Olympic Torch Relay Runner recruitment begins June 17!
On June 1, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee held the "Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Event ~ Everyone's Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay ~" at Tokyo Midtown in Minato Ward, announcing the relay route, runner recruitment details, and uniforms.
Opening the event, Chairman Yoshiro Mori stated, "The Torch Relay will start on March 26, 2020, at the National Training Center J-Village in Fukushima Prefecture. Today, I would like to announce the details of the relay, which I know many of you are interested in."
He added, "I believe the relay, which will travel for 121 days through 47 prefectures visiting World Heritage sites and famous locations, will attract global attention. In fact, we've already heard from foreign individuals expressing interest in becoming runners."
Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike introduced the Tokyo leg, stating the starting point would be Komazawa Olympic Park, the venue for the 1964 Tokyo Games. She explained the 15-day route through Tokyo would feature diverse locations, including the Tama region and island areas rich in nature, the city center, and traditional downtown neighborhoods. "I hope the torch relay will unite the hearts of all Japan and become a flame of hope," she stated.
Miho Takeda, a member of the Torch Relay Planning Committee, stated that to encourage as many people as possible to cheer, the relay will be held in all 857 municipalities nationwide. By conducting it in attractive locations across each region, they aim to showcase Japan's appeal both domestically and internationally. Additionally, during the relay period, a "Celebration" venue will be set up daily at the final runner's arrival point to display the flame.
Olympian Tadahiro Nomura, actress Satomi Ishihara, comedians Miki Date and Takeshi Tomizawa of the duo Sandwichman, and Paralympian Aki Taguchi appeared on stage wearing the newly unveiled uniforms for the first time.
The uniform design, based on the relay's concept of "Connecting the Path of Hope," emphasized the essence of the relay, Japanese identity, and continuity with the Tokyo Games. Considering sustainability, it uses recycled PET bottle material collected within the company, with the cooperation of Coca-Cola Japan, the presenting partner of the torch relay.
The five members highly praised the uniforms, commenting, "They're incredibly comfortable," "The sash motif really stands out," and "The diagonal lines are stylish."
Torchbearers will be recruited from the general public. Key application criteria include being born on or before April 1, 2008, with no restrictions on nationality or gender, and having some connection to the prefecture where they wish to run. Each runner will cover approximately 200 meters, with the total number of participants expected to reach around 10,000.
Applications can be submitted through four companies serving as the relay's presenting partners: Japan Coca-Cola (starting June 17), Toyota Motor Corporation, Nippon Life Insurance Company, and NTT (starting June 24), as well as through each prefectural organizing committee (starting July 1). Each applicant can apply once to each of these application points, meaning a maximum of five applications.
Each application source will conduct its own selection process and recommend candidates to the Organizing Committee. The Organizing Committee plans to finalize and announce the runners starting in December 2019.
The five ambassadors discussed their thoughts and expectations regarding the torch relay and the Games.
Ishihara stated, "I feel like I want to travel to all 47 prefectures with the relay and make friends in each place." Sandwich Man then drew laughter by saying, "Being appointed an ambassador is a great honor, but honestly, I wanted to compete in the Games as an athlete."
The ambassadors launched official Twitter and Instagram accounts on May 27. They plan to share various updates going forward and took commemorative photos with attendees present as backgrounds for future posts.
Finally, the five left messages: "We hope as many people as possible will apply," "Please cheer us on along the route," and "Let each person be the star."
The venue featured displays of the Olympic torch and runners' uniforms, along with a photo booth for visitors, bustling with families.
Relay Official Website: https://tokyo2020.org/jp/special/torch/olympic/about/
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