The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, originally scheduled for July and August 2020, have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic. But the sanitary crisis, as powerful as it is, fortunately did not have the last word. Organized finally in 2021, the Games of Tokyo managed to hold their rank and to succeed their bet. They thus allow Tokyo and Japan to benefit today from a precious and innovative heritage in many fields.
Seven themes in the spotlight
To judge the legacy left by the Games to future generations, we must remember the seven main themes promoted by the Japanese government during the Games. Each theme represents an axis of improvement of the quality of life in the country in the long term: "Towards an inclusive society", "Reconstruction / Revitalization of communities by host cities", "Tourist destination country and Japanese culture", "Safety and transportation", "Health and sport", "Sustainable development" and "Model for the organization of major events". Through its exhibition stand at the recently concluded Paris 2022 World Tourism Fair, the Japanese government was able to show the extent of this legacy by emphasizing the tourism resources, future potential created by the Games, as well as the immediate and future benefits.
Major axes for Japan, roadmap for Paris 2024
Promoting the legacy of the Tokyo Games in Paris, for the Japanese government, is highly symbolic, as the French capital will host the next edition of the Summer Olympics, in two years. The efforts made and the benefits already quantifiable are a source of inspiration and a key legacy, as much for the Archipelago as for the next countries and host cities. In terms of an inclusive society, the Tokyo Games have allowed Japan to move towards a society that breaks down the barriers faced by people with disabilities. Whether it is through the organization of para-sport events, education related to the spirit of inclusion or urban development for universal access, the Games have paved the way for concrete improvement. Concerning the last point, Japan offers since 2020, for example, a public transport network accessible to 95.1%, that is 11.8 percentage points more than 7 years ago. This is an achievement considering Japan's sprawling network.
Revitalization and reconstruction, united in the same theme, are major axes for the Japanese government. These axes mainly concern the reconstruction of areas violently hit by the great earthquake in Eastern Japan in 2011 and the revitalization of regions through the "host city" project. The latter project has encouraged exchanges between local municipalities (533 in total) and participating countries on sports, economy and culture. These long-term relationships have helped to revitalize the attractiveness of the country's cities. As for the project of a society respectful of sustainable development, one of the major axes followed by the Japanese society, it has allowed the implementation of many key measures such as the adoption of a law that made the distribution of plastic bags in shops a chargeable activity, an important step to advance environmental awareness in Japan. The torch can change hands. It's up to Paris to take advantage of it now.
