About
Host Town
Initiative
The Host Town Initiative aims to connect Japanese local towns with countries
and regions taking part in the Tokyo Games which have been postponed to year 2021,
and to have various exchanges in terms of sports, culture, economy, etc.
Through their respective Host Towns, participating countries
and regions can develop long-term relationship with Japanese local towns.
The United Nations General Assembly introduced this Host Town Initiative as a first-ever
attempt in history when they adopted Olympic Truce Resolution for Tokyo 2020 Games.
As of July 13th 2021, 533 local governments are registered as Host Towns,
along with 185 countries and regions which are registered as partners.
Various activities are already taking place between the Host Towns and these counterpart
countries and regions to encourage sports, globalization, inclusive society, etc.
Activities include exchanges between local residents and participating athletes,
overseas residents and Japanese Olympians and Paralympians.
Host Towns and partners interact not only during pre-Games training camps,
but also after the Games have finished.
These Host Towns are called “‘Tadaima • Okaeri’ *1 Host Towns
for welcoming the athletes after the Games.”
Anyone can play a part in the Tokyo 2020 Games by participating in Host Town Initiative.
The hope is that the relationships established through these initiatives will continue
for a long time up to and after the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo.
Diverse
Host Towns:
’Arigato’ *2 Host Towns
for Supporting Reconstruction
Local governments in areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake (in 2011)
have been promoting exchanges in order to express their gratitude to people
from countries and regions that gave various supports after the disaster.
Host Towns of a Harmonious
and Inclusive Society
Local governments enact interaction with Paralympians to establish a coexistent society
where anyone can live life to the fullest by promoting the mental barrier-free
concept and region-led town-building based on universal design.
Leading Host Towns of
a Harmonious
and Inclusive Society
Local governments of “Host Towns of a Harmonious
and Inclusive Society” certified as leading examples by Cabinet Secretariat.
*1 Tadaima: Japanese phrase used when one comes home.
Okaeri: Japanese phrase used to welcome the one who came home.
*2 Arigato: Japanese phrase to express gratitude.
