That "Tokyo Olympics Ondo" is being remade and revived for 2020!
On July 24, three years before the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games held a presentation for the "Tokyo Olympic Ondo -2020-" at Toranomon Hills Oval Plaza in Minato Ward, Tokyo.
This Ondo is a remake of the "Tokyo Olympic Ondo" (lyrics by Takashi Miyata, music by Masao Koga), originally created as the theme song for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and famously performed by the late singer Haruo Sanba and others, reimagined for the 2020 Games. The Organizing Committee aims to build momentum for the Games by encouraging people nationwide to sing and dance to it at summer festivals and Bon dances.
A stage designed to evoke a bon dance atmosphere was set up at the venue. The event proceeded with lively banter between host Ichiro Furudate and entertainer Terry Ito. Both wore yukata from the recently launched official Tokyo 2020 merchandise line, commenting, "They're airy and comfortable," and appeared in high spirits.
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Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori revealed, "The yukata and happi coats were Minister Marukawa's idea." When Minister of State for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Tamayo Marukawa stated, "I suggested that summer in Japan is all about festivals," Chairman Mori drew laughter by adding, "We managed to commercialize them by juggling the limited budget."
Taking the stage in yukata were actress Anne Nakamura, TV/radio personality Chris Peppler, Olympians Homare Sawa (soccer) and Maharu Yoshimura (table tennis), and Paralympians Aki Taguchi (shooting) and Takuro Yamada (swimming).
The singers performing the lead vocals were announced as Yuzo Kayama, Pistol Takehara, and Sayuri Ishikawa, following an intro quiz.
Under the slogan "HAPPY & PEACE," the Ondo featured rearranged parts of the original lyrics for 2020 and added a fifth verse. New choreography was also created so people of all ages and abilities, regardless of disability, could enjoy dancing together.
Mr. Kayama and Mr. Takehara sent video messages: "I couldn't match Mr. Sanba's phrasing, but I sang my heart out. The Olympics symbolize happiness and peace. I'm so happy to sing this Ondo," and "I sang my hardest to match the fighting spirit and passion of the athletes challenging their limits. I'm grateful for this precious opportunity."
Sayuri Ishikawa arrived at the venue dressed in a kimono. Her obi sash drew attention, introduced as featuring Hawaiian fabric with embroidery of surfing, the new Olympic sport.
Ishikawa shared memories of the Tokyo Olympics from her childhood, saying, "I hope visitors to Japan can experience Japanese culture and music. And as we look toward 2020, I wish for all of Japan to be full of energy and for wonderful dreams to spread."
Part of the Ondo dance choreography was demonstrated by its creator, Shigeta Ide. The full version of the song and dance will be released on the Tokyo 2020 official YouTube channel on August 4.
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