016 (which was always going to be the case), but again, lack of images, and other details for me... I'm hoping Madrid to save the day but as it stands, I'm really disappointed with what I've seen so far. Waiting for Madrid to get theirs up...

[gotosy]

http://tokyo2020.jp/en/plan/candidature/index.html

[Turkiiish]

http://tokyo2020.jp/en/plan/candidature/index.html

[gotosy]

Abe appointed Supreme Advisor for Tokyo 2020 Olympic bid

TOKYO — A day after the Candidature File was submitted in Lausanne, the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee’s senior delegation on Tuesday visited Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who promised the Japanese government’s continued unequivocal support for the bid.

Abe, a former archer from his university days and current chairman of the All Japan Archery Federation, was named Tokyo 2020 Supreme Advisor.

Abe said: “It is extremely important for the national government to realize our goal of hosting the 2020 Games, and continue in our aspiration to further promote Japan as a sports nation. On a more personal level, my grandfather, Nobusuke Kishi, led the Tokyo 1964 bid to its first ever Games in Japan. I will need to coordinate with the Diet accordingly, but I am eager to participate in both the IOC evaluation commission visit in March, and the IOC’s selection of the host city in September at Buenos Aires.

Tokyo 2020’s delegation was led by Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC member and president of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020; Saori Yoshida, three-time Olympic 55-kilogram freestyle wrestling gold medallist; Wakako Tsuchida, five-time Paralympian and Athens Paralympic gold medallist in women’s 5000m; Takaharu Furukawa, London 2012 Games archery silver medallist in men’s individual event; and archers Ren Hayakawa, Miki Kanie, and Kaori Kawanaka, all members of the women’s bronze medal team.

The House of Representatives and the House of Councillors both passed resolutions expressing their full cooperation and support for Tokyo 2020 last month. 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.

http://www.japantoday.com/category/politics/view/abe-appointed-supreme-advisor-for-tokyo-2020-olympic-bid

[gotosy]

Tokyo 2020 Delivers Candidature File to IPC Headquarters in Bonn

Bonn, 8 January 2013 - Tokyo 2020 today submitted its Candidature File to the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), passing another crucial milestone in its goal to deliver a dynamic celebration in the heart of Japan's capital. The Candidature File details Tokyo 2020's unique plan for hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and its promise to embrace the Paralympic Values of courage, determination, inspiration and equality.

The Tokyo 2020 delegation in Bonn consisted of Masato Mizuno, Tokyo 2020 CEO and Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) Vice President; Yasuhiro Nakamori, Tokyo 2020 Executive Board Member; Katsura Enyo, Senior Director for Planning of Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Bid Promotion Division, Bureau of Sports; Takayuki Suzuki, three-time swimming Paralympian and London 2012 Games 50m backstroke bronze medallist.

Masato Mizuno said: "Tokyo views the Olympic and Paralympic Games as one mega celebration over a 60-day span. Tokyo is a frontrunner in the barrier-free movement, and I am absolutely confident that the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games plan will be an innovative one which will bring up the standard higher than ever before."

# # #

http://www.sportsfeatures.com/presspoint/pressrelease/53534/tokyo-2020-delivers-candidature-file-to-ipc-headquarters-in-bonn

[baron-pierreIV]

I want Tokyo to be the overwhelming frontrunner in this race!!

Edited January 10, 2013 by baron-pierreIV

[gotosy]

Olympic Games bid offensive launched by Tokyo 2020 team

The Tokyo 2020 delegation launched its campaign at the St Pancras hotel in London

Tokyo has promised a well-funded, well-organised and safe games, should it be awarded the Olympics for 2020.

The Japanese capital is in competition with Istanbul and Madrid, with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decision to be made this September.

A $4.5bn (£2.8bn) Tokyo government fund is in place ready for the vote result.

Tokyo hosted the 1964 games, but lost out to Rio for 2016. Looking at the previous bid, it says it aims to "keep the best and improve the rest".

A delegation was in London for the international launch of the Japanese city's campaign, having submitted its official candidature to the IOC in Lausanne on Monday.

They pointed out - under the bid slogan Discover Tomorrow - the advantages of the city's strong economy, low crime rate and extensive transport infrastructure.

A new 80,000-seat stadium is being built on the site of the 1964 stadium, and if the bid is successful, other new permanent and temporary venues will be constructed.

The new stadium will be given an advance run-out when Japan hosts the 2019 Rugby World Cup.

The Olympic Village would be built at Tokyo Bay and therefore situated within walking distance of the main venues, all of which would sit within an 8km (five-mile) radius.

There are also plans to "green" the city with more plants and trees.
'Shining example'

A recent general election in Japan saw former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe returned to power, but new sports minister Teru Fukui pledged in London that the new administration would "continue to give 2020 rock-solid backing".

Meanwhile, organisers dismissed fears around any long-lasting effects of the March 2011 Fukushima earthquake and tsunami and subsequent nuclear power plant leaks.

"The radiation levels are normal in Tokyo, they are the same as here in London," said Naoki Inose, governor of Tokyo,

He also pointed out that Tokyo was some 220km (136 miles) from the affected zone, in the north-east of the country

In the wake of the disaster, there were power shortages across the country, including Tokyo, but Mr Inose says new gas-powered power stations and underground energy storage facilities would be constructed before 2020.

Meanwhile, Tsunekazu Takeda, the bid committee's president, dismissed concerns that the Olympic community might not want another Games in east Asia, just two years after the Winter Olympics are held in Pyeongchang in neighbouring South Korea in 2018.

Mr Takeda pointed out that the 2012 Olympic Games were held in London and are being followed by a winter games in another European city, Sochi.

He also said that Tokyo, a city of some 13 million people, would "try to raise the bar" and look to follow London's example of leaving a legacy for both sport and the wider Japanese society.

"London 2012 was seen as a shining example of how to host, deliver and celebrate an Olympic Games. We learn from the success of London 2012 in the importance of stressing legacy at every stage of the bid."

BBC

[Rob2012]

http://youtu.be/6tvPubeNjmI

Edited January 10, 2013 by RobH

[ktoles]

I think Tokyo is a solid front-runner right now. They've got a ridiculously centralized compact bid, Good looking venues and should deliver a relatively good games, I don't really see a downside to the bid right now.

[baron-pierreIV]

I think Tokyo is a solid front-runner right now. They've got a ridiculously centralized compact bid, Good looking venues and should deliver a relatively good games, I don't really see a downside to the bid right now.

BORING ceremonies. A big, big minus in my book!!

[AK30]

The one thing I see a negative in Tokyo's otherwise very strong bid is the politics of the country. The country has seemed to have swung to the extreme right. There is an increase in military spending and I dont think Japan is having very good neighbourly relations at the moment. Japan obviously really wants this, and I dont know how much China would want them to have it..How powerful the Chinese lobby would be able swing votes in Asia or Afica..who knows...still i wouldnt think it would be good thing to be n bad terms with one of the world's economic super powers..

[FYI]

I've said this before, but considering the IOC's very limited options for 2020 are, I can't see them being persuaded too much by outside politics for particular candidates. They'll be more concerned in who's going to deliver the most reliable Games, in these tough times, & likely what cities could be interested in the 2024 Games.

And I don't see Japan's politics being anymore of a negative than Turkey's could be. Relatively speaking, of the 3 bids, Tokyo 2020 is the most likely political stable bid of the bunch, all things considered.

[paul]

China probably wants them to win so it gets them off the Asia rotation so the focus will be on the net China host when, whomever they decide to bid with.

[gotosy]

The Yomiuri Shimbun Editorial

Japan must unite behind Tokyo's Olympic bid

We strongly hope Tokyo will win the international battle to host the 2020 Summer Olympics so it can hold its second Games.

Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid, the three cities vying for the right to host the Olympic and Paralympic games in 2020, submitted their candidate files, which detail plans to organize the world's biggest sporting event, to the International Olympic Committee in Lausanne on Jan. 7.

The IOC has officially lifted the ban on international publicity activities for the candidate cities. The host city will be chosen at the IOC's general meeting in Buenos Aires on Sept. 7. The three cities will intensify their activities to win the support of IOC members with voting rights.

On Thursday, just three days after Tokyo submitted its candidate file, Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose held a press conference for the international media in London, which successfully held the Summer Olympics last year.

"The Tokyo Olympics will be a dynamic event held at the center of the safest and most advanced city in the world," Inose told the press.

===

Games will revitalize nation

According to estimates, a total of 7.8 million spectators from inside and outside Japan will visit Tokyo if it hosts the Olympics and the event's economic ripple effect for the country will be 3 trillion yen. The Olympics certainly will provide a spark for Japan to regain its vitality.

We expect not only the Tokyo metropolitan government but also the central government, Japan's national Olympic committee and others to work hard together to bring the Games to Tokyo.

For Tokyo, which hosted its first Olympics in 1964, this is the second straight bid for the Olympics after failing to win the 2016 Games.

Like the last bid, the highlight of Tokyo's organizing plan is a "compact Olympics," with most of the venues for major events within an eight-kilometer radius of the Olympic village. The National Stadium, the main venue, will be drastically renovated so it can accommodate 80,000 spectators.

Compared to the previous plan, some details of the 2020 plan have been improved, such as expansion of the Olympic village.

However, Istanbul, which aims to be the first Islamic country to host the Olympics, and Madrid, a major European city, are both strong rivals. Tokyo will not have an easy task to win the Games.

===

Advantages over rivals

But Tokyo's rivals have weak points, too. The development of urban infrastructure has been delayed in Istanbul, and Madrid has financial problems resulting from Spain's economic crisis.

Tokyo has strong advantages, including an advanced transportation network, a large number of accommodation facilities and financial stability, such as 400 billion yen in reserve funds. It is important for Tokyo to emphasize these advantages effectively.

According to the results of a survey, however, public support to host the Olympics is lower in Tokyo than in its two rivals.

Even so, 500,000 people gathered in Tokyo's Ginza district to cheer the Japanese medalists during a parade held after the London Olympics. The whole of Japan was in a frenzy of excitement over the performance of Japanese athletes last summer.

Tokyo's bid committee has to show the IOC that the Japanese public is very interested in having the nation's capital host the Olympics.

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2013)

(Jan. 14, 2013)

[Victor Mata]

BORING ceremonies. A big, big minus in my book!!

Judging Tokyo by Nagano would be like judging New York City by Lake Placid.

[baron-pierreIV]

Judging Tokyo by Nagano would be like judging New York City by Lake Placid.

Doesn't matter. Still comes from the same culture and mindset.

[Victor Mata]

I did a Ctrl + F search on Tokyo's bid book looking for the word "earthquake" and 2011 Tohoku Earthquake pops up here and there. Tokyo lacked an emotional narrative for their awkward presentation at Copenhagen but now this 'rebuilding the nation' thing and the solid plans can make them irresistible this time.

[gotosy]

Olympic footballers could face late, late show

January 23 Teams qualifying for the knock-out stages of the 2020 Olympic football competitions may face some late nights if Tokyo wins the right to stage the Games.

The official bid book for the Japanese city, which was made public this month, indicates that several matches, from the quarter-final stages onwards, could be allotted finishing-times of as late as midnight.

One explanation for the late time-slots could be to maximise live TV audiences in Europe.

Late night in Japan coincides with early afternoon in Europe a time likely to attract more viewers than the sort of morning kick-off times European fans learnt to live with during the 2002 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Japan and South Korea.

A Tokyo 2020 spokesman said: "The 21:00-24:00 football match time-slots shown in the Candidature File refer to the time-frame the venue has been secured.

"With regards to TV audiences, yes, keeping the possibilities as great as possible for spectators in other time-zones to enjoy the Games in real time is absolutely important."

...

http://www.insideworldfootball.com/news/1-latest-news/11887-exclusive-olympic-footballers-could-face-late-late-show

[gotosy]

New partners add to Tokyo 2020 Bids financial muscle

Five more join ever-growing Official Bid Partner list

Tokyo, 25 January 2013 Tokyo 2020 announced today that five more Official Bid Partners have signed up following the international campaign launch on January 10, bringing the current total of corporate partners to 16. Tokyo 2020s surging corporate sponsorship programme demonstrates that the Bid is steadily maximising its tremendous potential to attract powerful, enthusiastic sponsors in Japan.

The five new Official Bid Partners are Marudai Food Co., Ltd., one of Japans largest food manufacturers, EH Inc., a private-label manufacturer, MARUHAN Corporation, an amusement facilities operator, TOPTOUR Corporation, a well-known travel agency, and Daiwa House Industry Co., Ltd., Japans largest homebuilder.

Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC Member and President of both the JOC and Tokyo 2020, said: I am delighted to introduce Marudai Food, EH, MARUHAN, TOPTOUR and Daiwa House Industry as our latest Official Bid Partners. It is clear that our Bid enjoys widespread support in the Japanese business community. Tokyo has a large, stable and sustainable economy, and the Bid has a dedicated Games reserve fund of USD 4.5 billion. Our budget is fully guaranteed and our financial superiority is unmatched.

The Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee has enthusiastic backing in the Japanese business community, including formal resolutions of support passed by the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry representing over 76,000 companies and the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry representing over 1.29 million firms in some 514 branches. As revealed in its Candidature File, Tokyo 2020 estimates that its city will attract sponsorship totalling more than USD 930 million through its local sponsorship and official suppliers.

Japans robust business community is one of Tokyos greatest advantages. Forbes ranked Japan second for its number of companies included among the worlds 2,000 largest corporations in 2011. In 2012 Tokyo hosted the headquarters of 48 of Fortunes Global 500 companies, more than any other city. Additionally the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) boasts over 26 sponsors from its gold partner and official partner programme.

Added Takeda, The theme of the World Economic Forum 2013 in Davos is Resilient Dynamism, with a focus on minimised risk, which is directly in line with Tokyos vision for the Games. As a dynamic and innovative city, we are uniquely qualified to deliver an outstanding Games experience. The IOC can rest assured that there is little, if any, risk in choosing Tokyo as host of the 2020 Games.

The new sponsors offered their comments:

Marudai Food President Tokuo Kudara said: It would be fantastic if Tokyo were to host the 2020 Games. I'm sure Japan can again inspire the world by bringing the world's great athletes to the worlds most forward-thinking city.

EH CEO Kesao Fukae said: The Japanese people cherish the Olympic Values of excellence, respect and friendship. Hosting the 2020 Games would provide an incredible opportunity for our people to interact with the worlds many wonderful cultures.

MARUHAN Corporation President Yu Han said: Hosting the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo would bring great joy to the people of Tokyo and Japan. Japanese sport fans are eager to cheer for their favourite athletes.

TOPTOUR Corporation President Kunihiro Ishikawa said: The Japanese economy has grown tremendously since the Tokyo 1964 Games. We look forward to hosting the greatest celebration of sport, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, to meet elite athletes and enthusiastic spectators from around the globe.

Daiwa House Industry President and COO Naotake Ohno said: We will do everything necessary to help bring the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Tokyo, which we believe would truly inspire people not only in Japan but across the globe.

...

http://www.japanportal.jp/20130125_Tokyo2020_16_sponsors_ENG.pdf

[world atlas]

Tokyo 2020 appoint new international communications director

By Duncan Mackay

February 1 - Tokyo 2020 today appointed Hisao Shuto as its new international communications director as its campaign to host the Olympics and Paralympics continued to gather momentum.

The 53-year-old Shuto (pictured above fourth left) brings nearly three decades of sport and communications experience, including 12 years in Japanese football, and is expected to play a key when the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Evaluation Commission, headed by Britain's Sir Craig Reedie, visit Tokyo on March 3 until 7.

Shuto, who also previously worked for public relations and communictions agency Hill & Knowlton, directed communications for a variety of sporting events, including the 2002 FIFA World Cup which Japan co-hosted with South Korea.

In this role with Japan's Organising Committee he handled domestic and international media relations.

More recently during his tenure at the Japan Professional Football League, Shuto handled internal communications and was also the project manager for increasing stadium attendance numbers.

"Our Bid is leveraging the talent of many people from diverse backgrounds, and we are thrilled to add Hisao Shuto to our team," said Tsunekazu Takeda, head of Tokyo 2020 and the Japanese Olympic Committee.

"He is an experienced marketing and communications professional and an enthusiastic sports fan.

"The whole of Japan is looking forward to the arrival of the IOC Evaluation Commission early next month, and our newest appointment underscores our readiness to welcome our international friends.

"Our bid team is full of passionate, driven individuals united by a clear passion to deliver a dynamic celebration right in the heart of Tokyo."

Shuto joins a team which already includes international relations and communications deputy director general and communications Director Tokuaki Suzuki, who served at Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Japan Football Association (JFA), acting communications director Masa Takaya, who concurrently serves as the communications manager at the JOC, head of international communications Nao Miyawaki, who served at the International Canoe Federation, and head of online and social media Ayano Egami, a silver medallist in synchronised swimming in Sydney 2000.

"It is a great honour for me to join Tokyo's bid," said Shuto.

"I have seen and felt first-hand the true passion for sport that exists throughout Japan during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan.

"Ever since, I have hoped that Japan could one day host the world's most inspirational celebration of sport, the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"I aim to use the experience I have built up over more than 20 years to ensure that we create momentum behind what I hope will be a winning campaign for Tokyo.

http://www.insidethegames.biz/olympics/summer-olympics/2020/1012693-tokyo-2020-appoint-new-international-communications-director

[gotosy]

Olympics: Tokyo 2020 celebrates 200 days until IOC vote

TOKYO, Feb. 19, Kyodo

The Tokyo Olympic bid committee held a commemorative event Tuesday to mark 200 days before the vote to decide the host city for the 2020 Summer Olympics.

The event was held jointly with the Tokyo Chamber of Commerce and Industry at the international terminal of Tokyo's Haneda airport. Those in attendance included kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo and London Olympic fencing team silver medalist Yuki Ota, who is an envoy helping to promote Tokyo's bid for 2020.

"I would love to see the performances of Japanese athletes here in Japan," Ebizo told a crowd including local elementary school students invited to the event.

Kabuki, a classical dance-drama, was introduced on the world stage as a Japanese tradition art form at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964. "I would like to perform and show what I can do (if Tokyo wins the bid)," Ebizo said.

Ota, who also won silver in the individual foil at the Beijing Games, said, "It is also my job to introduce Japanese arts and culture to the world."

Japan is bidding against Madrid and Istanbul for the 2020 Games. The International Olympic Committee will decide the host city at a general assembly in Buenos Aires, Argentina, on Sept. 7.

But the Japanese Olympic Committee is faced with a damage control issue following a high-profile scandal involving 15 top female judo athletes who accused their former coach of physical and verbal abuse, prompting the JOC to demand its member federations conduct investigations into violence in other sports.

It remains to be seen if the latest cloud cast upon Japanese sports will influence Tokyo's bid for 2020.

http://english.kyodonews.jp/news/2013/02/210055.html

[runningrings]

Obviously if Tokyo wins 2020 - it will be the first back-to-back Asian Olympics, with South Korea hosting 2018, and thus breaking the Asia 8's pattern that has existed since Seoul.

Perhaps it is time the Olympics were held in succession in Asia - but will the IOC voting body feel the same way? To what extent does everyone think the 2018 Winter Olympics will impact upon Tokyo's chances?

[Athensfan]

Obviously if Tokyo wins 2020 - it will be the first back-to-back Asian Olympics, with South Korea hosting 2018, and thus breaking the Asia 8's pattern that has existed since Seoul.

Perhaps it is time the Olympics were held in succession in Asia - but will the IOC voting body feel the same way? To what extent does everyone think the 2018 Winter Olympics will impact upon Tokyo's chances?

I really think its a non-issue. Asia is a major player and back-to-back Games are not unreasonable.

Tokyo has two big issues to be concerned about. One is under their control. The other one is not.

1.) Sex appeal. Tokyo has to prove that it's got the X-factor. It can be FUN, cutting-edge, exciting. And it must show it can offer fun by INTERNATIONAL standards -- not just domestic ones.

2.) Istanbul's competence. Tokyo is obviously competent. They are by far the safest choice. But if Istanbul proves to the Evaluation Committee that they can stage technically strong Games, this will cut into the effectiveness Tokyo's biggest asset.

A third potential consideration is geopolitics. If North America is gung ho for 2024, will they succeed in lobbying South America, Africa and Oceania into voting for Istanbul instead? An Istanbul victory arguably helps North American prospects much more than a Tokyo win. If they can move enough votes, this could factor into the outcome.

I really don't think PC2018 should or will have a big impact on the vote.