Fun facts about Tokyo Olympics 2020 Games in 2021. The opening of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics was held on Friday (23/7/2021) at the National Stadium, Tokyo. In the Opening Ceremony, involving 206 countries and more than 300, there are some interesting moments left.
Finally, this four-year multi-event event was held, which previously had a one-year delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Apart from that, Tokyo, which was the host, was able to guarantee conducive conditions during the opening of the event.
Surely this will also be one of the unforgettable history for Japan and even the world to hold a famous sports event during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is something unique about holding the biggest sporting event in the world, the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Collected from various sources, here are 25 fun facts about Tokyo summer Olympics 2020 held during a pandemic.
How many times did Japan host the Olympics?
This is the second time Tokyo has hosted the Olympics and the third time for Japan. Tokyo previously hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics. In addition, Japan previously hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano. This makes Japan the third most frequent Olympic host nation in history with four, behind only the United States (nine) and France (six).
Fun facts about Tokyo Olympics.
1. The first Olympics without spectators.
The International Olympic Committee announced on July 8 that the 2020 Olympics would take place without spectators, including the opening and closing ceremonies. Thus, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are the first Olympics in history that cannot be watched live. The decision was made after Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga declared a state of emergency in Tokyo, Kanagawa, Chiba and Saitama prefectures. The state of emergency will last until August 22, two weeks after the end of the Olympics.
2. Japan’s fourth time hosting.
Japan has been the host country for the Olympics four times. Prior to the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, the Japanese capital had also hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics. In addition to the two Summer Olympics in Tokyo, Japan also hosted the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and 1998 in Nagano.
3. 2021 Olympics are still called the ‘Tokyo 2020’
If you look at the photos of the Tokyo Olympics circulating, all the attributes of the Tokyo Olympics such as billboards, banners, and lanyards still use the products of 2020. Even though the year has changed, the Olympic committee decided not to produce new attributes and continue to use the official name Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 or Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
4. The most expensive Olympics in history.
A study by the University of Oxford (UK) estimates the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to be the most expensive in history, costing more than $15 billion. The construction of the new Japan National Stadium alone cost $1.4 billion. The initial estimated cost of $7.6 billion should swell to 12.6 billion by 2020. As a result of the year-long delay, an additional $2.8 billion in costs brings the total cost of the Tokyo Olympics to $15.4 billion.
5. The Japan National Stadium has changed architects 2 times.
One of the main arenas of the Tokyo Olympics is the Japan National Stadium. After being lined up to host the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the original National Stadium building, which was founded in 1958, was torn down to build a new building. The Japanese government finished dismantling this old earthquake and tsunami resistant stadium in 2015.
Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadid was the initial architect of the new Japan National Stadium building. However, its eccentric design requires a very large amount of criticism. The design of the building was then taken over by a Japanese architect Kengo Kuma with a simpler design.
6. New sports.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, there will be 33 sports and 339 events. This is the record for the most sports throughout the Olympics. The emergence of these 6 new sports thanks to the approval of the IOC (International Olympic Committee). In 2016, the IOC approved six new sports for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, namely baseball, softball, karate, skateboarding, rock climbing and surfing. The 2020 Tokyo Olympics are so special among skateboarding or skateboarding fans. Because, for the first time in history, skateboarding has officially become a sport that is contested at the Olympics.
7. The olympic Village bed is made of cardboard.
During the Olympics, athletes and organizers live in the Olympic Village complex on the waterfront of Harumi, Tokyo. The distance is approximately 13 kilometers from the National Stadium. Uniquely, the athletes’ beds are made of cardboard so that they can be recycled after the Tokyo Olympics are over. In addition to being a temporary “village” for athletes and officials, the Olympic Village, which is located in an area of 108 hectares, also has its own fitness and recreation center, a polyclinic, a dining area, and a salon.
8. Tokyo 2020 Olympic Medals Made from Waste Materials.
Did you know that it turned out that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic medals that would be contested by athletes from all over the world are actually made from recycled materials? The medals at this time’s Olympics are forged from metal from recycled electronics that have been collected from all over Japan since April 2017.
According to reports, this is an embodiment of the eco-friendly nature of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. Not only medals, almost all the facilities and infrastructure used also come from used goods. For example, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic medal podium, made from post-consumer plastic packaging collected from each prefecture in Japan. In addition, the bed frames in the Athlete Village are also made of recyclable cardboard.
The mattress is made of polyethylene which will be reused for plastic products after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ends. It seems that the Japanese government is trying to reduce the potential for waste that exploded after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics ended.
9. China sending more than 400 athletes to the Tokyo Olympics.
Despite being held in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics became the edition with the most delegates. A total of 206 National Olympic Committees (NOCS) and IOC refugee Olympic teams participated in the Tokyo Olympics. The Chinese contingent became the country with the most by sending 777 delegates to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The Bamboo Curtain country sent 431 athletes who competed in 225 events in Japan.
10. Olympics with Gender Equality.
The IOC (International Olympic Committee) announced that according to the quota allocation, nearly 49 percent of the athletes participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were women.
11. Refugee olympic team.
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics were also attended by the Olympic Refugee team, this is the second edition after the 2016 Rio Olympics. This Refugee Team consists of athletes who fled to other countries due to unsafe situations and conditions in their country. A total of 29 athletes will represent the Olympic Refugee team in 12 sports at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
12. Awarding Medals.
As we are still in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach confirmed there will be no handshakes and no hugs during the medal ceremony. The winning athlete will take the medal from the tray that is served and drape the medal himself.
13. An Indian Lifter Gets Lifetime Free Domino’s Pizza.
The figure of the lifter in question is Chanu Mirabai. She successfully won a silver medal in the women’s 49 class. Previously, Chanu Mirabai managed to get a total score of 202. That number is a combination of 87 points in the snatch and 115 in the snatch and jerk.
This lifetime free pizza gift is presented by one of the famous pizza companies, namely Dominos India. The fast food restaurant chain that has spread all over the world also provides for Chanu Mirabai’s family and closest people.
14. Iranian Women’s Athlete Reveals Unique Fact, There Are No Mixed Doubles in Iran.
For badminton lovers, the name of the women’s singles athlete Soraya Aghaeihajiagha may be quite familiar. This Iranian athlete became one of the figures who successfully competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Reporting from BWF, Soraya had revealed a fairly unique fact that may only apply in her country and several other countries: There is no mixed doubles sector in Iran.
“In Iran, male and female athletes train separately. This was implemented because of the regulations from my country,” said Soraya after winning her first match in Group G against a badminton player from Maldives Fathimath Nabaaha Abdul Razzaq 21-14 and 21-7.
To note, compiled from various sources, Iran does have quite strict rules regarding the interaction of unmarried men and women. This is the main reason for the separation.
15. The village Plaza, Tokyo Olympic athletes room was built using borrowed wood.
Tokyo studio Nikken Sekkei designed a wooden communal building in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic athletes village. The building was built using 40,000 pieces of Japanese wood. The building will serve as a meeting place for athletes, containing a cafe, bank, medical room, lounge, salon, retail space and media center.
This 5,300-square-meter communal space is constructed of cypress, cedar and larch wood donated from local governments across Japan. The use of wood from different regions expresses diversity and harmony and reflects the goal of reducing environmental impact.
16. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics mascot is named Miraitowa.
The 2020 Olympics mascot is named Miraitowa which is a combination of the words “mirai” which means future and “towa” which means eternity. With this name, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics are expected to carry a future of lasting hope in the hearts of people around the world.
17. Olympic torch in the shape of a cherry blossom (Sakura).
Again, this torch is made from recycled aluminum, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch in the shape of a cherry blossom.
18. Pita Taufatofua.
The flag bearer for the country of Tonga became one of the interesting moments during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. The Taekwondo athlete looked bare-chested and his body looked shiny when he carried the Tongan flag at the opening ceremony of this tournament.
The Tongan isn’t the first to take center stage at nearly every Olympic opening. He was in the spotlight of netizens at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio De Janeiro and the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang.
19. Misia Cotton Candy Costume.
There is an interesting thing that is highlighted by a singer from Japan, Misia. She wore a colorful dress with shades like cotton candy. Misia performed by singing the Japanese national anthem ‘KimiGaYo’ at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
However, the costume he was wearing caught the attention of netizens and even the audience. Apparently, the costume was designed directly by a well-known designer from the country of Sakura, Tomo Koizumi. Previously, the costume had also been exhibited at New York Fashion Week for the fall of 2019.
20. The Italian Team Wears the Giorgio Armani Jacket.
The contingent from Italy wore sports clothes and T-shirts designed by Giorgio Armani. The design naturally features a circular version of the Italian flag, with the word ‘Italy’ featured in a Japanese-style font at the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics at the National Stadium.
Interestingly, the clothes have the Italian national anthem printed on the inside of the jacket, t-shirt, and shirt collar. Of course, this is a different thing displayed by the Italian team at the event. The design even looks very quirky and casual.
21. The Bermuda Contingent Wears Shorts.
The athletes from the country of Bermuda appeared at the opening ceremony of the Olympics wearing shorts that are characteristic of the country. Even the shorts are pink. Paired with a navy blue blazer top and buttons.
Of course, these costumes are really noticed by netizens on social media and even audiences around the world. Because, generally, Blazer tops are always paired with long pants.
22. Team USA Wearing Ralph Lauren.
The US became the country that contributed the most contingents at this year’s Olympics. In the opening ceremony of this tournament, the athletes wore costumes designed directly by a well-known American brand, Ralph Laurent.
With the athletes wearing navy blazers and trousers, striped shirts and special face masks. Indeed, Ralph Laurent is a subscription brand that designs specifically for the US team every time he participates in the four-yearly multi-event.
23. Japan 2020 Olympics technology.
Japan is really good at making the world admire the sophistication of its technology. At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, Japan is ready to amaze the world with its technological prowess throughout the event. Starting from facial scanners, Voicetra applications, Robot Village, Robot Taxi (without driver), and others. Japan hopes that these various technologies will make it easier for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to run. Wow, can you imagine how cool it is?
24. The sky Canvases a meteor shower.
It’s not Japan if it’s not optimal in showing its technological sophistication. Japan really took advantage of the moment as the host to present the best, not least in the field of technology. If not, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics will be enlivened by an artificial meteor shower, you know! The project, called Sky Canvas, also involves the Japanese start-up company Star-ALE.
25. Tokyo 2020 Olympics unique merchandise that you can buy.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic pens are no ordinary pens. This pen has erasable ink. Because of this sophistication, the pen is called the most popular item in the official shop selling Tokyo 2020 Olympics paraphernalia at Haneda Airport International Terminal.
Manga T-shirts.
Having been all the way to Japan, it’s not right if you don’t buy knick-knacks that smell like Japanese cartoons. Japan is known to have various famous manga characters such as Astro Boy, Luffy, One Piece, Goku, Dragon Ball, or Usagi Sailor Moon.
Daruma.
Daruma is a traditional doll originating from Japan. Daruma is round and has neither arms nor legs. Visitors can find and buy Daruma at the beginning of the year in Takasaki City, Japan.
Daruma dolls have been considered auspicious items for decades by the Sharingan Daruma shrine. It is said that if you want your wish to come true, the person must draw with his or her empty eyes. In addition, the Daruma doll also symbolizes an unyielding attitude. This is because there is ballast in it so that when dropped, it can stand back up by itself.
Teru Teru Bozu.
Besides Daruma, other dolls that are merchandise for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics are Teru-Teru Bozu or dolls that are believed to be rain repellent. Teru Teru Bozu this time at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics has blue and red embroidery on his body.
Teru Teru Bozu is a doll that looks like a ghost. This doll is made of tissue paper and cloth. Usually, Teru Teru Bozu are hung outside a window or door in the hope that the weather will be sunny. Teru Teru Bozu has been introduced since he was a child through a beautiful, but slightly creepy rhyme. Teru Teru Bozu’s poem tells that the days will be bright again, promising that a wish will be fulfilled and many good things will be granted. Otherwise, his neck will be cut off.
Kimono.
When you hear the word “Japan,” the first thing that comes to mind is kimono. This dress is indeed a hallmark of the Land of the Rising Sun. On the official Tokyo Olympic merchandise website this time there is a special edition kimono, namely the Tokyo 2020 Olympics logo.
Teapot.
Another trinket that enlivens the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a teapot. This teapot is made of thick iron, so that the temperature of the water in it is maintained. Uniquely, there is the Tokyo Olympics logo on the body of the teapot.
Automatic Merchandise Vending Machine.
Japan is known to have a variety of unique vending machines. This time there is an automatic merchandise vending machine that provides various Tokyo 2020 Olympic knick-knacks. Starting from glasses, tote bags, mugs, to daruma dolls. These merchandise vending machines can be found at the official gift shop at the Tokyo Olympics media center.
“United by Emotion” to be the Tokyo 2020 Games motto.
Until now, Japan has invested 12 billion US dollars to hold the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. However, the Japanese government is committed to providing the best and still carrying the official name of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics next year.
Its motto is “United by Emotion” with the Tokyo 2020 Olympic principles, namely “Be better, together, for the planet and the people”. Which contains the hope that this international multi-sports event will inspire people from various backgrounds and backgrounds.
Very interesting, huh? Well, those are 25 interesting facts about the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and make them even more excited to welcome them. Who, here, can’t wait? Do you intend to watch live in Sakura Country? Come on, share in the comments column below.
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Thank you, great article. Interesting! It’s true, Olympic gold medals aren’t really made of solid gold, but from precious metals extracted from disused electronic devices.
Thank you so much!