Dispatching 1,069 athletes, coaches, and staff members Asian Games Japanese Team Formation Ceremony

Ahead of the 17th Asian Games (2014/Incheon), opening on September 19 (hosted by the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA)), the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) held the "Japanese National Team Formation Ceremony" on September 14 at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The Games are the largest sporting festival for the Asian region, held every four years. The first Summer Games took place in New Delhi, India, in 1951. Japan has hosted Summer Games in Tokyo (1958) and Hiroshima (1994).

This year's Games will be held over 16 days until October 4, centered in Incheon, South Korea. Approximately 13,000 athletes from 45 countries and regions will participate. A total of 36 sports and 439 events will be contested, including 28 Olympic sports such as swimming and athletics, and 8 unique Asian Games sports such as baseball and bowling.

 

  Japan is sending its second-largest delegation ever, totaling 1,069 people: 712 athletes and 357 coaches and staff. His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino attended the team formation ceremony, joined by 659 athletes and officials. JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda stated, "This is a high-level competition where it is said that 'conquering Asia leads to the world.' I urge you to carry the pride and awareness of being part of Team Japan, striving not only in competition but also in conduct worthy of representing our nation." Under the guidance of team captain Hiromi Miyake (weightlifting), the flag bearer Kaori Kawanaka (archery) was presented with the team flag. This marks the first time in history that both the captain and flag bearer are female athletes.

	 
 	 	Ambassador Kim (second from left) and other guests

 

His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino stated, "I hope you will give your all in the competitions, deepen exchanges with participants from various Asian regions, and contribute to international goodwill."

Guest Kim Won-jin, Minister of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Japan, stated, "The slogan of the Games is 'Breath of Peace, Future of Asia.' I hope it becomes a place of true friendship for all people of Asia."

Athlete Miyake declared his resolve: "I want to perform well that will lead to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro and 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games."

From left: Head Coach Takada, Captain Miyake, Team Leader Aoki, Flag Bearer Kawanaka, Deputy Team Leader Kozo Tajima

 

At the press conference, Team Leader Tsuyoshi Aoki (JOC Vice President) stated the goal is to win medals in all 28 Olympic sports. He added, "We hope promising athletes capable of delivering results in six years will emerge." Head Coach Yuji Takada remarked, "We see this as a crucial opportunity to see how competitive we can be in Rio, rather than focusing solely on the number of medals."

 

Coverage will be provided by the TBS network during prime time for approximately 80 hours throughout the Games. NHK will also broadcast, primarily with live coverage on BS1.

Official Games Website: www.incheon2014ag.org/index
JOC Games Site: www.joc.or.jp/games/asia/2014/
TBS Broadcast Site: www.tbs.co.jp/asiangames/
NHK: www1.nhk.or.jp/sports/asiangames/