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PyeongChang Olympics Closing Ceremony Japanese athletes' outstanding performance sets momentum for 2020
On February 25, the PyeongChang Olympics concluded after a 17-day schedule.
(Photo: Fort Kishimoto)
Japan won a total of 13 medals: 4 gold, 5 silver, and 4 bronze in freestyle skiing, snowboarding, ski jumping, speed skating, Nordic combined, figure skating, and curling. This marks Japan's highest medal count in Winter Olympics history, providing momentum for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Nao Kodaira, captain of the Japanese delegation and gold medalist in the women's 500m speed skating, stated at a press conference upon her return to Japan on the 26th: "We set 'a profusion of blooming flowers' as our goal for the Games, and many athletes truly blossomed across numerous events. I want to keep challenging myself so I can pass the baton to the athletes competing in the upcoming Paralympics and the 2020 Tokyo Games."
■ Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony commenced at 8:00 PM at the PyeongChang Olympic Stadium. Themed "Next Wave," it conveyed a message of "coexisting and acknowledging each other's differences."
Instead of a formal parade, athletes entered in groups representing their countries and regions. Towards the end, athletes from all nations descended onto the field to dance to music, creating a consistently warm and festive atmosphere throughout the ceremony.
The Olympic flag was handed over during the Flag Handover Ceremony from IOC President Thomas Bach to the Mayor of Beijing, the host city for the next Games. Beijing then presented an approximately 8-minute performance featuring dancers and robots. Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered a video message stating, "The Chinese people welcome everyone from around the world. See you in Beijing in 2022."
The stadium's Olympic flame was extinguished with a visual effect of snowflakes ascending toward the cauldron.
■ TV Ratings (Video Research Ltd., Kanto Region)
Both commercial broadcasters and NHK focused their coverage on live broadcasts of key events. Combined with strong performances by Japanese athletes, this resulted in high viewership ratings.
On February 17, NHK General's live broadcast of the men's figure skating free skate, where Yuzuru Hanyu won gold, averaged 33.9% viewership, with a peak instant rating of 46.0%.
The TBS network's live broadcast of the women's 500m speed skating on the 18th averaged 21.4%. The peak rating hit 34.6% immediately after Nao Kodaira secured the gold medal.
Furthermore, the women's curling bronze medal match (February 24, NHK General TV), where Japan won its first-ever medal in the sport, recorded high ratings with an average of 25% and a peak of 42.3%.
■ Japan House (Photo: Tokyo 2020)
The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, which will host the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in two years, opened the "Tokyo 2020 JAPAN HOUSE" in the Gangneung area, where indoor competition venues are concentrated, during the PyeongChang Games.
showcasing the appeal of the Tokyo Games and the city through seven content areas, including PR corners for the Tokyo Games and Tokyo, and Japanese cultural experience zones.
Since opening on February 9th, spectators, athletes, media, and Games officials visited, making it a huge success every day. Particularly popular were "THE TOKYO TRAVELLERS Corner," the "Image Photo Corner for Additional Games Sports," and the "Japanese Culture Experience Corner," attracting over 120,000 visitors over the 17 days.
The House will also be open during the Paralympic Games period (March 9–18).
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