Tokyo Awarded the 2020 Summer Olympics

On September 12, 2013, in Buenos Aires, Argentina, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) selected Tokyo, Japan as the host city for the 2020 Summer Olympics. The decision marked Tokyo as a two-time Olympic host, having previously hosted the Games in 1964.

Background and Bidding Process

The bidding process for the 2020 Summer Olympics saw several cities initially submit bids. The final three contenders were Istanbul, Turkey; Madrid, Spain; and Tokyo, Japan. Prior to the final vote, cities were evaluated on various criteria including infrastructure, security, accommodations, and the legacy of the Games.

• Tokyo’s Proposal: Tokyo proposed a compact and sustainable Games, emphasizing efficient infrastructure, cutting-edge technology, and a secure environment for athletes and visitors.
• Economic Considerations: Tokyo’s bid highlighted Japan’s economic stability and robust capacity for handling large-scale international events amid global economic uncertainties.

The Decision

The selection process involved multiple rounds of voting by IOC members. In the first round of voting, Madrid and Istanbul received an equal number of votes, necessitating a runoff vote to determine which city would advance to the final round against Tokyo.

• First Round: Tokyo led with 42 votes, while Istanbul and Madrid each secured 26 votes.
• Runoff: Istanbul prevailed over Madrid in the runoff by securing 49 votes to Madrid’s 45.
• Final Vote: In the decisive round, Tokyo emerged victorious with 60 votes compared to Istanbul’s 36.

Significance

Awarding the Olympics to Tokyo underscored Japan’s strong international standing and its ability to effectively manage global sporting events. The decision was seen as a testament to Tokyo’s comprehensive planning and its commitment to sustainability, safety, and innovation.

Aftermath

The selection garnered widespread approval in Japan, bolstering national pride and kickstarting preparations for hosting the Games. The Tokyo 2020 Olympics aimed to deliver not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also a demonstration of Japan’s cultural heritage and technological advancements. However, unforeseen challenges arose due to the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to the unprecedented postponement of the Games to 2021, marking the first such deferral in Olympic history.

The successful bid and resultant organization of the Olympics further strengthened Tokyo’s global reputation, influenced urban development projects, and contributed to discussions about the future of international events in a post-pandemic world.