2020 days until the Tokyo Olympics! Starting alongside the new adults!
On January 12, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the first countdown event, "Everyone's Start! 2020 Days to Tokyo 2020," at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Citizens' Plaza in Shinjuku Ward.
The event coincided with Coming of Age Day and marked 2020 days before the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony (July 24, 2020). It aimed to gather new adults and help them enjoyably kick off their journey toward the Tokyo Games and the future.
At the plaza, approximately 700 attendees, including new adults dressed in furisode kimonos and suits, joined together to form the human letters "2020." They then struck a victory pose as they shouted "Everyone's Start!"
Organizing Committee Director and Sports Director Hiroyuki Murofushi addressed the new adults: "As internationalization advances further, I hope you will open your minds, improve yourselves, and learn many things. Please lend your strength to the Tokyo Games."
From left: Athletes Yamaguchi Kanahiro (swimming), Seto Daiya (swimming), Ogino, Sato Akiho (gymnastics), and Fujii Miho (cycling)
Newly adult athletes took the stage. Under the lighthearted hosting of sportscaster Shuzo Matsuoka, each announced "What I'm starting today."
Amidst athlete-like resolutions like "Advance daily" and "Defeat myself," swimmer Kosuke Hagino announced, "I'm starting calligraphy practice," sparking excitement in the venue.
This event was held in collaboration with Morioka City (Iwate Prefecture), Ishinomaki City (Miyagi Prefecture), and Minamisoma City (Fukushima Prefecture). Olympians and Paralympians participated as guests at the Coming-of-Age ceremonies held in each city on January 11th, cheering on the new adults.
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