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https://scmp.com/sport/other-sport/article/1558413/2020-olympic-games-crucial-future-japan Other Sport
2020 Olympic Games crucial for future of Japan
Organisers say they will be just as significant as the 1964 event, which marked the country's emergence as a global economic power
Balloons fly over competitors and spectators during the opening ceremony of the 1964 Summer Olympics at the National Stadium in Tokyo. The event marked Japan's rise from humiliating defeat in the second world war to emerge as a major international player. Photo: AP
Six years to the day before the start of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, its top brass predict the Games will have as significant an impact as those of 1964, which marked Japan's emergence as an economic power.
Having hosted the Games 50 years ago, Tokyo's second Olympics will begin on July 24, 2020 with organisers hoping to recreate the same alchemy after two decades of stagnant growth and three years after a deadly tsunami and nuclear crisis.
"The 1964 Games left countless invaluable legacies - still cherished half a century later," Tokyo 2020 chief executive officer Toshiro Muto said.
"Achieving the same level of environmental, social and economic legacy is our ultimate aim for 2020," he added.
When Tokyo staged Asia's first Olympics five decades ago, the Japanese government's unveiling of the iconic Bullet Train symbolised the country's rise from humiliating defeat in the second world war to its emergence as a major international player.
The 2020 Olympics is expected to boost the Japanese economy by an estimated three trillion yen (HK$228 billion) as building and tourism-related stimulus power growth, with about half the bonanza enjoyed by Tokyo.
The 1964 Games were also a catalyst for other huge infrastructure projects such as Tokyo's motorway system, while many of the venues still look as modern today and, more importantly, remain in regular use.
From left, IOC executive director for the Olympic Games Gilbert Felli, IOC vice-president John Coates, Tokyo Olympic organising committee president Yoshiro Mori, chief executive officer Toshiro Muto and IOC member Tsunekazu Takeda join hands after the first coordination commission meeting for the Tokyo 2020 Games. Photo: AP
Muto insisted a similar template would be followed for 2020, despite a row over designs for the rebuilding of Tokyo's National Stadium, which critics slammed as too expensive and a potential eyesore on the vast city's skyline.
"The world has changed beyond recognition since 1964," he said.
"But constants remain. Japan has something unique in its culture to offer the world.
"The building of permanent sports venues will contribute to the future enrichment of lifestyles in Tokyo ... and become symbolic legacies of the Games."
Tokyo officials estimate the cost of venues at around 150 billion yen, including the construction of 10 new facilities, although some assembly members fear the price could double.
New Zealand's Peter Snell provided a highlight of the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games in winning the 1500 metres. He also won the 800 metres at the Games. Photo: SCMP Pictures
Tokyo Governor Yoichi Masuzoe recently ordered a review of the building plans over concerns about costs, but IOC vice-president John Coates had warned Japanese officials that any changes would first need committee approval.
One of the venues set to be moved is the canoe slalom course at a seaside park after opposition from environmental groups, while basketball and badminton could also be bumped well outside the main waterfront area near the Olympic village.
Tokyo beat Madrid and Istanbul for the 2020 hosting rights in last September's International Olympic Committee vote, having lost out to Rio in the race for the 2016 Games. For a nation which also staged the Winter Olympics in 1972 and 1998, the Games represent the revitalisation of Japan as it tackles challenges domestically and overseas.