Takeda Outlines Tokyo 2020’s Legacy Plans with New Sports & Entertainment District Highlighted
July 8, 2013
Tsunekazu Takeda, President of Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Olympics, has outlined the legacy plans for the Japanese capital should they win the bid.
Speaking to iSportconnect he said: “Tokyo will see the birth of a new sports and entertainment district in one of the city’s most desirable waterfront areas as a legacy of Tokyo 2020. Competition will be staged in historic venues dating from the 1964 Games, modernised and refurbished to extend their legacy for at least another 50 years, and in new permanent venues that will herald a new legacy, bringing much-needed new facilities to city.”
“Also, the economic effect on the nation as a whole is estimated to amount to $38 billion and the Games would create more than 150,000 jobs. These figures are from calculations provided by the city of Tokyo.”
Takeda, who was elected into the IOC last year, also suggested he expected to see long term benefits for the stadiums.
“The city of Tokyo will benefit from 11 new permanent venues, including the landmark new Olympic Stadium, providing long-term benefits. The new venues will help deliver sports facilities that will serve residents in the very heart of the city for many decades,” he added.
Takeda also highlighted Tokyo’s strong GDP as a major strength to their bid.
“Japan’s economic strength is crystal clear.
“Tokyo’s GDP is the biggest of any city in the world. Japan’s economy is the world’s 3rd largest. We have a 4.5 billion U.S. dollar Games Hosting Fund already in the bank.”
“More recently, Japan’s new economic policy, referred to as Abenomics, is proving to be successful, and Japan’s economic future appears to be brighter than ever.”