The Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage creates the First Olympic Agora in Tokyo
The Olympic Agora, a tradition from Ancient Greece, will come to an ultra-modern Tokyo neighbourhood for the Olympic Games 2020, thanks to the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage, supported by Mitsui Fudosan Co., Ltd., the Official Partner of this unique cultural project.
Greek towns had an agora a vibrant public space where the people gathered to eat, drink, sing, buy, sell, discuss politics and revel in urban life.
For Tokyo 2020, the Olympic Agora will come alive from 24 April to 16 August in the citys exciting Nihonbashi district. Here, the Olympic Movements link between sport and culture will be on bright display, showcasing the worldwide cultural and social impact of the Olympic Games. This colourful destination will encourage intercultural dialogue, bringing Japan and the world together in both a physical space and the digital realm through social media.
A range of activities and events will welcome the public in a fun and festive atmosphere and bring beloved Olympic treasures to Nihonbashi, the business district that is often called the centre of Japan, including the torches and medals from past Games.
The Olympic Agora, festooned with Olympic Welcome banners, will launch with an exhibition dedicated to Olympic Art and Culture at Mitsui Memorial Museum in late April 2020. More exhibitions and special programmes will be presented at various indoor and outdoor venues across the neighbourhood, all located within walking distance.
The Olympic Agora is a project led by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and refers to one of the recommendations of Olympic Agenda 2020, the strategic roadmap for the future of the Olympic Movement, with the aim of further blending sport and culture.
Renowned artists will help shape the Olympic Agora with large-scale, site-specific live public art installations and performances that will attract a global audience.
Olympic athletes with hidden talents will also share their creative projects, bringing the Olympic values to life on the streets and elsewhere in the neighbourhood.
Four centuries ago, Nihonbashi was already a lively neighbourhood, a major crossroads of commerce, culture and ideas.
Mitsui Fudosan has its origins in Nihonbashi. Driven by the core concept of retaining and revitalising the past, while creating the future, the company is collaborating with government, business and the local community to add a new sheen to the neighbourhood.
As part of this project, Mitsui Fudosan is developing modern multi-purpose urban spaces and facilities that will be on display when the company brings the worlds first Olympic Agora to Nihonbashi. As the Olympic Agoras only Official Partner, the company will deliver comprehensive support in the neighbourhood venues for Olympic events.
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With these innovative artistic, cultural and educational programmes and installations, we can spread the Olympic Movements vision to build a better world by celebrating how sport brings us together, says Angelita Teo, Director of the Olympic Foundation for Culture and Heritage.