Symposium Held Aiming to Realize "Sports Island Okinawa"

On November 13, Okinawa Prefecture and the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau held a symposium titled "Toward Realizing Okinawa as a Sports Island Open to Asia and the World: Establishing the Okinawa Sports Commission (Provisional Name)" at the Times Building in Naha City.

The event began with a press conference announcing the establishment of the "Sports Commission Okinawa (Provisional Name) Preparatory Office." The office's creation, aimed at further developing sports tourism and realizing the vision of a Sports Island, was introduced, along with the "Sports Island Okinawa" logo mark.

During the talk session "Okinawa Running and Sports Environment," Naoko Takahashi, Sydney Olympics women's marathon gold medalist and Director of the Japan Tourism Agency Runners Information Institute, took the stage. She stated, "Okinawa is warm even in winter, allowing sports enjoyment year-round. For runners especially, it's wonderful to be able to run with supple muscles even in winter. With beautiful nature and enjoyable areas like Kokusai Street, it's perfect for a change of pace. I hope not only athletes but also the general public will come."

Representing Okinawa Prefecture, Vice Governor Kurayoshi Takara read a message from Governor Hirokazu Nakaima: "To further develop sports tourism, establishing an administrative office that serves as a one-stop reception point and integrates competitive sports, lifelong sports, and sports conventions is highly significant."

Following this, Mr. Munekazu Harada, Chairman of the Sports Tourism Promotion Organization, delivered a keynote speech on the theme of "Regional Revitalization through Sports Tourism." He stated, "The establishment of the Sports Commission is fostering regional sports development and revitalizing the local economy. I hope to see Okinawa-style sports flourish."

Finally, a panel discussion titled "The Potential for Okinawa's Development Through Sports: Aiming for a Vibrant Okinawa Prefecture" was held, featuring seven experts on sports tourism, including representatives from the Japan Tourism Agency, Okinawa Prefecture, and the Okinawa Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Prior to this symposium, on November 12th, an event took place on Kouri Island in Nakijin Village, Okinawa Prefecture. Director Takahashi jogged with local elementary school students along the "Road Running Over the Sea," a course certified by the Japan Tourism Agency Runners Information Institute. After running across the bridge spanning Kouri Island, Takahashi expressed his excitement: expressed his excitement: "I was amazed by the beautiful emerald sea on both sides of the bridge. I really want runners to see this view. It's a highly recommended course."