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Off to Rio! Japanese National Team Holds Formation Ceremony and Farewell Party 10,000 Supporters Gather (Video Available)
The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) held a team formation ceremony and send-off party for the Japanese delegation competing in the Rio Olympics at the National Yoyogi Stadium in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on July 3rd.
■ Team Formation Ceremony
Approximately 300 athletes, officials, and related personnel attended the ceremony held in the Second Gymnasium, presided over by Their Imperial Highnesses the Crown Prince and Princess.
JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda announced that a delegation of over 500 people, including over 300 athletes and officials led by Team Leader Seiko Hashimoto, would be sent to the Games, the first to be held on the South American continent. He stated, "I hope our athletes will give their all in competition and strive for international goodwill, conveying to the world the vibrant image of Japan as we look toward the 2020 Tokyo Games. Furthermore, the achievements of Japanese athletes in Brazil, home to the world's largest Japanese community, will deepen the bonds between our two nations. Do your best!"
On stage, track and field athlete Keisuke Ushiro, serving as flag bearer, and wrestler Saori Yoshida, the first female captain for a Summer Games, received the delegation flag from Team Leader Hashimoto.
His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince stated, "I hope all participants will compete with the world's elite through sport and deepen friendships. Please take care of your health and fully demonstrate the results of your training. I believe your achievements will contribute to the success of the Tokyo Games."
Ambassador André Araújo Coelho do Lago of the Brazilian Embassy in Japan offered congratulations: "In 2016, Japan and Brazil will build a bridge to pass on the Olympic and Paralympic Games under the slogan 'From Rio to Tokyo'. Our athletes will be the pioneers crossing this bridge. I hope you will win many medals and bring back wonderful memories of Brazil. Godspeed."
Team Leader Hashimoto stated, "I feel a deep sense of responsibility in being appointed Team Japan's leader. Conditioning is key for this Games, and we are preparing to minimize stress for the athletes. We will do our utmost to ensure the public and the national team share this passion."
Captain Yoshida expressed his resolve: "I am proud to be selected for the Japanese national team and will head to Rio with awareness and responsibility. In competition, I will perform at my absolute best. As the team representing the next host nation, I want to convey Japan's culture, spirit, and courtesy. I pledge to approach the Games so that they become a tournament remembered in records and memories for each athlete, and so that we can deliver Japan's image and smiles to the people of our nation and the entire world."
■ Send-off Ceremony
Following the team formation ceremony, the venue shifted to Gymnasium 1 for the send-off event "Deliver Courage 2016: Rio Olympics Japanese National Team Support Event" (Related article: "Deliver Courage 2016"Public Participants Sought for Rio Olympics Japanese Team Support Event[2016.04.18]) was held. Approximately 10,000 people, including 2,000 public participants, cheered on the team. Children were particularly noticeable among the attendees.
As the delegation began entering, participants sent loud cheers, instantly heating up the venue. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe sent a video message, recalling the 1964 Tokyo Games: "I hope the athletes give their all and show their best performance. Their success will be a huge boost for the Tokyo Games. Go Japan!"
Cheering Squad Leader Shuzo Matsuoka and supporter/talent Ruriko Kojima appeared at the venue. A massive flag measuring 10 meters tall and 8 meters wide, displayed on the stage, was introduced.
Approximately 4,300 children from 78 schools and 12 organizations participated in creating the flag. It features a giant "hand" made of the children's colorful handprints and messages for the athletes, symbolizing the delivery of courage.
On stage, Mr. Matsuoka and children from Musashino City Sakaiminami Elementary School took the stage. To the beat of Mr. Matsuoka's taiko drumming and passionate chants, the venue united in unison, shouting "Deliver it!" - "Courage!" - "Do your best!" - "Nippon!" and cheering on the athletes with loud voices and clapping.
The event's climax featured folk duo Yuzu performing "Bridge of Glory" and "Summer Color." During the encore of "Summer Color," all athletes joined them on stage to sing and dance together, creating the day's most electrifying moment.
Team Captain Hashimoto expressed his gratitude, stating, "Today, we received tremendous courage from all of you. Now it's our turn to deliver courage from Rio. We hope you will continue to send messages of support to the athletes."
■ Press Conference
The final press conference of the day was attended by Head Coach Yuji Takada, Deputy Team Leader Yasuhiro Yamashita, Team Leader Hashimoto, Captain Yoshida, and Flag Bearer Ushiro.
Head Coach Takada stated the medal target: aiming for over 14 gold medals, primarily in judo, swimming, gymnastics, and fencing, with a total of over 30 medals. Flag bearer Ushiro stated, "It is an honor to serve as flag bearer. I want to march proudly and boost the morale of the Japanese athletes." When asked about a potential performance if they achieved a fourth consecutive gold, Captain Yoshida replied, "That's something we can only do if we win, so I'll just focus on the competition." Deputy Team Leader Yamashita commented on having the first female captain: "I don't think there could be a more suitable person. Captain Yoshida herself showing her fighting spirit is also part of her duty as captain."
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