Toyota Motor Corporation signed a presenting partnership agreement with the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee for the Olympic Torch Relay on November 30.
The company is also a Worldwide Partner of the International Olympic Committee and the International Paralympic Committee.
The Olympic Torch Relay sponsorship program has three tiers, with Presenting Partner being the highest level. This status grants rights to conduct the torchbearer recruitment campaign and use the official designation and marks.
The Olympic flame, lit from the sun's rays at Ancient Olympia, Greece, in March 2020, will arrive at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Matsushima Base in Miyagi Prefecture on the 20th of that month. It will be displayed as the "Flame of Recovery" in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima Prefectures. Departing Fukushima Prefecture on the 26th, it will travel throughout Japan until the Opening Ceremony on July 24.
President Akio Toyoda stated, "The torch relay begins in Tohoku, the disaster-affected region marking its 10th year since the earthquake. We have positioned Tohoku as a key production base and worked alongside local communities toward recovery through automobile manufacturing. Under the torch relay's concept of 'Connecting Paths of Hope,' we believe Toyota, having walked alongside those fighting for recovery, can convey unique messages of hope and gratitude. We will engage as One Toyota to deepen bonds with Japan and the world through this relay, energizing the Olympic Movement."
Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori commented, "Toyota Motor Corporation is already cooperating as the Mobility Partner for the Tokyo 2020 Games. The Torch Relay will travel across Japan for 121 days, with many runners and staff moving to pass the flame. Having their support to realize a safe, secure, and comfortable relay is very reassuring."
