The city of Tokyo is now even more inspired, and more importantly, motivated, to win their bid to host the 2020 Olympic Games. The Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) hopes that London’s successful staging and the Japanese athlete’s achievement of bringing home the most medals ever has earned the following and support of the nation’s citizens. Prior to the London Games, the interest level in hosting from Tokyo residents was much lower than in the other bidding finalist cities.
Masato Mizuno, Vice President of the JOC and the CEO of the 2020 Olympic bid, says London far exceeded their expectations, and the city’s Olympic Committee and residents were hospitable and accommodating. Mizuno added that he was delighted to hear about the fan support at home, and the enthusiasm for the sports in London has made him more determined to bring the Games to Tokyo. With the Japanese athlete having united the nation, the Olympic spirit in Tokyo has never seemed higher.
Viewership records in Japan show that there was over 480 hours of Olympic coverage broadcast in the greater Tokyo area. The television audience peaked at more than 30 million viewers when the women’s national soccer team, Nadeshiko Japan, played against the U.S. in the gold medal match. At that game didn’t start until before 4 AM local time. The other two cities competing with Tokyo for the hosting responsibilities are Madrid, Spain, and Istanbul, Turkey. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) is scheduled to make their final decision in September 2013.
[via Sports Features]