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Under the Tokyo Sky "Culture Olympiad Night" Held
The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Cultural Olympiad Night Executive Committee held the Tokyo 2020 Participation Program "Cultural Olympiad Night" on November 26, during the "1000 Days to GO!" month, on Gyoko-dori in front of Tokyo Station.
This program was held during the period connecting 1,000 days before the opening of both the Olympic and Paralympic Games to build anticipation for the "Tokyo 2020 Nippon Festival," scheduled to take place between around April and September 2020.
Reflecting that both Games are not only sporting events but also "cultural festivals," the Festival will focus on culture and the arts. Led by the Organizing Committee, it calls for participation from numerous stakeholders, including the national government, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, local governments nationwide, and sponsor companies. It will feature diverse events and activities accessible to everyone. This is an all-Japan effort to showcase "Japan's appeal" to the world.
Tokyo 2020 Participation Program: https://participation.tokyo2020.jp/
On the day, Sherry, a TV personality serving as the host and a member of the Organizing Committee's Culture and Education Committee, took the stage overlooking the illuminated Tokyo Station. In Part 1, titled "Tokyo 2020 DIALOGUE," moderated by director Amon Miyamoto, participants included kabuki actor Ebizo Ichikawa, creative director Yoshiaki Sawabe, and actress Tamayo Kusakari, who discussed the Games' cultural program.
Ebizo stated, "I want to start by uncovering strengths that Japanese people themselves may not recognize. For example, our punctuality, orderliness, and meticulous national character can also connect to 'hospitality'. I want to approach this not as if 2020 is the goal, but with the mindset that it's the starting point."
Sawabe emphasized, "The key word is 'diversity,' but it's not just about having variation. What's important is that these elements blend together to create something new. Based on that, we need to see how much of what is uniquely Japanese we can share." Kusakari added, "When considering barrier-free design, the best approach is to directly hear the voices and opinions of people with disabilities. Building on that, we want to aim for a comfortable society together with able-bodied people. Opening our hearts to society through the Games will lead to significant discoveries."
Part 2 featured the "Tokyo 2020 ALL JAPAN CONCERT," centered around a performance by the Tokyo New City Orchestra. (Planned and organized by Amon Miyamoto) The concert opened with the "Tokyo Olympic Fanfare." Collaborations with violinist Emiri Miyamoto and soprano Mari Moriya presented "You Raise Me Up" and the "Olympic Hymn."
"Chariots of Fire" showcased a magnificent harmony, combining musician MIYAVI's guitar, the performance of dancer Mitsushi Ohmae (who uses a prosthetic leg), and taiko drumming.
"We Will Rock You" featured the powerful vocals of gospel singer Emiko Suzuki, enhanced by the martial arts performance of young karateka dancers and the dance by the Komagawa High School Dance Club, energizing the venue.
Towards the end, folk duo Yuzu made a surprise guest appearance. They passionately sang "Bridge of Glory" with high school students from Fukushima and Miyagi Prefectures, and finally, "Wonderful World" with all performers.
Voices yearning for the Festival of Peace echoed through the Tokyo night sky.
Organizing Committee Official Website: https://tokyo2020.jp/jp/
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