TOKYO REPORT: More Localities Seeking 2020 Host Town Status

September 4, 2018

Tokyo- An increasing number of local governments in Japan are registering with the central government to serve as "host towns" for the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.

The host town program is aimed at creating nationwide support for the international athletic events and revitalizing localities through cultural, athletic and other exchanges between residents and athletes from some 200 countries and areas.

To become host towns, local governments submit plans to accept athletes and coaches to the central government for screening. Registered host towns are eligible for state financial support to cover some of the related costs.

Localities need to focus on one country or area and are allowed to work out such plans jointly. A total of 250 plans have so far been registered with the central government by 320 local governments wishing to increase international recognition of their cultural, dietary and other specialties.

With about two years to go before the quadrennial events, some localities have already hosted pre-Olympic training camps. In Murayama, Yamagata Prefecture, northeastern Japan, for example, a Bulgarian team of rhythmic gymnasts held a two-week training camp in June following a first one last year.

During the camp, athletes attended a rice cake-making event and an exchange program with local children and also gave a public workout, among other activities.

Many of the gymnasts have featured their experiences in Murayama on social networking sites, while citizens in the city have established a fan club to support the team.

Exchanges with the Bulgarian team serve as "good opportunities to make Murayama known widely," said a city official.

While Japanese people are generally unfamiliar with African countries, some local governments are focusing on them.

The village of Mishima in Kagoshima Prefecture, southwestern Japan, consisting of three remote islands and with a small population of about 370, decided to host Guinea following an exchange between villagers and players of a Western African traditional drum called Djembe. The village plans to invite the Guinean delegation after the Tokyo Games.

Hachimantai in Iwate Prefecture is preparing for registration to welcome Rwanda, after exchanges with the East African country related to the production of gentian, a speciality of the northeastern Japan city.

During the 2002 FIFA World Cup soccer finals held in Japan and South Korea, the village of Nakatsue in Oita Prefecture, southwestern Japan, drew strong public attention because of warm exchanges between villagers and the Cameroonian soccer team that camped there for training. Similar outcomes are expected in small towns and villages during the 2020 Games.

An official in the Cabinet Secretariat called for more local governments to find their connections with other countries and serve as host towns.

With 107 countries and areas yet to find host towns in Japan, the central government will continue to seek registrations until just before the opening of the 2020 Games, according to officials. Jiji Press