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Olympic and Paralympic Flag After completing its nationwide tour, it triumphantly returns to Tokyo.
On March 30, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), and the Japanese Paralympic Committee (JPC) jointly held the "Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Flag Tour Final Event ~Tokyo 2020 500 Days to Go!~" at Tokyo Station Marunouchi Central Plaza in Chiyoda Ward.
The Olympic and Paralympic Flags have been touring Japan since October 2016, traveling via two routes (north and south) through all 62 wards, cities, towns, and villages in Tokyo, the three prefectures affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, and other prefectures, with the aim of building momentum for the 2020 Games.
The event celebrated the return of both flags to Tokyo after completing their nationwide tour, which began in Yamanashi Prefecture on March 3.
On stage, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike, JOC Secretary General Toshiro Muto, JOC Vice President Eisuke Hiraoka, JPC Chairman Mitsunori Toriwara, guest Yoshitaka Sakurada, Minister in charge of the Games, and guest Olympian Saori Yoshida. As the four members of TOKIO, serving as Special Ambassadors, raised both flags and began marching toward the stage, the crowd erupted in loud cheers.
Governor Koike stated, "The flag we brought back from Rio three years ago has toured the nation and played a significant role. Today, as we celebrate the flag's triumphant return, I hope everyone enjoys the talk show, competition demonstrations, and hands-on experiences. Many people have already contributed through volunteer efforts and the Medal Project. I ask for your continued cooperation for next year's torch relay."
Minister Sakurada remarked, "Seeing so many visitors here, I truly feel the growing interest in the Games. The government will continue to provide full support."
Members of TOKIO, who accompanied the flag tour to various locations, shared their thoughts: "We were happy to be welcomed so warmly by everyone," "The children's shining eyes were truly memorable. That's what really matters," "We could feel how eagerly people awaited the flag's arrival," and "Many people shared memories of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. We felt it's now our turn to pass on the story of 2020."
Looking ahead to 2020, they expressed thoughts like: "We feel fortunate to be living in this era," "TOKIO is truly 'lucky' to participate in such a wonderful event in front of Tokyo Station," "We want to enjoy the atmosphere and celebration of 2020," and "We hope it becomes a Games that leaves both records and memories."
On stage, taekwondo athlete Miyu Yamada and para-taekwondo athlete Yusuke Hoshino appeared and performed demonstrations.
TOKIO's Shigeru Jojima donned a helmet with a plastic bottle attached and experienced Hoshino's spinning kick. As laughter erupted from the audience at his visibly flinching reaction, Hoshino flawlessly kicked the bottle off.
Yoshida Saori challenged herself to catch Yamada's front kick with a mitt. Yoshida was knocked backward by the power, her face showing surprise. The audience gasped in awe at the force that could stagger the wrestling gold medalist.
The latter half of the event featured skateboarding and BMX demonstrations, boccia matches, and more. TOKIO and Yoshida also participated, energizing the venue.
After the event, sports experiences open to the public were held, drawing large crowds.
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