TOKYO 2020 OLYMPICS MAKE
JAPAN A GOLD MEDAL DESTINATION
BY KAILA YU
Navigating Shibuya Crossing, Tokyo’s busiest intersection (if not the
world’s), makes you feel like a character in a video game. Among flashing
screens and rapid-fire lights, 10 lanes of traffic, and seemingly millions
of pedestrians pour into the five-way intersection. It’s full of characters,
too, particularly fashionistas prowling this urban catwalk in their four-inch
platform shoes and tiny plaid miniskirts in search of the perfect selfie.
Impromptu flash mobs also pop up regularly, so don’t be surprised by
the dancers, singers, orchestras, or even zombies.
It’s this same energy, creativity, and technology that Tokyo is channeling
into the 2020 Summer Olympics, marking the second time that the
Japanese capital has hosted the Summer Games — the first city in Asia
to do so twice. The country is going all out, too, setting a budget of 12
billion to produce the games and transform the city, just as the 1964
games did, when they brought the Tōkaidō Shinkansen bullet train, 22
new highways, and a renovated Haneda International Airport.
Tokyo 2020 aspires to multiply this success, creating the most innovative
and sustainable Olympics in history. It’s going to be a phenomenal time
to visit the city, with events, installations, and celebrations throughout
the year. In a city of 13 million, it’ll take some savvy to navigate them all.
Squeeze out every last drop of Olympic fever with this insider’s guide to
the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games.
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