Golden 25: #9 -- Tokyo Steady at the Top

(ATR) Earthquake-free Olympics?

The 2020 Olympics are resting on rock solid organizational stability with the Games just 18 months away. Whether in the government or the Tokyo 2020 offices, an absence of drama and upheaval from political intrigue is likely a big help delivering the Games.

Tokyo Metropolitan Governor Yuriko Koike is now into her third year in office, ending a revolving door resulting from resignations of two predecessors for scandal of one sort or another. She has been a resolute supporter of the Olympics at the same time insistent on lowering costs.

The National Government, led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has now been in power for six years, providing much needed continuity and support for the Olympic project.

CEO Toshiro Muto is the glue holding together the varied departments of the organizing committee. In the coming year Muto and colleagues fully shift from the planning to operational phase as the Games approach. Muto works closely with IOC CoComm chair John Coates and Olympic Games executive director Christophe Dubi.

Chairman Yoshiro Mori, a former prime minister, remains a powerful symbol of political unity that has carried Tokyo from bid to Games.

Japan Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda is a key connector with the IOC as a member and chair of the IOC Marketing Commission.

Members of the Tokyo 2020 Executive Board include a number of individuals who will become the next generation of JOC leadership once Takeda steps down after the Olympics. Any of them could be in line for possible seats on the IOC following Takeda’s retirement.

Among the women are volleyball gold medalist Yuko Arikada, who’s also chair of the Athletes Commission for the Olympic Council of Asia. Seiko Hashimoto, Olympic speed skater, is president of the Japanese Skating Federation and a member of the Japanese parliament.

Men on the rise in sport administration include 1988 Olympic backstroke phenom Daichi Suzuki, now head of the national sports agency. Hammer throw champ Koji Murofushi is sports director for Tokyo 2020.

The Around the Rings Golden 25 is the annual survey of individuals who will have the most influence for the Olympic Movement in the year ahead. First published in 1997, this is the 22nd edition.

Reported by Ed Hula.