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1000 days until the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games Countdown events are heating up
On November 29, marking 1000 days until the opening of the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, the countdown event "Everyone's Tokyo 2020 1000 Days to Go!" (Hosted by the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, Co-hosted by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government) was held at Tokyo Skytree Town in Sumida Ward. During the ceremony, athletes participated in talk sessions. A special lighting ceremony illuminated Tokyo Skytree in red, blue, and green, heightening anticipation for 2020.
At the start of the ceremony, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike stated, "This will be the second time the Paralympics are held in Tokyo, and the first time in the same city. Isn't this truly a sign of a mature city and nation? Toshiaki Endo, acting president of the organizing committee, emphasized the importance of leaving a legacy and urged, "Please come to the venues and witness the amazing performances." Shunichi Suzuki, Minister in charge of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, also expressed his determination for the Games' success.
After a video message from Andrew Parsons, President of the International Paralympic Committee, the athletes declared their goals for the 1000 days leading up to the Games. Wheelchair basketball player Takuya Furusawa said, "I will show my best play on the greatest stage!" Badminton player Mamiko Toyoda said, "I will give courage and inspiration to people around the world!" Swimmer Mei Ichinose wrote "Podium," track and field athlete Saki Takakuwa wrote "I want to give everyone a Tokyo souvenir of inspiration," and judoka Kento Masaki wrote " I want to win and show the appeal of Paralympic judo!!" on their boards to express their determination. Musician YOSHIKI, participating in the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee's "ONE TEAM PROJECT" (*), declared "X Nothing is impossible," expressing his hope for the boundless potential of the Paralympic athletes.
※" ONE TEAM PROJECT "... A special project where various creators and innovators representing Japan (cultural figures, artists, scholars, etc.) express their individual thoughts towards TOKYO 2020.
At the Tokyo Skytree special lighting ceremony, Governor Koike, YOSHIKI, Minister Suzuki, Acting Chairman Endo, Japan Disabled Sports Association/Japan Paralympic Committee Chairman Mitsunori Torihara, and athlete Toyoda took the stage. Touching the ball on stage in unison with the chant, the Tokyo Skytree and the ball on stage were illuminated in the three colors—red, blue, and green—used in the Paralympic symbol, the "Three Agitos."
After the lighting, on stage, athlete Masaki introduced judo, while Governor Koike highlighted the appeal of Paralympic sports and called on attendees to support para sports.
Partner companies also engaged in diverse activities
At the event, Tokyo 2020 partner companies held various initiatives throughout Tokyo Skytree Town. They hosted experience sessions and exhibitions to promote understanding of the sports, and shared their unique initiatives supporting the competitions.
Three companies set up booths at Sky Arena. The JXTG Energy ENEOS booth featured a photo spot with their mascot "Enegori-kun" and gave away merchandise. The NTT DOCOMO booth showcased a new style of sports viewing using cutting-edge communication technology, demonstrated through fencing. Meiji introduced its Tokyo 2020 Official Product "Meiji Procal" and its "Smile Relay Project" initiative. This project uses a portion of sales to donate sports equipment to elementary schools nationwide, aiming to create smiles for children together.
At Solamachi Plaza, Nomura Holdings, LIXIL, and Ajinomoto set up booths. Nomura Holdings introduced Paralympic sports like boccia, while LIXIL offered a sports prosthetic fitting experience corner. Ajinomoto featured a five-a-side soccer (blind soccer) experience corner and introduced its athlete support activities.
Three companies exhibited at Space 634. Bridgestone showcased its technical support initiatives for athletes through panels and videos. Panasonic and Tobu Top Tours jointly set up a booth featuring a "Boccia Entertainment Experience Corner" incorporating the latest digital technologies, including video presentations.
Four companies held events at Hanami-zaka Plaza. KNT-CT Holdings hosted an experience session where participants transferred from wheelchairs to rickshaws using assistive devices. All Nippon Airways collected messages for the 1000-day countdown and distributed merchandise. Mitsubishi Electric introduced its "Mitsubishi Electric Going Up Campaign," which aims to promote understanding of an inclusive society through sports for people with disabilities. Mainichi Newspapers presented visitors with commemorative special editions featuring their photos.
In addition to these, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the Organizing Committee set up booths and panel displays within Tokyo Skytree Town. On the special stage, an exchange program utilizing the International Paralympic Committee's official educational material "I'mPOSSIBLE" was also held for elementary school children.
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