ATR First - Japan Aims to Match 1964 Medals at Tokyo 2020

(ATR) Japanese Olympic Committee president Tsunekazu Takeda tells Around the Rings he has high expectations for his country’s athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Games.

"For the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964, the number of medals won by Japanese athletes were third in the world," Takeda says in an exclusive interview. "We have not decided the exact number for Tokyo 2020, yet we aim third for the total of gold medals.

"Of course, this will be challenging but as a host country and with the support of the Japanese public, government and stakeholders, we convince ourselves that will be able to achieve this goal."

Takeda was reelected as JOC chief for his 10th consecutive two-year term on July 5. Following the election, Takeda spoke with ATR about his goals for his latest term.

He says that successfully organizing the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games is without a doubt his number one priority, New events for the Games will only increase the appeal of the Olympics he says. Read the full interview with Takeda and ATR reporter Miguel Hernandez below.

ATR: What are your main objectives in your latest term as JOC president?

Tsunekazu Takeda: The success of the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 is our first priority and we would like to cooperate as much as possible. We strongly believe that the great performances by the athletes will become a major element for the Tokyo 2020 Games to become a success. As a host country, many Japanese children will have the opportunity to see performances by the world’s top athletes directly and these moments will foster dreams, hope and courage. The performances will also become a foundation for strong character building.

The JOC has also announced the "JOC Future Planning" on January 2017, which focuses on the role of the JOC beyond the Tokyo 2020 Games. Based on the JOC missions of – cultivating and strengthening athletes, participating and hosting international games and understanding and promoting Olympism – the JOC will fulfill its roll for the next three years with the new executives.

ATR: What does the Organizing Committee think of the 15 new events that were added to the Olympic program?

Takeda: As the IOC cited in Olympic Agenda 2020, the new events that are appealing to youth and that contribute to gender balance will be significant for the Olympic Movement in Japan. The newly added Japanese-origin karate as well as popular sports baseball and softball will also help make the Games very exciting. As for the JOC, we would like to communicate with the new governing sporting bodies and show high performances in many sports, especially in swimming, gymnastics, wrestling and judo.

ATR: Does the JOC believe its athletes can have a historic performance at Tokyo 2020 and what would it take for that to happen?

Takeda: For the Olympic Games Tokyo 1964, the number of medals won by Japanese athletes were third in the world. We have not decided the exact number for Tokyo 2020, yet we aim third for the total of gold medals. Of course, this will be challenging but as a host country and with the support of the Japanese public, government and stakeholders, we convince ourselves that will be able to achieve this goal.

For Rio 2016, the Japanese athletes were awarded 41 medals including 12 golds, the best results for the Olympic Games and we were able to take a big step towards Tokyo 2020. We hope our winter athletes do their best at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics and pass the baton to Tokyo 2020.

ATR: What can the JOC do to reach new audiences?

Takeda: At the IOC Executive Board, the program for Tokyo 2020 has been confirmed and 15 new events were added to the Games. Events that attract youth such as 3x3 basketball and BMX freestyle are being introduced to the program. The five new sports proposed by the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee include baseball and softball, karate, skateboarding, sports climbing and surfing. All of these sports respect gender balance. We assume that the through these new sports, Tokyo 2020 will be able to create new fans and spectators among the younger generation.

ATR: The IOC Coordination Commission recently gave Tokyo 2020 a strong appraisal of its budget. Can Tokyo 2020 continue to reduce costs?

Takeda: The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced its first version of the new budget on December 2016 and agreed on an overall approach governing the division of roles and allocation of costs for the Tokyo 2020 Games. These costs are split between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Japanese Government, local governments of the seven prefectures and four other cities that are hosting events.

Tokyo 2020 will regularly review the specific tasks related to Games preparations and operations to reduce and minimize costs. Tokyo 2020 aims to release an updated budget in December 2017.

ATR: How many tourists does Tokyo 2020 expect during the Games?

During the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics, it is predicted that ten million people from around the world – including athletes, spectators and stakeholders – will be visiting Japan.

According to the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO), the number of foreign visitors has been increasing and in 2016 alone, a record 24 million people came to Japan. The Japanese Government anticipates 40 million foreigners during the Games.

Everyone in Japan, including staff and volunteers, will welcome and entertain the foreign guests wholeheartedly with the best "omotenashi" (hospitality).

Written by Miguel Hernandez

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