Press Release | Tokyo 2016 Olympic Bid, Gatekeepers of One of Japan’s Oldest Artforms Back TOKYO 2016
Tokyo, 22 February 2009 - The institution behind one of Japan’s most revered ancient artforms publicly backed Tokyo’s Bid to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2016, which promises to herald a new sporting, social, economic and environmental golden era for the benefit of Tokyo, Japan and the whole Olympic Movement.
The Chairman of the Iida Mizuhiki Association, Toshio Sasaki, and the Mayor of the city of Iida, Mitsuo Makino, met with the Governor of Tokyo and President of TOKYO 2016, Shintaro Ishihara, and the Chairman and CEO of TOKYO 2016, Dr Ichiro Kono, to offer their support to the Bid and present a mizuhiki version of the TOKYO 2016 logo.
Mizuhiki are decorative knotted strings traditionally used to signify blessings at celebrations and played an important role in medal ceremonies during the 1998 Nagano Winter Games. It is an important aspect of Iida City’s local industry and the city has been showing its support for the Bid ever since it was learned TOKYO 2016 has chosen to use the mizuhiki as the motif of the logo. The form of knot in the TOKYO 2016 logo’s mizuhiki is also significant. It is called MUSUBI, and is imbued with meanings of ‘tying together’ or ‘joining’. The logo integrates the five Olympic colours to simbolise the blending of sport and culture, cities and nature, the present and future, heritage and innovation and Japan and the world.
Mitsuo Makino, Mayor of Iida city, said:
“It is a great honour to announce our full support for TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee. Our city’s traditional craft, mizuhiki, has a strong connection with the Olympic Movement. When Nagano hosted the 1998 Winter Games, mizuhiki was used as a laurel to crown Olympic and Paralympic medallists. Now we hope its use in the iconic TOKYO 2016 logo will inspire millions more people around the world to enjoy friendly competition, place value in human achievement and promote the excellence that the Olympic Movement represents.”
Dr Ichiro Kono, Chairman and CEO of TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid, commented:
“We welcome the backing of such an important body within Japan. There is a growing tide of support for TOKYO 2016 that currently represents nearly 80 million people in Japan alone. This is a clear demonstration of the importance of the Olympic Movement in our country. It is a humbling affirmation of the incredible sporting, social, economic and environmental legacy TOKYO 2016 will create if we are awarded the honour of hosting the 2016 Games.”
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For further information, please contact:
Hidetoshi Maki (Mr), Deputy Director General, TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee
Masa Takaya (Mr), Manager, Planning & PR Div., TOKYO 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee
+81-3-5320-2480, masanori.takaya@tokyo2016.or.jp
Tags: Tokyo 2016, Tokyo 2016 Olympic BidRelated Stories
POSTED IN: Light the Torch, Olympic Bid, Olympic News
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