Tokyo faces challenges to host 2020 Summer Olympic Games
(From The Japan Times May 28 issue)

Tokyo, along with Madrid and Istanbul, has made it to the final phase of the International Olympic Committee’s selection process to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games. But to become the host, Tokyo needs to work out an effective strategy that captures the hearts of IOC members. Sixteen months remain before the final selection. Tokyo’s ability to carry out a strong international lobbying effort will be tested.

In the first round of screening, importance has been attached to the conveniences of candidate cities — such as roads and subway lines, and the number and quality of hotels. Clearly, Tokyo’s infrastructure is sufficient to host a large-scale international event. The IOC’s Working Group gave high marks to Tokyo for providing compact and efficient plans. In those plans, 28 of the 31 facilities, including the Olympic Stadium, would be located within an 8-km radius of the Olympic Village.

Tokyo, which failed in its bid for the 2016 games, plans to host the 2020 games at half the cost proposed last time. It envisages a budget of about \7.5 trillion. Tokyo has some \400 billion in preparation funds. It also has secured the central government’s promise of financial assistance. But the IOC’s Working Group has expressed concern about the effects of the 3/11 disasters and possible power shortages. It also pointed out that radiation exceeding the allowable limit was detected in some spots.

Another weak point in Tokyo’s bid is that domestic public support for hosting the 2020 games is low — 65.2 percent compared with Istanbul’s 87.1 percent and Madrid’s 75.3 percent. In the Tokyo area alone, the support rate is only 47 percent.

Tokyo faces the difficult task of creating a concept attractive enough to overcome anticipated negative feelings toward Tokyo and Japan for attempting to host the Olympics yet again.

日本語の抄訳はウィークリ6月9日号のP18に掲載されています。