Tokyo 2020 Gets Four New Backers

Following IOC’s decision to keep them in the running to host the 2020 Olympics Tokyo 2020 got right to work inking agreements with a list of new corporate partners.

It is now a three city race between Istanbul, Madrid and Tokyo, as Baku and Doha were shortlisted by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) executive board last week.

Tokyo 2020 signed deals with Asics, Descente, JTB and Kinkri Nippon.

Tsunekazu Takeda, head of the bid committee and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), said, “I am extremely delighted to introduce our first Official Bid Partners now that we have become an official Candidate City, a key milestone in our bidding journey. ASICS, DESCENTE, JTB, and Kinki Nippon Tourist have agreed enthusiastically to become Official Bid Partners and help promote our campaign on behalf of this marvellous city.

“I offer these corporations my sincere gratitude and look forward to collaborating closely with them, and other forthcoming partners who also share our vision.”

Motoi OYAMA, President and CEO of ASICS said: “ASICS has agreed to support the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics Bid Committee plan to use the bidding activities to develop sports culture, revitalise regions, and to build international exchanges. As a leading Japanese sporting goods manufacturer, ASICS hopes to support and participate in the bidding efforts. We hope to help in sharing not only the wonders of sports, but also the dreams and thrills that are possible through sports.”

Etsuro NAKANISHI, President of DESCENTE said: “In line with its corporate philosophy, Descente Ltd. has always　sought to enhance the sporting experience by contributing to the creation of a stylish, vibrant lifestyle for all people; from top class athletes to everyday players. The Olympic and Paralympic Games are more than just a venue for world-class athletes to test their skills in a tight competitive arena.  They also offer a priceless opportunity for people from countries around the globe to come together for a noble and peaceful purpose, and provide inspiration to the young adults and children who will lead future generations. Descente is proud to offer its support to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics Bid Committee.”

Hiromi TAGAWA, President and CEO of JTB said: “The JTB Group, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in March 2012, is working to expand its operations to form a multicultural communication business that encourages exchanges among large numbers of people. Holding the Olympics in Tokyo in 2020 would provide the perfect opportunity to show the world how Japan has recovered from the Great East Japan Earthquake while fostering such exchanges among large numbers of people in Japan and overseas. The Group will bring its full experience and resources to support the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee.”

Katsuhisa YOSHIKAWA, President of Kinki Nippon Tourist said: “Kinki Nippon Tourist gives its full support to the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee’s activities. The Tokyo 2020  Bid Committee principle, “to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport”, corresponds with our principle “to build a world of smiling faces by creating memorable experiences and encounters for people around the globe”. As a member of “ALL JAPAN”, we will help to revitalise Japan from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, and we will promote our activities together not only as a tourist agency but also as a leader in the industry by gathering our wisdom to help support the Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee.”