Tokyo 2020 Launches New Social Network Feature

Tokyo 2020, Japan’s Bid Committee to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, today introduced a new social network feature on its Tokyo 2020 website which enables visitors to share their enthusiasm for Tokyo’s pursuit of the 2020 Games. Using the city’s world-renowned culture of innovation for the long-term benefit of sport, Tokyo 2020 is leveraging digital platforms and cutting-edge technology to maximise both athlete and visitor experiences in their pursuit of hosting Games of excellence and excitement.

The renewed web page, (http://tokyo2020.jp/jp/whybid/), available only in Japan and in the native vernacular until January 2013 in accordance with International Olympic Committee (IOC) regulations, features comments from Olympians and Paralympians, fashion designers, creative directors and many others sharing their personal reasons for supporting Tokyo’s bid to host the 2020 Games. The Tokyo 2020 effort is soliciting comments from Bid supporters, at this stage focusing on renowned individuals with national appeal. Comments from members of the Japanese general public will be added soon. Site visitors can share comments via social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter.

Ayano Egami, Sydney 2000 Games synchronised swimming silver medallist and Tokyo 2020 Head of Online and Social Media, said: "This feature is indicative of our continued actions to engage with people and showcase the energy and innovation behind the Tokyo 2020 bid. Social media is a powerful communications tool to share the many advantages that Tokyo offers, and we intend to further leverage online communications as we move forward with the Bid. The IOC and London 2012 have utilised social networking sites to the fullest and as a result have obtained a loyal following by the young generation. Learning from these two organisations, I find it imperative that Tokyo 2020 also utilises social networking sites in order to mobilise youth."

Comments already posted include those from:

 Los Angeles 1984 Games judo gold medallist Yasuhiro Yamashita

 Fashion designer Junko Koshino

 Three-time consecutive speed skating Olympian Ikue Teshigawara

 15 times Paralympic swimming gold medallist Mayumi Narita

 Seoul 1988 Games swimming gold medallist Suzuki Daichi

 Beijing 2008 Games swimming bronze medallist Junichi Miyashita

 Nagano 1998 Games and Turin 2006 Games Paralympic alpine gold medallist Kuniko Obinata

 Three-time consecutive volleyball Olympian Motoko Obayashi

 Athens 2004 Olympic Games swimming gold medallist Ai Shibata,

 Athens 2004 Games volleyball Olympian Kana Oyama,

 Award Winning Creative director Takuma Takasaki.

(Mr) Masa Takaya Communications Manager, Japanese Olympic Committee

Acting Communications Director, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee

(Ms) Hiromi Sato Manager, International Communications, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee

Phone: 03-6279-0049 / Fax: 03-6279-0157 / pressoffice@tokyo2020.jp

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