The Japan Olympic Committee (JOC), the Japan Paralympic Committee (JPC), and ASICS, a Tokyo 2020 Games Gold Partner, held the "Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games Japanese National Team Official Sportswear Presentation" on February 21 at Muromachi Mitsui Hall & Conference in Chuo Ward, Tokyo.
The official sportswear, which Japanese athletes will wear during award ceremonies and in the Athletes' Village, was developed by ASICS over approximately four years. It embodies the concept of "Japonism" and focuses on the development themes of conditioning, diversity, and sustainability. The color, "Sunrise Red," evokes the rising sun, expressing the strength of the Japanese athletes while incorporating a design that instills pride.
Chairman Oyama
Suit (left): Team Leader Fukui (right) Team Leader Kawai
Chairman Motoi Oyama of the company stated, "We developed these products aiming for something worthy of being worn by the Japanese team. To help them perform at their best during the competition, we incorporated features allowing them to relax and feel comfortable even outside the venue. We also implemented a new initiative: recycling sportswear with sentimental value, provided by people nationwide, to create the official uniforms. We hope the athletes feel your support and that it fuels their strength. Moving forward, we aim to effectively utilize limited resources and contribute to realizing an environmentally friendly, sustainable society."
Thirteen Japanese national team candidates, including artistic swimmer Yukiko Inui and marathon runner Yuma Hattori, appeared on stage wearing the apparel. Director Shinji Chida explained the apparel's features and functions, stating, "We aim to support the Japanese national team with this apparel and contribute to the athletes' success."
Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori stated, "I would like to express my gratitude to everyone at ASICS for providing our athletes with this outstanding sportswear. I hope our athletes will wear this excellent apparel and reach the podium they aspire to."
Also present at the venue were Olympic Team Leader Retsu Fukui and Paralympic Team Leader Junichi Kawai, along with Shinji Negi, captain of the men's wheelchair basketball team at the Sydney Paralympics, and Saori Yoshida, who achieved three consecutive Olympic gold medals in women's wrestling. They all came to cheer on the Japanese athletes.
Official Website: https://tokyo2020.org/ja/news/news-20200221-01-ja
