The "Tokyo 2020 Participation Program" is finally kicking off in earnest!
Takaki Ishikawa
Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee
Let's all participate nationwide and get the whole country excited!
The Tokyo 2020 Participation Program allows various regions and organizations to get involved ahead of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Ahead of its full launch in July, we spoke with Takaki Ishikawa, Director of Action & Legacy at the Games Organizing Committee, about the program's content and significance.
(Director, Action & Legacy Department, Planning and Finance Bureau, Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee)
Organizations nationwide will energize the Tokyo 2020 Games
──What exactly is the Tokyo 2020 Participation Program?
It's a participatory program for the Games targeting local governments and organizations nationwide. Based on set guidelines, we award marks to actions (events/initiatives) undertaken by regions and organizations. Under this banner, we aim to build excitement across all of Japan and create a legacy for the Games.
──What types of organizations can participate?
There are two types of programs: "Official Programs" and "Support Programs." Official Programs are for national entities, host cities, venue-related municipalities, partner companies, etc. Support Programs, on the other hand, are open to local governments nationwide (excluding those directly related to venues) and a wide range of non-profit organizations. We solicit actions from these participants, and after certification, they can use the respective mark for each program.
──Are the certified actions primarily sports-related?
Not necessarily limited to sports. Actions falling under eight themes (Sports & Health, Community Development, Sustainability, Culture, Education, Economy & Technology, Reconstruction, and Global Outreach) are eligible. Ideally, these are initiatives that local residents can participate in and that continue beyond the Games.
──How many actions have been certified so far?
Since last fall, we've been accepting applications for the official program and a support program for some organizations. Over 9,000 actions have been certified. Starting this summer, we'll fully open applications for the support program through our website and other channels.
The "connections" between participating organizations and regions
──What significance does this hold for participating regions and organizations?
As this is a global event, we hope it will be an opportunity for as many people as possible to get involved and create diverse connections. Regarding connections with the Tokyo 2020 Games, we plan to feature participating organizations on the official Organizing Committee website and hold related events for the participation program just before the Games. Connections will also likely form between participating organizations themselves and between local participants. Furthermore, we believe this will create a connection to the future, as it can serve as a catalyst for ongoing action beyond 2020.
──What kind of results and feedback have you received from organizations already participating?
Feedback from each organization on this initiative is still in the process of being gathered. However, a similar program was implemented for the London 2012 Games, with many partner companies and organizations participating. At that time, they seemed to recognize the benefit of being able to widely communicate their social activities through the program.
──So the hope is that they'll make good use of that aspect too.
Exactly. That said, the fundamental desire remains: "We want everyone to connect and get excited together." This major event, held for the first time in 56 years. We want partner companies and many other organizations to participate with programs leveraging their respective strengths in culture, education, sports, and more. We aim to build momentum together towards 2020 and create a lasting legacy afterwards.
Tokyo 2020 Participation Program Mark
Two types of marks. Certified actions can be used on posters, websites, banners, etc.
Introducing examples of actions already underway, organized by theme!
〈Sports & Health〉
Wrestling & Mat Exercise Experience Class
Hosted by Itabashi Ward, Tokyo, and held at elementary schools within the ward. This initiative aims to promote wrestling among elementary school-aged children by letting them experience the unique mat exercises of the sport, which enhance flexibility and explosive power while introducing the joy of physical activity. It also provides opportunities to interact with top athletes, fostering excitement for the Tokyo 2020 Games.
〈Community Development〉
Mitsui Fudosan Sports Academy
A sports academy established by Mitsui Fudosan to practice community building utilizing "the power of sports." Top athletes serve as instructors, allowing children to experience Olympic and Paralympic sports. Operating in elementary and junior high schools and commercial facilities across various regions, it aims to build local communities based on the connections formed among children there. Furthermore, it strives to pass on these communities as a legacy of community building for the future.
〈Sustainability〉
Everyone's Medal Project
A project to create the approximately 5,000 gold, silver, and bronze medals used at the Tokyo 2020 Games from recycled metals collected nationwide. Recyclable small appliances like mobile phones and computers are collected via collection boxes in participating municipalities, various events, and home delivery services by certified businesses. The project is scheduled to conclude once the raw materials for the medals are secured, but it aims to serve as a catalyst for building sustainable societal systems.
〈Culture〉〈Education〉
Performance Kids Tokyo
Organized by Arts Council Tokyo (Tokyo Metropolitan Foundation for History and Culture) and the NPO "Artists and Children". Dispatches professional contemporary artists active in dance, theater, music, and other fields to elementary and junior high schools, halls, and cultural facilities within Tokyo. Conducts approximately 10-day workshops to create original stage productions where children take the lead roles. Concludes with a performance presentation of the work. Invites parents and local community members to showcase the workshop's achievements.
〈Economy & Technology〉
Tokyo 2020 Ideathon
An event where students brainstorm and compete with ideas addressing various challenges in preparing for and operating the Tokyo 2020 Games. The first event was held on November 27, 2016, gathering 33 students nationwide under the theme "Let's Energize the Paralympics with Technology." Participants formed teams and presented ideas to enhance the enjoyment of watching wheelchair basketball. Similar events will continue to be held, aiming to foster next-generation technology.
〈Recovery〉
Starting from Fukushima. "Regional Treasures" Folk Performing Arts Succession Project
Organized by Fukushima Prefecture and the "Hometown Festival Executive Committee," this project aims to preserve and develop folk performing arts. To boost the motivation of folk performing arts practitioners, the "Hometown Festival" provides performance opportunities to showcase "Fukushima's Folk Performing Arts." Additionally, support is provided to performing arts preservation groups facing difficulties in continuing their activities. Comprehensive support for each preservation group includes training programs for practitioners and dispatching experts for regional information sessions.
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Author
Takaki Ishikawa
Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee
In January 2015, seconded from a partner company to the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee. Served as Director of the Action & Legacy Department (Economy & Technology) before assuming the current position.