1964 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 50th Anniversary: Diverse Events Commence

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), in collaboration with the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, will hold a "Commemorative Week" from October 6 to 12, featuring various events to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Tokyo Games.

The key message is "The Power of Sport, Towards the Future."

 		 
 	From left: Athlete Murata, Chairman Takeda, Takashi Ono (prominent gymnast in the 1950s-60s), and Paralympian Junichi Kawai (swimming)	 

 

 

On the opening day, the 6th, an opening ceremony was held at Marunouchi Oazo in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda stated in his address, "Through this event, we hope many people will understand the wonder and value of sports, while also looking back 50 years and building anticipation for 2020."

A replica of the National Stadium's cauldron, identical in size, was also displayed at the venue. Boxer Ryota Murata remarked, "Just imagining the flame being lit gets me excited. I'm looking forward to seeing what the cauldron for the 2020 Games will be like." Other exhibits include original posters and medals from the 1964 Games, uniforms, and newspaper pages from the era (on display until the 12th). Additionally, from the 7th to the 9th, an "Athlete Talk Show" will feature Olympians past and present sharing memories of the Olympics from the 1964 Tokyo Games to the present.

	 
	 

 

 

On the 11th, a "Memorial March & Memorial Run" will be held at Komazawa Park in Tokyo. Following a parade of general participants and Olympians/Paralympians paying homage to the 1964 Games' opening ceremony, the event will feature a jogging course run together.

Additionally, on both the 11th and 12th, the "Sports Expo Tokyo 2014" (hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and others) will be held at Komazawa Park and the National Showa Memorial Park in Tachikawa City, Tokyo. Many programs are planned, including opportunities to experience Olympic and Paralympic events, a 32-kilometer walk connecting both parks as a special 50th-anniversary event, and sports showdowns between athletes and comedians.

"50th Anniversary Week" Website: http://tokyo1964.jp/
Sports Expo website: http://www.sports-expo.jp/