Tokyo Paralympics Event in Toyosu on the 500-day countdown
The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the "500 Days to Go Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Park in Toyosu" (Special Cooperation: Mitsui Fudosan) at LaLaport Toyosu in Koto Ward, Tokyo, on April 13. This date marked 500 days before the opening day of the Tokyo Paralympics (August 25, 2020).
The venue featured experience zones for Paralympic sports like wheelchair basketball, athletics (wheelchair marathon), badminton, and triathlon, attracting many families. A similar event was held on April 7 at Mitsui Outlet Park Tama Minami-Osawa in Hachioji City, Tokyo.
The "Paralympic 500 Days Bus," which has been touring various locations in Tokyo to raise interest in the Paralympics, was also displayed at the venue. Against its backdrop, a stage featured wheelchair rugby athlete Daisuke Ikesaki (Rio Games bronze medalist), triathlete Junpei Kimura, and badminton player Sari Satomi. Joining them as guests were actor couple Akiyoshi Nakao and Isa Nakamura, who participated in talks and demonstrations.
This was the first time the Nakao couple had worked together since their marriage. While expressing nerves—"I'm worried I won't be able to deliver my usual funny banter" and "It feels strange being in a setting like this with my husband"—the sports enthusiasts, who have experience watching Paralympic events, stated, "Paralympic sports are fundamentally attractive as sports. We hope people absorb their greatness at this event."
They also emphasized that cheering together amplifies the enjoyment, noting the Paralympic tickets are reasonably priced. "We want families to experience the live competition. We want to show it to our kids too," they said, actively promoting the event. "You can even register for the ID needed to buy tickets right here at this venue, so please do."
The three athletes promoted their respective sports.
Kimura introduced the handbike used in triathlon. Spectators expressed surprise at its speed—reaching about 80 km/h on downhill slopes—along with its riding position and low center of gravity.
Ikezaki explained the custom-made competition wheelchairs (commonly called "rug wheelchairs") used by each athlete. He invited Nakao to experience a tackle, a key feature of the sport. When Nakao hesitated, Ikezaki replied, "You said earlier you wanted to make memories, right?" and then executed the tackle while the mascot Someity looked on.
Nakao was stunned by the intense collision between the wheelchairs. Ikesaki remarked, "That was only about 20% of our usual power. The impact sounds are incredible indoors, so please come see a match."
On stage, a commemorative board displayed messages from attendees for the Tokyo Paralympics. The Nakao couple wrote "We'll enjoy the Games as a family!" on a cherry blossom-shaped sticker, completing the board.
Finally, the three athletes expressed their determination to win medals at the Tokyo Games and encouraged attendance at the upcoming test events. They also requested support that directly fuels the athletes' power.
The Nakao couple concluded the stage event, saying, "Japan's para sports are incredibly strong. They're sure to shine at the Games," and "It was great meeting all the athletes today. This just means we have to go see a live match!"
Was this article helpful?
Share this article
