"Japan Olympic Museum" Grand Opening: September 14

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) will grand open the "Japan Olympic Museum" at JAPAN SPORT OLYMPIC SQUARE in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo, on September 14.
A preview event for media was held two days prior.

Conceptualized as a "hub for Japan's Olympic Movement" co-created by the JOC, athletes, and visitors, the facility allows learning about Olympic history and significance through valuable artifacts like past Games' torch relay torches and medals, diverse videos, and attractions experiencing top athletes' physical capabilities.
The facility's design also incorporates thoughtful elements, such as using wood from Engaru Town, Hokkaido—grown from seeds brought by national representatives to the 1964 Tokyo Games—for ceiling decorations and furniture.
Outside, visitors can see models of the cauldrons from past Games held in Japan, as well as statues of Pierre de Coubertin, who laid the foundation for the modern Olympics, and Jigoro Kano, who played a pivotal role in Japan's first Olympic participation.

On the same day, elementary school students from a nearby school and children from Engaru Town who helped create the welcome board installed on the facility's first floor were invited to participate in a guided tour led by three Olympians: Daichi Sawano (track and field), Takahisa Oguchi (luge), and Kotono Tanaka (rhythmic gymnastics).
The museum plans to continue providing experiential learning opportunities for schools and is considering occasional events where Olympians can directly convey the values of the Olympics to children.
The uniforms worn by the Olympians and staff during these events were designed by Hiroko Koshino.

Deputy Director Kiichiro Matsumaru stated, "This museum is the first permanent facility created to fulfill the JOC's mission of promoting the Olympic Movement. It will serve as a base where athletes with diverse experiences, as pioneers, convey the splendor of the Olympics and the value of sport to the general public. We also want to convey that 'the Olympics are a means, not an end.' The Olympics are a means for over 10,000 athletes from diverse backgrounds to gather, live together, compete fairly under common rules, build friendships, and deepen solidarity. Contributing to world peace through the Games is Olympism and the true purpose of the Games."

The museum's first-floor "WELCOME AREA" is free, while the second-floor "EXHIBITION AREA" requires a fee (General Admission: ¥500).

Official website:
https://japan-olympicmuseum.jp/