The 1964 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the “Tokyo 1964 Games”) were held in Asia for the first time in history and served as a symbol of Japan’s full-fledged return to the international community, which was a great impetus for high economic growth. In addition, the Tokyo 1964 Games produced several legacies that remain today, including the Shinkansen bullet train, the Metropolitan Expressway, and a beautiful garbage-free cityscape.
In particular, the former National Stadium, the National Yoyogi Stadium, and the Budokan, built as venues for the Games, have become representative sports facilities in Japan since then. After the Games, the Olympic Village was developed as a park for many people to relax, and the National Olympics Memorial Youth Center was established. Yoyogi Stadium was designated as an important cultural property in August 2021.
In addition, the spread of youth sports teams throughout Japan improved children’s opportunities for sports. The opening ceremony on October 10 became a national holiday as “Physical Education Day” (now called “Sports Day”), a major turning point in the public’s familiarity with physical education and sports, and the pictogram, originally conceived as a guide to the Games, has since spread widely throughout the world.
Since then, Japan has gone through a period of rapid economic growth and has been moving toward becoming a mature nation. However, the Great East Japan Earthquake struck in 2011, and we have been working on recovery and reconstruction. In September 2013, almost half a century after the previous Games, Tokyo was chosen as the host city for the 2020 Games.
Just like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the “Tokyo 2020 Games”), the Rugby World Cup 2019 Japan (hereinafter referred to as “RWC 2019 Japan Tournament”) was prepared and managed in an integrated manner as a large-scale and important tournament. 1.7 million spectators watched the match from the stands, broadcast worldwide through digital and social media. In addition, it was an opportunity to reaffirm the significance of sports through its contribution to the sports industry and society in Japan, such as efforts to improve sports hospitality, economic ripple effects on Japan, which is expected to exceed 640 billion yen, and contribution to regional revitalization by holding matches in various places including disaster-affected regions by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
The preparations for the Tokyo 2020 Games had been steadily underway, considering events such as the Tokyo 1964 Games and the RWC 2019 Japan Games. However, due to the global spread of COVID-19, the Games have been postponed by one year for the first time in history. Under these circumstances, MEXT has been making efforts to ensure the success of the Games, placing safety and security as its top priority.
Although there were very difficult challenges, such as the postponement of the Games for the first time in history and measures to combat infectious diseases among participants in the Games, thanks to the concerted efforts of all concerned, the 32nd Olympic Games (2020/Tokyo) (hereinafter referred to as the “Tokyo Olympic Games”) was held from July 23 to August 8, and the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the “Tokyo Paralympic Games”) was held from August 24 to September 5 of the same year.
The Tokyo Olympic Games featured 339 events in 33 sports at 42 venues, with a record 11,420 athletes from 205 national and regional Olympic committees (NOCs) and refugee delegations.
A record 4,403 athletes from National Paralympic Committees (NPCs) of 161 countries and regions and refugee athletes participated in the Tokyo Paralympic Games in 22 sports and 539 events at 21 venues.
As Russia has been sanctioned by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) for violating the World Anti-Doping Code, Russian delegations were not eligible to compete in the Tokyo 2020 Games except for those who met certain requirements and participated as neutral athletes under the Russian Olympic Committee (ROC) or the Russian Paralympic Committee (RPC) flag.
In addition, Japan made the most of this opportunity to draw the world’s attention to Japan, promoting initiatives related to the “Recovery Olympic and Paralympic Games”, such as transmitting to the world how the disaster-affected regions are achieving recovery. The Tokyo 2020 Games was also used as an opportunity to promote the appeal of Japanese culture and promote initiatives aimed at realizing an inclusive society.
 

1 Performance of the Japanese national team

（１）Success of Japanese athletes at the Tokyo Olympic Games

A record number of 583 athletes from Japan participated in the Tokyo Olympic Games. The Japanese national team won 58 medals, including 27 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze medals, breaking a record for gold and total medals and significantly increasing the number of 8th-place finishers and above compared to recent Games. In addition, the success of the younger generation, such as breaking the record for the youngest person to win a gold medal and winning medals, and the success of female athletes, such as the record number of medals in women’s events, were also conspicuous.


Women’s 50 kg wrestling gold medalist Yui Susaki was the flag bearer at the opening ceremony.


Daiki Hashimoto wins gold medal in men’s individual event of all-around gymnastics


Yui Ohashi wins two gold medals in women’s individual event of medley swimming


Naohisa Takato, the first gold medalist of the Japanese team in the men’s 60kg judo weight class

Momiji Nishiya, the youngest gold medalist in Japan’s Olympic history at 13 years, won the gold medal in the new skateboarding street women’s event.

Photo courtesy Fort Kishimoto
 

（２）Success of Japanese athletes at the Tokyo Paralympic Games

A record number of 254 athletes from Japan participated in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, which were held following the Tokyo Olympic Games.
The Japanese national team won 13 gold medals, 15 silver medals and 23 bronze medals, achieving excellent results, including a record-breaking 51 medals and a significant increase in prizewinners. In addition, many records have been set, including the birth of the youngest medalist in history and the oldest gold medalist in history.


 Miyuki Yamada, who won two silver medals in women’s backstroke swimming (disability S2) and became a medalist at the youngest age of 14 in the history of the Japanese Paralympics


 Tomoki Sato, who has updated the Paralympic record and won the gold medal in two events, Men’s 400 m and 1500 m athletics (Wheelchair T52


 Shingo Kunieda, who won his third gold medal in two events in the men’s singles wheelchair tennis


Naohide Yamaguchi, who broke his world record in the men’s 100 m breaststroke (intellectual disability SB14) and won the gold medal


Keiko Sugiura, the oldest medalist in the history of the Japanese Paralympics at the age of 50, won the gold medal in cycling two events (motor dysfunction C1-3) while competing in the Paralympics for the first time)

2 Initiatives towards hosting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

For the Tokyo 2020 Games, the Japan Sports Agency has been working on environmental improvement to enhance international competitiveness, promoting anti-doping activities, further promoting the international contribution project “Sport for Tomorrow (SFT)” through sports, expanding Olympic and Paralympic education nationwide, and further ensuring sports integrity.
In addition, we have been working on various measures to combat COVID-19 to hold the Games safely and securely.
 

（１）Strong and sustainable human resource development and environmental improvement to improve international competitiveness

Until now, the Japan Sports Agency has promoted efforts to improve Japan’s international competitiveness based on the “Second Sport Basic Plan” (March 24, 2017) and “Future Support Policy for Strengthening Competitiveness (Suzuki Plan) - Building a Strong and Sustainable Support System for 2020 and Beyond” (October 3, 2016) so that Japanese athletes can achieve excellent results such as winning the highest number of gold medals in the history at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Specifically, the amount of government subsidies for athlete-strengthening activities (training camps, establishment of coaches, etc.) by central sports federations (NFs) will be increased, and their support will be enhanced for both the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In addition, the Japan Sports Council (JSC), the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), and the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) of the Japanese Para-Sports Association (JPSA) conducted collaborative consultations, providing multifaceted support for the effective implementation of the strengthening strategy plan formulated by the NFs. The strengthening strategy plan of each NF was evaluated by a collaborative team consisting of JSC, JOC and JPC, as well as external experts. Based on the evaluation results, the nation provided priority support such as allocating subsidies for competitiveness improvement projects, sports medicine and science, and information technology.
In addition, regarding the National Training Center (NTC), a top training center for athletes, in 2019, the NTC Indoor Training Center East was established, which considers universal design, as an integrated athletic training center for Olympic and Paralympic sports and functional enhancement of High Performance Sports Center (HPSC) through efforts to enhance support for athletes through sports medicine, science, and information technology. In addition, consultation desks were established for the active development of female athletes, provided medical and scientific support for returning to competition before and after childbirth, provided childcare support such as dispatching babysitters and providing childcare, formulated and implemented training programs for female elite coaches, and implemented Japan Rising Star Projects to discover promising athletes from all over Japan.
 

（２）Promoting anti-doping activities

Doping refers to the use of prohibited substances or prohibited methods for performance enhancement. Problems in doping include (1) causing serious damage to athletes’ health, (2) undermining the values of sports that give people hope and impressions, and (3) causing adverse effects on youth when doping is committed by outstanding athletes, therefore, strict prevention measures are required in each country.
Japan ratified the UNESCO “International Convention on the Prevention of Doping in Sports” in 2006 and has taken the initiative in global anti-doping activities as a member country of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and internationally, anti-doping rule violations in Japan remain low. The Japan Sports Agency, in collaboration with the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA), actively engages in education and awareness-raising activities to prevent doping among athletes, research and development of analytical methods to detect doping, and anti-doping education for the younger generation. Furthermore, in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games, training programs were conducted to develop Doping Control Officers qualified to deliver testing missions at international competitions, and a framework was established for sharing intelligence (information) on anti-doping activities among related organizations. The Japan Sports Agency will continue its endeavor to protect the values of sport and realize clean sport through collaboration with JADA and other related organizations.

＜Cloumn＞

Completion of the national stadium
To make the new National Stadium the main stadium of the Tokyo 2020 Games, JSC, which owns the facility, together with MEXT, has promoted a maintenance plan based on the design selected as the top prize at the International Design Competition because the National Stadium was constructed half a century ago and it was deteriorating significantly.
Subsequently, in July 2015, it was decided to review the maintenance plan because the maintenance cost was significantly higher than assumed by the original plan. In August, the “Ministerial Council for the Further Consideration of the New National Stadium Construction Plan (Ministerial Council)” was established, chaired by the Minister for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Based on the basic philosophy of “Athlete First”, “World’s Best Universal Design”, and “Harmony with the surrounding environment and Japanese style”, the design started in January 2016, with main construction in December, and it was completed as planned at the end of November 2019 after a 36-month construction period.
Since January 2020, The Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereinafter referred to as the “Organizing Committee”) has been preparing for the games. The national government has also secured funds to implement measures against novel coronavirus infection at the National Stadium and other facilities in anticipation of the post-Games period and provided JSC with the third supplementary budget in FY2020. After these various preparations, the stadium was used as the main stadium for the opening and closing ceremonies and track and field events during the Tokyo 2020 Games.
After the Games, the stadium was opened to the public in April 2022, after construction was completed to restore the facility to its current state. As a core center for the promotion of sports in Japan, international competitions such as football and rugby and the finals of national competitions are scheduled to be held, providing a venue for top athletes to be active and an opportunity for the public at large to experience top-level sports and increase interest in sports.
In addition, the National Stadium is scheduled to be operated and managed by the private sector, and we will continue to study ways to maximize the know-how and ingenuity of private businesses to make the stadium a place where people gather daily and where the stadium will be loved for a long time.

（３）Promotion of Sport for Tomorrow

“Sport for Tomorrow (SFT)” has formed the SFT Consortium (SFTC), a public-private partnership led by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan and the Japan Sports Agency, to expand the value of sports and the Olympic and Paralympic Movements to people of all ages, including the youth who are the future, for a better future for the world, targeting over 10 million people in more than 100 countries, including developing countries.
As the host country of the Tokyo 2020 Games, the Japan Sports Agency has implemented the Sport for Tomorrow Program, which focuses on three areas of activity ((1) international Cooperation and Exchange through Sport, (2) Academy for Tomorrow’s Leaders in Sport, and (3) Global Development of Anti-Doping Movement) to contribute to international efforts to enhance the value of sports further while building exchange and cooperation with countries around the world.
In cooperation with the International Federation of Sports (IF), NF, JOC, JPC, etc., athletes and coaches from developing countries were invited to cooperate in improving the competitiveness of their countries. To maximize the number of countries and regions participating in the Tokyo Paralympic Games, the countries and regions that did not participate in the Rio Paralympic Games were provided the necessary support.
The number of SFTC members had expanded to 459 organizations by the end of September 2021, delivering the value of sports to approximately 13 million people in 204 countries and regions.

 

< Fig.： Achievements of Sport for Tomorrow>

（４）Olympic and Paralympic education

Every citizen, from children to adults, should be exposed to the value of sports and the significance of the Olympic and Paralympic Games with the Tokyo 2020 Games as an opportunity, and they should rediscover the value of sports and become more familiar with sports, which is important as one of the legacies of the Games.
The Japan Sports Agency is promoting Olympic and Paralympic education as one of the important initiatives to create a legacy. Since 2015, the “Olympic and Paralympic Movement National Development Project” has regularly held national consortium meetings to share opinions with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Organizing Committee, JOC, JPC, universities, etc.
In FY2021, schools to promote Olympic and Paralympic education were designated in 41 prefectures across the country, and various initiatives, such as Olympic and Paralympic competition experiences and seminars for teachers, were implemented. Despite measures against the novel coronavirus infection, we have promoted Olympic and Paralympic education that responds to new lifestyles by providing a wide range of information on initiatives that allow us to communicate with other schools, communities, athletes, and athletes from other countries, such as online initiatives.
In addition, after the Tokyo 2020 Games, exchange activities with children and students by athletes who participated in the Games are being actively promoted. In the future, we will promote higher quality educational activities by leveraging the legacy of the Games, including the provision and use of various teaching materials and teaching cases accumulated so far, cooperation with related organizations such as JOC and JPC, activities that actively use ICT, and exchange activities with athletes.

 

（５）Initiatives aimed at ensuring sports integrity

１）Strengthening the governance of sports organizations and ensuring thorough compliance

The Second Sport Basic Plan, formulated in March 2017, aims to further improve the value of sports by enhancing Japan’s sports integrity (honesty, soundness, integrity) and integrally working to promote clean and fair sports for the Tokyo 2020 Games. To ensure proper governance of sports organizations, which play an important role in maximizing the value of sports rather than merely preventing incidents of misconduct, the “Code of Governance for Sports Organizations” (for NFs) was formulated in June 2019, which sets forth principles and norms to be observed by sports organizations, and the “Code of Governance for Sports Organizations” (for general sports organizations) in August. In addition, training sessions were conducted on governance compliance for sports organizations. In addition, in FY2020, the governing body began to conduct a conformity assessment of NFs regarding their compliance with the Governance Code. We will continue to ensure the governance and compliance of the sports organizations through these efforts.

２）Environmental improvements where everyone can play sports safely and securely

Strengthening the governance of sports organizations and creating a safe and secure environment where sports can be conducted to ensure sports integrity is important. The Japan Sports Agency promotes the qualities and competencies of coaches to eradicate all forms of violence and inappropriate guidance, conducts education and awareness-raising activities, and works with related organizations to establish and use consultation desks for violence and harassment in sports.
Establishing an appropriate and fair dispute resolution system is also necessary to ensure that athletes are not unfairly punished or their rights infringed upon. The sports arbitration and mediation system of the Japan Sports Arbitration Organization (JSO) is one of the means for resolving disputes over the selection of representative athletes and suspension of competition qualifications of athletic organizations at the Olympic and Paralympic Games and other large-scale international competitions. The status of adoption by sports organizations of the automatic sports arbitration clause stipulating the use of this system has steadily increased from 34% in April 2013, during the bidding for the Tokyo 2020 Games, to 76% in July 2021, during the Tokyo 2020 Games, and improving as momentum for the Tokyo 2020 Games builds. To prevent such efforts by sports organizations from becoming temporary, the Japan Sports Agency is working to improve understanding of sports arbitration and mediation and to train professional human resources involved in sports arbitration, such as arbitrators and mediators, and on research.

 

（６）Measures against COVID-19

COVID-19 forced the suspension of various sports activities, including postponing the Tokyo 2020 Games. Support was provided for infectious disease control expenses and public relations expenses to bring sports back into the lives of the public through the resumption of safe and secure sporting events, and infectious disease countermeasures were implemented to enable top athletes to continue strengthening activities for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
In addition, based on the policy set out in the “Coordination Meeting for COVID-19 Countermeasures at the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020”, measures have been taken to cover the cost of COVID-19 countermeasures when responding to COVID-19 and accepting foreign athletes in host towns and pre-camps, to ensure the safety and security of the Tokyo 2020 Games and to implement COVID-19 measures at the National Stadium and other venues in anticipation of the post-Games period. The Japanese government, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and the Organizing Committee worked together to take thorough measures against infectious diseases in the face of the new coronavirus, a challenge never experienced by humanity, and manage the Games safely and securely so that athletes could concentrate on competition, which led to the success of the Games. In addition, since the Games were held under such difficult circumstances without major confusion or clustering, we received high praise from athletes and officials worldwide, who believe this was a wonderful event that could only have been held in Japan.

３Initiatives during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games

（１）Support base that supported the Japanese national team

The Japan Sports Agency has established “support bases” around the athletes’ village in cooperation with JSC, JOC, and JPC to provide support functions such as conditioning and recovery based on medical, scientific, and information technology necessary for athletes and staff to make final preparations for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
The main content of support at the support bases is to provide a training environment for various applications from strength to conditioning, to provide an environment in which treatment can be provided by installing massage beds and various physical therapy equipment, to provide information on supplemental food and nutrition for safe, secure, and efficient conditioning and recovery, as well as psychological support in person or online. These bases were used as final preparations for the competition and post-competition recovery, supporting many athletes.
In addition, the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences (JISS), which provides medical and scientific support for sports injuries, and HPSC, which integrates the functions of the NTC as a base for top athletes to carry out strengthening activities, were arranged as the core of the support base, and by making full use of its functions an environment for athletes to adjust their conditions and compete in sports, as usual, was provided.
In addition, regarding the operation of support bases, measures against COVID-19 were thoroughly implemented based on the guidelines of the Japan Sports Agency, HPSC, and the playbook of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Specifically, guidelines were created for controlling infectious diseases, implemented disinfection, temperature detection, ventilation, etc., based on the guidelines, inspected staff, established a communication system with concerned organizations, and improved flow lines to create an environment where athletes can safely and safely use the venues.


Support base (exterior of Harumi)


Support base (front gate of HPSC)


Training room


Alternate baths


 Care room


Training pool


Online psychological support


Nutritional support (predation, etc.)

In addition, the facility has been made barrier-free for para-athletes by installing wheelchair-accessible slopes and connecting bathtubs to make it easier for them to use alternate baths.

                                                          
 Elimination of level difference                                                          Installation of point-shaped blocks   


Wheelchair-accessible shower room


Wheelchair-accessible toilets
 

（２）Schools Collaboration Spectator Program

In preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games, we have developed Olympic and Paralympic education all over Japan, which has multifaceted educational value, such as increasing interest in the games, deepening understanding of the value of sports, international and intercultural, and inclusive society, and cultivating a sense of norms.
In particular, during the period of the Tokyo 2020 Games, the Organizing Committee played a central role in various initiatives involving children and students, and the “Schools Collaboration Spectator Program”, which provided opportunities to watch the games, had a significant educational component for the realization of an inclusive society.
The competition venues were handled as no spectators in principle due to the impact of COVID-19. However, the program was implemented with sufficient measures taken to prevent infection and heat stroke among the children, based on the wishes of their parents and guardians. As a result, approximately 4,700 students during the Olympic Games and 15,000 students during the Paralympic Games, mainly from the Tokyo Metropolitan area, related local governments, and the three prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, were able to watch the Games at the competition venues.
The children who participated in the event confirmed the educational significance of the Games, as they commented that they felt the power of the Paralympic Games by directly watching the athletes play, experiencing the excellence of the athletes, and were able to reevaluate their potential and gain courage. It is important to continue efforts to promote children’s growth in direct contact with athletes in the future.
 

（３）Bilateral meetings with foreign sports ministers, etc.

The Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology and the Commissioner of the Japan Sports Agency held bilateral talks with ministers from various countries (Minister for Sports and Minister for Persons with Disabilities) who visited Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Minister met four organizations and 30 countries to exchange views on strengthening bilateral cooperation in sports and the possibility of future exchanges. Cooperation with relevant organizations and the promotion of international exchanges and cooperation in sports will continue in the future.


Blanquer, French Minister of National Education, Youth and Sports and Hagiuda, then Minister of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology


- Colbeck, Australian Minister for Sport and Murofushi, Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency
 

（４）Response to defamation of athletes and harassment through photos and videos

Defamation on the Internet has become a major problem in society as a whole. During the Tokyo 2020 Games, many cases of defamation on social media against athletes were reported, and the Games also brought attention to athletes’ mental health. The Japan Sports Agency issued a message from the Commissioner to prevent defamation on its website. JOC established a team to monitor defamation on social media and reported malicious incidents to social media companies. In addition, HPSC established a counseling system, including counseling by psychological support experts, to ensure that athletes can participate in the Games without concern.
In response to the issue of sexual harassment of athletes wearing Games uniforms, where photos and videos of athletes in the uniforms are taken and distributed with sexual intent, the Organizing Committee has prohibited taking and sending photos and videos of suspected sexual harassment at venues and worked on damage prevention. In addition, the Japan Sports Agency disseminated information about consultation desks for athletes to sports organizations. JOC worked to prevent damage throughout the sports world, such as cooperating with the Metropolitan Police Department regarding providing damage information.

４Recovery Olympic and Paralympic Games

The importance of the “Recovery Olympic and Paralympic Games”, which had been positioned as one of the principles of the Tokyo 2020 Games, did not change when the Games were postponed. Hosting the Games brought athletes and event officials from around the world to Japan and was widely reported by foreign media. The entire country made the most of this opportunity, which drew the world’s attention to Japan, communicating the reconstruction of the affected areas to the world and promoting initiatives in cooperation with the support for recovery of the disaster-affected regions from the Great East Japan Earthquake.

（１）Hosting of the Games and activities of the Japanese national team, etc.

During the Games, softball was held without spectators on July 21 and 22, 2021, before the opening ceremony, and baseball was held without spectators on July 28. Soccer was also held at the Miyagi Stadium for 6 days with spectators (maximum 10,000), and the Games attracted the world’s attention to the disaster-affected regions. Japan won the matches at both venues, which served as the driving force for Japan to secure gold medals in softball and baseball. The Ibaraki Kashima Stadium, restored after the Great East Japan Earthquake, was also used as a venue for soccer matches, in principle, without spectators (with some elementary and junior high school students watching through the Schools Collaboration Spectator Program).
City volunteers recruited from each prefecture engaged in activities at Fukushima Azuma Baseball Stadium, Miyagi Stadium and the surrounding areas, and in the torch relay. Although the number of volunteers was reduced considerably due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the contributions of volunteers supported the Games, whose social contributions were highly appreciated by overseas athletes, the media, and many others.

（２）Realization of torch relays that passed through the disaster-affected regions

In March 2021, the torch relay started with a starting ceremony at the “National Training Center J-Village” in Fukushima Prefecture, one of the symbols of recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, and the torchbearers ran through the three disaster-affected prefectures. The torch relay passed through Fukushima prefecture from March 25 to 27, then through Iwate from June 16 to 18, 2021, and Miyagi from June 19 to 21.
In addition, along with the torch relay, roadside sceneries and enthralling local landscapes of the region were also broadcast, which helped the disaster-affected regions showcase how much progress they had achieved in reconstruction and recovery. In addition, in conjunction with the starting ceremony at J-Village, a media invitation tour was held in the three disaster-affected prefectures.
The torch relay started from J-Village, which was forced to shut down temporarily after the earthquake, to serve as a base for restoration work following the nuclear power plant accident and later fully reopened. The relay passed through the disaster-affected regions and left lasting memories in the minds of the local people.
The torches were made using waste aluminum construction materials generated from temporary housing units built for reconstruction, with hydrogen produced at the Fukushima Hydrogen Energy Research Field in Namie Town of Fukushima Prefecture used to power the celebration cauldrons and some torches.

（３）Future initiatives

According to interviews with local governments in the disaster-affected regions after the Games, local governments in the three disaster-affected prefectures that served as the course of the torch relay are considering efforts to pass on the memory of the torch relay and the holding of Games in the disaster-affected regions, such as the installation of commemorative plaques. Efforts are expected to continue and develop diverse “connections” in the disaster-affected regions by inheriting and sharing memories and thoughts about the Tokyo 2020 Games as the Recovery Olympic and Paralympic Games, such as the holding of Games-related events and courage and inspiration provided by the achievements of the athletes.
The results of the efforts at the Games must be passed on, shared, and utilized in the recovery of the disaster-affected regions. The government will continue to promote the further reconstruction of the disaster-affected areas by disseminating information on the appearance and charm of these areas and dispelling rumors so that many people from around the world can visit the affected areas and feel the charm of the recovery, the appeal of their food, and sightseeing spots after the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

５Promoting the appeal of Japanese culture inspired by Tokyo 2020 Games

The Tokyo 2020 Games are a sporting event and a cultural festival, providing an excellent opportunity to introduce diverse Japanese culture to the world. We aimed to create momentum for holding the Games throughout Japan through these diverse cultures and link this to local development and revitalization. From this perspective, cultural programs such as the “Tokyo 2020 Cultural Olympiad” and “beyond2020 Program” have been promoted in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
In addition, cultural tourism was also promoted with the Tokyo 2020 Games as an opportunity.
 

（１）Development of cultural programs

The Tokyo 2020 Games, a cultural festival, was postponed for 1 year due to the global spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Cultural programs such as the “Tokyo 2020 Cultural Olympiad” and “beyond2020 Program” were promoted in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games (Fig. 1-1-1, Fig. 1-1-2). Based on the vision of the Games, etc., we gave certificates to initiatives that contribute to the reaffirmation, inheritance, and development of Japanese culture, the nurturing of the next generation and creation of new culture and art, the dissemination of Japanese culture to the world, and creating a legacy that is befitting for a mature society and that the next generation can be proud of.
The Culture Olympiad utilized the Tokyo 2020 Participation Program under four legacy concepts: (1) reaffirmation, inheritance, and development of Japanese culture, (2) nurturing the next generation and creating new culture and art, (3) dissemination of Japanese culture to the world and international exchanges, and (4) participation and exchange of people from all walks of life and revitalization of the community through nationwide expansion.
beyond2020 certifies cultural programs that utilize Japan’s strengths in its rich and diverse culture and contribute to creating a legacy befitting a mature society that future generations can be proud of. As of the end of September 2021, 19,409 programs have been certified, and 69 beyond2020 program certification organizations have been established in relevant ministries, prefectures, and government ordinance-designated cities.
The Agency for Cultural Affairs also collected information on a wide range of cultural programs throughout Japan to promote participation in cultural programs. It introduced them to the people in Japan and overseas through the “Cultural Information Platform”, which manages and aggregates cultural programs on the Internet, and “Culture NIPPON”, a comprehensive portal site for cultural programs based on that information.
In addition, with the Tokyo 2020 Games as an opportunity, cultural programs such as the “Japan Expo” were developed to disseminate the attractiveness of Japan’s diverse cultural and tourism resources to Japan and overseas.
However, the spread of COVID-19 since January 2020 significantly impacted the cancellation, postponement, and scaling back of cultural events. In developing the “Japan Expo,” we also worked to disseminate content both in Japan and overseas by integrating “real experiences” and “virtual experiences” throughout Japan.

（２）Promotion of cultural property

The Law on Promoting Cultural Tourism in the Region, which centers around cultural tourism facilities as the core, was enacted in April 2020 and implemented in May of the same year. It aims to enhance the understanding of culture by enriching opportunities to refine various cultural resources in the region and promote the visits of tourists from Japan and overseas, thereby creating a virtuous cycle of cultural promotion, tourism promotion, and regional revitalization. Forty center and regional plans were approved based on the Act by the end of September 2021, and efforts based on these plans were supported by the “project to promote cultural tourism in the region centered on cultural tourism base facilities”.

（３）Future initiatives

Although efforts were made to promote the development of diverse cultures and arts and the utilization of cultural properties through support for cultural and artistic activities that each region is proud of, the Tokyo 2020 Games was significantly affected by the severe circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, with many events having to be canceled or postponed. The Japan Expo project, which was to be implemented as one of the cultural programs, will be implemented as “Japan Expo 2.0” during the 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo, with the theme of “Beauty and Heart of Japan” as the core. We will promote the creation of new values with the participation of various people and use the power of culture to solve social issues and challenge new growth in the economy and society.
In addition, more than half of the programs created by the Culture Olympiad will continue beyond 2021. As a legacy, it is expected that the cultural resources of each region will be passed on to the next generation.

６Realization of an inclusive society with the Tokyo 2020 Games as an opportunity

Since 2013, when the Tokyo 2020 Games was decided to be held, the government has been working to create the best environment ever, recognizing that “without the success of the Paralympics, there will be no success of the Tokyo 2020 Games” and to use the Games as an opportunity to realize an inclusive society where children and adults, regardless of disabilities, value each other’s dignity.
The Universal Design 2020 Action Plan was approved at the “First Meeting of the Ministerial Council on Universal Design 2020” held in February 2017 to enhance the effectiveness of efforts to realize an inclusive society based on the opinions of organizations of persons with disabilities. Based on this action plan, in particular, (1) in the future, when considering and evaluating policies related to people with disabilities, people with disabilities should participate as committee members, etc., and their perspectives should be reflected in the policies, (2) enhance barrier-free mindset education for all children based on the National Curriculum Standards (revised in March 2017), and (3) to initiate the review of various systems, including the Act on Universal Design for Urban Development.
A legal system was developed based on the Universal Design 2020 Action Plan, the Act on Promotion of Smooth Transportation etc. of Elderly Persons, Disabled Persons, etc. (hereinafter referred to as the “Barrier-Free Act”) was revised in May 2018 and fully enforced in April 2019 to realize an inclusive society using the Games as an opportunity. The revised Barrier-Free Act stipulates philosophical provisions that clarify “the realization of an inclusive society” and “the elimination of social barriers”, the establishment of a master plan system that stipulates barrier-free policies to be established by municipalities and the promotion of integrated hardware and software initiatives by public transportation operators, etc.
In addition, the Barrier-Free Act was revised in May 2020 and fully enforced in April 2020 to achieve an inclusive society, etc., and take comprehensive measures to further promote barrier-free access to hardware and software throughout Japan. This amendment adds public elementary and junior high schools to the list of those obligated to comply with barrier-free standards. It obligates public transportation operators to implement soft measures from the perspective of a barrier-free mindset in addition to hard measures.
Given these circumstances, various initiatives have been promoted to realize an inclusive society.
 

（１）Barrier-free mindset education

MEXT included consideration for establishing opportunities for interaction and joint learning with people with disabilities in various subjects, etc., in the National Curriculum Standards that have been implemented sequentially since FY2020, and enhanced guidance to deepen understanding of “barrier-free mind” in various subjects and special activities, etc., including moral studies. Before this, in 2017, guidelines were formulated and disseminated on the formulation of indicators related to the improvement of qualifications of principals and teachers.
In November 2019, a “Barrier-Free Notebook for the Mind” was prepared for classes, published on the MEXT website and shared with boards of education, etc., to promote its nationwide dissemination and utilization.
In addition, with the revision of the Education Personnel Certification Act (November 2016) and the revision of the Regulations for Enforcement of the Act (November 2017), the items to be included in the teacher training program were comprehensively reviewed and taking the course “Understanding of infants, children, and students who require special support” was made mandatory for students enrolled in 2019.
Regarding the promotion of exchanges and joint learning at schools, a “Barrier-Free Mindset Learning Promotion Conference” was held to discuss measures for promoting exchanges and joint learning between children with disabilities and children without disabilities at schools, with a report being compiled in February 2018.
In November 2020, we published the “Online Forum for Exchange and Collaborative Learning,” a compilation of excellent examples of exchange and collaborative learning initiatives implemented throughout Japan that can serve as a reference for local governments to enhance exchange and collaborative learning that contributes to a barrier-free mindset.
Regarding the promotion of a “barrier-free mindset” through sports, etc., at the 18th National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities (October 2008), we promoted integration with the National Sports Festival of Japan as an attempt to achieve a competition where people can share the wonder and excitement of sports regardless of disabilities.
In addition to disseminating information on social media, etc., about sports competitions where participation is allowed regardless of disability, dispatching para-athletes online, distributing messages and videos of para-athletes, and distributing the Japanese version of the IPC-approved teaching material “I’m POSSIBLE” to elementary, junior high, high, and schools for special needs education free of charge. During the Paralympic Games, about 15,000 children and students cheered at the competition venue (Schools Collaboration Spectator Program) and learned about an inclusive society through the activities of Paralympians.

（２）Barrier-free school facilities

The Barrier-Free Act was revised in May 2020, and a part of the Enforcement Order was revised in October of the same year, making public elementary and junior high schools newly subject to the obligation to comply with barrier-free standards when constructing new buildings above a certain size. In December of the same year, MEXT revised the Guidelines for promoting barrier-free school facilities and set a target for maintaining barrier-free facilities in public elementary and junior high schools by the end of 2026.
In addition, the subsidy rate for barrier-free construction of public elementary and junior high schools has been increased from one-third to one-half starting in FY2021, and workshops to raise awareness have been held for school providers nationwide.

• Photo.

Easy-to-use elevators

Easy to move indoor passageways

Toilets that everyone can use
 

（３）Promote sports participation by diverse individuals

The Tokyo 2020 Games allowed diverse people, regardless of nationality, gender, age, and disability, to gather at the same place, compete, and accept each other. The Games were an inspiring experience for people worldwide, deepening mutual understanding and reminding us of the value of an inclusive society. This momentum has created opportunities and awareness for everyone to participate in sports, regardless of nationality, gender, age, and disability.
In particular, we have promoted environmental improvements based on the needs of implementers, such as by disseminating information on facilities developed in the wake of the Tokyo 2020 Games. In addition, at the Tokyo 2020 Games, various professionals with backgrounds in sports medicine and science, including physiotherapists, were assigned to the Olympic Village to support athletes, which received high praise. We have been working to train and utilize a diverse range of human resources as the development of such a supportive environment is important not only for large-scale international competitions but also for the constant support of athletes and eventually to expand into people’s daily sporting situations.
In addition, by taking advantage of the momentum, we are working on comprehensive measures to restore children’s opportunities to play sports that have decreased due to the impact of the spread of the novel coronavirus, and also on comprehensive measures such as continuous efforts to improve physical fitness in schools and measures to ensure sports opportunities in the local community.
 

（４）Promotion of cultural and artistic activities for people with disabilities

Regarding the promotion of cultural and artistic activities for people with disabilities, the “Basic Plan on Promotion of Cultural and Artistic Activities for People with Disabilities” formulated in March 2019 based on the “Act on Promotion of Cultural and Artistic Activities for People with Disabilities” enacted and promulgated in June 2018, calls for various measures including the development of consultation systems, human resource development and information collection. To realize an inclusive society, we promoted cultural and artistic activities for people with disabilities in preparation for the Games, such as opportunities for appreciation by people with disabilities, expansion of creative opportunities, and creation of opportunities to present works, etc.

（５）Future initiatives

Initiatives based on the Universal Design 2020 Action Plan, etc., were reported at the fifth Universal Design 2020 Evaluation Conference held in November 2021, where it was summarized that expanding the initiatives throughout Japan to realize an inclusive society without making such momentum temporary is important and each entity is expected to continue to work together in the future.
Based on the above, we will continue to promote efforts to realize an inclusive society that prides itself on the world, such as a barrier-free mind, based on the new barrier-free development goals that began in FY2021 to realize an inclusive society taking advantage of the Games.

 

 

７ Other priority measures to be taken to inherit and develop the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games

It is important to inherit and develop the achievements of the Tokyo 2020 Games as a legacy, given that the Tokyo 1964 Games created various legacies that remain today.
As described so far, in addition to promoting Olympic and Paralympic education through the dispatch of athletes to schools and the Schools Collaboration Spectator Program, disseminating the appeal of Japanese culture through the Reconstruction Olympics initiatives and cultural programs, building an inclusive society through universal design, including the promotion of barrier-free mindset and facilities, we are expected to create a legacy befitting a mature society that future generations can be proud of and to promote the following five main initiatives.
 

(１)Sustainable improvement of international competitiveness so that the results of the Tokyo 2020 Games will not be temporary

The Japanese national team set an all-time high for gold and total medals at the Tokyo Olympic Games and reached an all-time high even for the Tokyo Paralympic Games. The promotion of measures must be continued to effectively and efficiently enhance Japan’s international competitiveness and ensure that these achievements are not temporary.
Based on the Sustainable International Competitiveness Improvement Plan (December 27, 2021) and the Third Sport Basic Plan (March 25, 2022), we aim to realize an environment where all athletes can realize their potential by establishing a competitiveness improvement support system based on the medium- to long-term strengthening strategy, building athlete development pathways, enhancement of multifaceted and advanced support and training environment through sports medicine and science, information, etc., and building a system to improve regional competitiveness.

（２）Passing on the operational know-how to hold large-scale competitions safely and securely

Hosting international competitions in Japan will not only promote sports, such as creating an environment that contributes to the improvement of Japan’s competitiveness but will also give dreams and inspiration to many people through witnessing the world’s top athletes compete. In addition, holding competitions and events will create social effects, such as fostering community unity and expanding the sports population and interest, and economic benefits, such as an increase in the number of tourists. We have compiled and accumulated operational know-how that enabled the Tokyo 2020 Games to be held safely and securely in Japan even in the extremely difficult circumstances affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, liaising and coordinating with related organizations and providing necessary cooperation and support to ensure the smooth bidding and hosting of the Games.

（３）Regional creation and community development utilizing the increased interest in sports of local people, etc., generated by the Tokyo 2020 Games

The unprecedented increase in interest in sports among local people triggered by the Tokyo 2020 Games will be transformed into a “sports legacy” of regional vitalization and community-building initiatives through sports in each region, which will continue and take root in the future. In addition, by promoting the use of sports to solve local social issues, sports will contribute to the community and society, further broaden the understanding and support of residents and the public for the promotion of sports, and realize a virtuous cycle between the promotion of sports and the promotion of the community.
In addition to utilizing national sports facilities such as national stadiums for sports competitions, the government and JSC will consider ways to actively utilize them so that they become one of the core bases for sports and community development in the region and become a place that is familiar to the public for a long time as a legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
 

 

（４）International exchange and cooperation through sports, using the public-private network developed for the Tokyo 2020 Games

International exchanges and cooperation through sports can promote international mutual understanding and contribute significantly to international peace. Sport for Tomorrow (SFT), a Japan-led initiative since 2014, has delivered the value of sports to approximately 13 million people in 204 countries and regions by the end of September 2021. In the future, we will use the public-private network developed in this project as a legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Games, implement the post-SFT project for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the 20^th Asian Games (2026/Aichi and Nagoya), aiming to demonstrate Japan’s more international presence through international exchange and cooperation in sports and to contribute to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).


SFT Program Activities (1)

SFT Program Activities (2)

（５）Implementation of measures based on issues related to ensuring the physical and mental safety and security of those involved in sports that arose during the Tokyo 2020 Games

The heat stroke and other conditions that threatened the physical and mental safety and security of athletes at the Tokyo 2020 Games will be an issue in general sports activities. Work will be continued to ensure the safety and security of those who participate in sports activities in general, such as thorough measures to protect athletes from heat stroke, etc., and consideration of reviewing health aspects of training and competitions during the summer period, based on the measures taken at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
In addition, in light of the slander and defamation of athletes who participated in the Tokyo 2020 Games, we will work to improve the mental health of athletes by enhancing psychological support and creating an environment in which they can compete with peace of mind.
In addition, we will develop and operate sports facilities in a manner that takes into consideration the safety and security of not only those who “play” sports but also those who “watch” and “support” sports, as well as promote the participation of sports volunteers and others.

＜Column＞

Recent developments in the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games

１.Activities of the Japanese National Team at the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games
The Beijing Olympic Games were held from February 4 to February 20, 2022, with 109 events in 7 sports, and the Beijing Paralympic Games were held from March 4 to March 13, with 78 events in 6 sports. A total of 124 athletes from Japan participated in the Olympic Games, winning 18 medals, including 3 gold, 6 silver, and 9 bronze medals, the most ever in the history of the Winter Olympics. In addition, 29 athletes from Japan participated in the Paralympic Games, winning a total of 7 medals (4 gold, 1 silver, and 2 bronze), the second-highest number of gold medals ever won in the Paralympic Games, following the 1998 Nagano Games. Japan was excited to see Japan’s national athletes perform on the big stage, with multiple medalists winning multiple medals, including gold, in both Games.
 

２.Bid for the 2030 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games Sapporo
Since February 2020, the City of Sapporo and the JOC have continuously negotiated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to bid for the 2030 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. On November 29, 2021, Sapporo City released the “Outline of the 2030 Hokkaido Sapporo Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games (Draft),” presenting a vision for the Games, revenue and expenditure plans, venue plans, and other information. In March 2022, Sapporo City surveyed Hokkaido residents and Sapporo citizens to determine their preferences regarding bidding for the Games.

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