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One Year Before the Tokyo Paralympics Momentum Builds at the Countdown Ceremony!
The ceremony, held at NHK Hall in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, invited representatives from national sports organizations, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and host city officials, ambassadors from various countries, and elementary, junior high, and high school students from Tokyo.
After the opening animation featuring the Games mascot, Someity ( https://tokyo2020.org/jp/special/mascot/ ), world record-holding long jumper Markus Rehm (Germany) appeared on stage. Just as Rämm would ask the crowd for support during a competition, he began clapping, and the attendees responded. Joining in, musician KREVA appeared and performed the Japan Boccia Association's official support song, "Ibasho" (Place), alongside boccia athletes Takayoshi Hirose and Hidetaka Sugimura.
Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori noted that this is the first time in history that both the Olympic and Paralympic Games will be held twice in the same city, stating that this is precisely why they aim to achieve a "society of coexistence."
Governor Yuriko Koike encouraged people to experience the astonishing abilities of Para athletes by watching live competitions in person, while also mentioning the city's efforts to promote barrier-free access and achieve diversity.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, representing the government, explained that the nation is also making every effort to prepare the environment. He called on people worldwide to help create a full stadium atmosphere for every event.
Dwain Kear, Vice President of the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), reported that preparations for the Games are progressing extremely smoothly and declared that this will be the greatest Games ever, transforming society.
"Japan Paralympic Day"
Mitsunori Toriwara, President of the Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC), accompanied by wheelchair tennis medalists Shingo Kunieda and Yui Uechi, took the stage. He declared that August 25th of each year would be designated as "Japan Paralympic Day," a commemorative day for the Paralympics, to be established on that same day.
"Paralympic Torch Relay"
Actress Satomi Ishihara, serving as a Torch Relay Ambassador, along with comedians Miki Date and Takeshi Tomizawa of the duo Sandwich Man, and Paralympian Aki Taguchi appeared on stage wearing the newly unveiled torchbearer uniforms. They explained the characteristics of the Paralympic Torch Relay and expressed their determination, stating, "We want to carry the Olympic spirit forward and energize the Torch Relay."
At the ceremony's conclusion, Chiko-chan—the eternally five-year-old character from the TV program "Chiko-chan ni Shikarareru!" (NHK General TV)—appeared and quizzed the speakers. When they got answers wrong, she electrified the venue with her signature line, "Don't just live in a daze!"—just like on the show.
The event also featured an advertisement published in newspapers that day, stating, "The Paralympic Opening Ceremony is said to be amazing." "Aren't you curious how amazing it is? We'll give you a sneak peek of that opening ceremony image," they said. Then, four performers took the stage: artist Ringo Shiina, one of the opening/closing ceremony directors; rapper Mummy-D (RHYMESTER); and dancers Saki Mineo and Yudai Yarita, who shone at the Rio Paralympics closing ceremony. They delivered a performance combining rap, song, and dance.
Chico-chan asked, "Can Chico join too?" begging to be part of the group, which made everyone laugh.
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