Note: This website was automatically translated, so some terms or nuances may not be completely accurate.
EF Education First Japan Official Language Training Partner for Tokyo 2020
EF Education First Japan, the Japanese subsidiary of international education provider EF Education First (EF), signed a Tokyo 2020 sponsorship agreement with the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games on July 5th, becoming the Official Language Training Partner.
Founded in Sweden in 1965, the company provides educational programs focused on language learning and cross-cultural understanding in 53 countries worldwide. It established its first Asian subsidiary in Tokyo in 1973.
It previously served as an Official Supplier for the 1988 Seoul Games and the 2008 Beijing Games, and also handled language training for this year's Rio Olympic and Paralympic Games. Its involvement with the Olympics will mark its sixth Games at the Tokyo event.
A press conference was held the same day at the Embassy of Sweden in Tokyo's Minato Ward.
Ambassador Magnus Löback stated, "The Tokyo Games present a valuable opportunity to rediscover Japan. I am grateful that a Swedish company is involved. I am confident that their services will further promote English in Japan and contribute to the Games' success."
Eva Cockum, President of EF Headquarters, stated, "Language skills contribute to rich cultural exchange and understanding. We want to provide various services to athletes, volunteers, and organizing committee staff. Our company shares the spirit of the Olympic Movement and has a mission to create a more open world through education. We want to contribute to a wonderful Games and the legacy that will remain in Japan afterward."
Japan President Junnosuke Nakamura explained specific initiatives, such as providing Organizing Committee staff with English training focused on Games competitions and Japanese training for international staff. He cited the example of language services currently being provided to 10,000 taxi drivers in Rio ahead of the Rio Olympics.
Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori expressed high expectations for the company's language training, noting that approximately 80,000 volunteers and around 7,000 Organizing Committee staff will ultimately be involved in running the Games. He emphasized that language skills are indispensable for communicating with people with disabilities, particularly during the Paralympics, stating, "The success of the Olympic and Paralympic Games hinges on language."
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
