The Tokyo Fire Department's annual New Year Fire Review was held on January 6. Some 2,800 firemen, 133 fire trucks, 5 helicopters, and 8 fireboats participated in the review, which featured a parade by mobile units, demonstrations, and other events. The many spectators were also fascinated by the exhibition of traditional acrobatic performances on ladders.

(January 6)

On January 7, the Candidature File, detailing Tokyo's plans for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, was submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The contents of the file, such as the vision and Games concept, were then unveiled at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tokyo Governor Inose, Bid Committee officials and Bid ambassadors vowed to be strongly united in the bid for the 2020 Games.

(January 8)

On January 19 and 20, TOKYO SNOW & ICE 2013, an event to promote winter sports, was held at Roppongi Hills. Spectators enjoyed the dynamic jump performances in the freestyle ski slopestyle competition, Tokyo Hip Jump Championship. Yuriito, the mascot of Sports Festival Tokyo 2013, also made an appearance and was widely applauded for his jump.
Photo: Yuriito makes a successful jump after gliding down 15 meters (January 19)

The 68th National Sports Festival Winter Tournament (skating, ice hockey) was held from January 26 to February 1. At the opening ceremony on January 26 Tokyo Governor Inose gave the opening declaration, which was then followed by the athlete's oath for fair play and magnificent exhibition performances by top athletes. Athletes participated in heated competition in the speed skating events held at Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture, and figure skating, short-track speed skating, and ice hockey in Tokyo.

Photo: Athlete's oath at the opening ceremony (January 26)

Ginza’s Kabukiza Theater, which, to the disappointment of many, closed in April 2010 to undergo major renovations, will celebrate its grand reopening this April. The Kabukiza Theater is a venue reserved exclusively for kabuki performances, as well as a landmark adored by the people as a symbol of Ginza. Following completion of construction, the redeveloped site will include both the renovated Kabukiza Theater and the Kabukiza Tower - a 29-story office building.

(Photo taken February 26, 2013)

In October 2012, Tokyo Station’s Marunouchi side reopened following completion of a five year project to restore the red-brick building to its original Taisho era grandeur. And, with other attractions such as KITTE, a commercial facility developed by Japan Post Holdings Co., Ltd., set to open nearby next month, Tokyo Station is attracting attention as a new sightseeing destination.

(Photo taken February 26, 2013)

On February 15, the Kodaira Reien Cemetery opened a new “forest cemetery.” This style of burial differs from the traditional group burial cemetery, as it allows the cremated remains of the deceased to actually return to nature. In order to respond to the increasingly diversified tastes of Tokyo residents, Tokyo Metropolitan Cemeteries established this type of cemetery for the first time at Kodaira Reien Cemetery.

(Photo taken February 26, 2013)

The Meguro Sky Garden, a park built and managed by Meguro Ward, which utilizes the roof of Ohashi Junction, will open to the public on March 30. Created to conform to the shape of the junction itself, the garden is doughnut-shaped. Using the landscape that at one time existed in the area around the Meguro River as a model, a space that recreates nature is formed, allowing visitors to thoroughly enjoy the beauty of their surroundings.

(Photo taken February 26, 2013)

On March 6, the third day of the IOC Evaluation Commission’s site visit, the group visited Tokyo Big Sight, the facility planned to be used as a media center should Tokyo be chosen as the host city for the 2020 Games. Children wearing uniforms from 28 Olympic sports and women dressed in beautiful furisode kimonos welcomed the group of inspectors.

(March 6, 2013)

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government (TMG) Building No.1 was specially lit up March 4 - 7 in honor of the IOC Evaluation Commission’s visit to Japan, as part of Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The TMG Building was illuminated to represent the colors of the Olympic rings - blue, yellow, green, red, and black. The color black was achieved by not shining light on certain areas.

(Photo taken March 6, 2013)

Governor Inose was invited to participate in an event at F.C. Tokyo’s home season opener as a special guest. The governor, welcomed by a big round of applause from F.C. Tokyo fans, encouraged the team and made an appeal to the audience at the stadium for Tokyo’s Olympic bid.

(Photo taken March 9, 2013)

On March 11, the Tokyo Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation and Tokyo Metro conducted a joint response drill for the first time to prepare for natural disasters, including an earthquake that directly strikes the capital, and to ensure the safety of commuters stranded by the event. By holding this drill, both subway operators hope to build a framework that allows for smooth cooperation and response when a disaster occurs.

(Photo taken March 11, 2013)

On April 5, Governor Inose attended a ceremony for the public opening of the former pump house of Mikawashima Water Reclamation Center. The redbrick building was designated an important cultural property of Japan. The governor greeted the audience, saying, "Tokyo’s sewerage technology is among the best in the world. I hope the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games will give us the opportunity to show the world how safe and comfortable Tokyo is."

(Photo taken April 5, 2013)

Governor Inose attended the Tokyo Metropolitan University entrance ceremony, held at the Tokyo International Forum on April 7. In his congratulatory speech, the governor encouraged new students, saying, "The foundations you will build over the next several years will help you live with confidence. Please think about how you can improve yourself in the coming years."

(Photo taken April 7, 2013)

Azaleas came into full bloom at the Tsutsujiyama square in the Tokyo Metropolitan Koganei Park, decorating the park with bright splashes of color.

(Photo taken April 19, 2013)

On April 26, the Tama Zoological Park opened a new zone called Asian Plains, which displays Przewalski’s horses, given to Tokyo in commemoration of forty years of diplomatic relations between Japan and Mongolia, as well as gray wolves, a species that has gone extinct in Japan.

(Photo taken April 26, 2013)

On May 15, Governor Inose attended the 63rd Conference of the Leaders of the Nine Metropolitan Prefectural/Municipal Authorities for the first time as the governor of Tokyo. The governor expressed his appreciation for everyone’s cooperation in Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, and also suggested that municipalities sell more of the electricity generated at their hydropower plants to new electricity retailers (PPS).

(May 15, 2013)

On May 25, the Tokyo Hotaru (Firefly) Festival was held for the second time. About 100,000 Inoriboshi light-emitting diodes (LEDs) were released on to the Sumidagawa River, creating a fantastic view. For the finale of the event, Tokyo Skytree was illuminated with the five colors of the Olympic rings.

(May 25, 2013)

In preparation for the 13th National Sports Games for the Challenged, rehearsal matches for twelve events were held at nine venues throughout Tokyo on May 25 and 26. The National Sports Games for the Challenged, which the Tokyo Metropolitan Government will host for the first time, will take place over a period of three days from October 12 through 14 at various venues in Tokyo.

(May 25, 2013)

On May 25 and 26, the 65th Tokyo Port Festival, which was started to commemorate the opening of Tokyo Port, was held, with the Harumi Passenger Ship Terminal as the main venue. The Tokyo Fire Department staged a water pageant, which included displays such as spraying of water in the five Olympic colors and firefighting helicopters flying overhead. The exciting and impressive show fascinated the audience.

(May 26, 2013)

Hydrangeas came into full bloom at Hakusan Shrine in Bunkyo Ward, decorating the grounds with colorful flowers.

(June 12, 2013)

Marking 100 days unitl the Sports Festival Tokyo 2013 kicks off, Yuriito Park Marunouchi, an event featuring the festival’s mascot Yuriito, took place at the Tokyo International Forum on June 16. Many people came and enjoyed the event, which included a Yuriito Dance competition and the chance to try some of the official festival sporting events.

(June 16, 2013)

On June 20, Governor Inose reviewed public safety measures being taken in Tokyo’s bustling Shibuya area. He confirmed the location of security cameras installed on Shibuya Center Gai street and in areas around Shibuya Station. He then talked with crime watch volunteers and police officers at the koban police station in front of the railway station, and received reports on their activities.

(June 20, 2013)

On June 25, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Evaluation Commission released its report on candidate cities for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Following the release, Governor Naoki Inose, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda and Vice President Masato Mizuno held a press conference.

(June 25, 2013)

On July 12, Governor Inose threw the ceremonial first pitch of the 84th Intercity Baseball Tournament, held at the Tokyo Dome. The pitch from the mound was taken into the center of the waiting catcher’s mitt, exciting the onlookers in the stands.

(July 12, 2013)

The Marine Lantern Festival in Odaiba 2013 was held July 14-15. The event, which is held to mark the Marine Day holiday, features paper lanterns in seven colors arranged on the beach to create larger-than-life pictures. At this year’s festival, a series of pictures incorporating images such as Tokyo’s Olympic bid logo and Yuriito, the Sports Festival in Tokyo 2013 mascot, was created, expressing hope for the success of Tokyo’s bid for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and the Sports Festival in Tokyo 2013.

(July 14, 2013)

The Sumidagawa Fireworks Festival, a summer tradition of Tokyo’s shitamachi or old town, was held July 27. At this year’s festival, fireworks in the colors of the five Olympic rings were launched in support of Tokyo’s Olympic bid. Although a thunderstorm broke out accompanied by strong winds, causing the fireworks display to be cancelled 30 minutes into the program, the special illumination of Tokyo Sky Tree alongside the fireworks, were enjoyed by the spectators.

(July 27, 2013)

Teams from the Third Senior High School of Nihon University, representing West Tokyo, and Shutoku Senior High School, representing East Tokyo, in the 95th National High School Baseball Championship, paid a coutesy call on Governor Inose. The governor warmly encouraged the members of both teams, saying, "Taking with you the hopes and aspirations of all the high schools and players who were not able to make it into the championship tournament, I want you dream big, as if both teams representing Tokyo will fight it out in the final round."

(July 31, 2013)

On August 7, Governor Inose participated in the Discover Tomorrow 1,000km Relay to Tokyo as one of the runners on the final leg of the relay that connected the areas devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake through the passing of the sash from runner to runner. Along with about 100 citizen runners, the governor crossed the finish line with the sash, completing its 1,000km journey.

(August 7, 2013)

On August 23, with only 15 days to go before the IOC Session at which the host city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games is to be chosen on September 7, an official send-off ceremony for Tokyo’s delegation was held at a venue within the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Approximately 800 people from political and business circles, as well as the world of sports, including Prime Minister Abe attended. At the event, Governor Inose and Prime Minister Abe spoke of their commitment to the Olympic bid.

(August 23, 2013)

On August 31, a five-colored mikoshi portable shrine was paraded through bustling Ueno Park. With project supervisor Katsuhiko Hibino leading the procession, and the strong, lively rhythm of percussion group "BAQUEBA" performing on the drums, the parade caught the attention of many visitors within the park.

(August 31, 2013)

Prior to the commencement of Sports Festival in Tokyo 2013 (68th National Sports Festival), a rally was held for Tokyo’s delegation of athletes at Hibiya Public Hall on August 31. The delegation’s flag was presented to basketball player Takeshi Shingo, and competitive swimmer Kanako Watanabe spoke on behalf of the entire delegation, expressing each athlete’s determination to perform well in their respective sport.

(August 31, 2013)

On September 5, just a few days before the election of the host city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, a candle lighting event in support of Tokyo’s bid was held at Zojoji Temple in Minato Ward. With the temple and Tokyo Tower specially illuminated in the background, 2,020 candles were lit expressing the hope that Tokyo would win the Games bid.

(September 5, 2013)

On September 7, Tokyo was selected as the host city for the 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games at the IOC (International Olympic Committee) Session held in Buenos Aires.People all over Japan were overjoyed in the early morning hours of September 8, when the word "Tokyo" was read aloud at the ceremony announcing the host city.

(September 8, 2013)

On September 10, after Tokyo was selected as the host city for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, posters referring to Tokyo as a “candidate city” were replaced with posters celebrating Tokyo’s selection as the host city at Tochomae Station on the Toei Oedo Line.

(September 10, 2013)

On September 28, the Sports Festival in Tokyo 2013, which combines the 68th National Sports Festival and the 13th National Sports Games for the Challenged into one sports festival, kicked off. On that day, the opening ceremony of the 68th National Sports Festival took place in the presence of Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko at Ajinomoto Stadium.

(September 28, 2013)

On October 10, the Universal Jog in Shinjuku, an event which allows participants, both able-bodied and disabled, to enjoy jogging together, was held. Aiming to make Tokyo a "city of sports" where anyone can easily enjoy sports, the Tokyo Universal Sports Declaration was made by Governor Inose on the day of the event.

(October 10, 2013)

From October 12 to 14, Tokyo hosted the 13th National Sports Games for the Challenged for the first time. Sixty-seven prefectural and designated city delegations made up of 5,500 members, including athletes and officials, participated in official events, bringing excitement to sports venues located throughout Tokyo.

(October 12, 2013)

The closing ceremony of the Sports Festival in Tokyo 2013, which combined the 68th National Sports Festival and the 13th National Sports Games for the Challenged into one festival of sport, was held on October 14 at Ajinomoto Stadium. The flame was extinguished, marking an end to the festival, and the festival flag was handed over to the next host, Nagasaki Prefecture.

(October 14, 2013)

On October 23, Governor Inose greeted approximately 50 people at Takeshiba Ferry Terminal, including senior citizens, who had evacuated from the island of Oshima. The island sustained significant damage from Typhoon Wipha, and the group was evacuated in preparation for the approach of Typhoon Francisco. The evacuees were taken in by various facilities, including those that care for senior citizens, until the typhoon passed and the safety of the island could be confirmed.

(October 23, 2013)

　The IOC/Tokyo 2020 Orientation Seminar was held from November 14 at the Ajinomoto National Training Center in Kita ward in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

November 14, 2013

　The fall foliage of maple trees in Mitake Valley in Ome, Tokyo, reached their colorful peak to the enjoyment of large crowds of people walking along the riverside trails.

November 21, 2013

　The 2013 Tokyo High School Bibliobattle and the Bibliobattle 2013 Tokyo Finals were held on November 23 and 24, respectively, at Belle Salle Akihabara. In “Bibliobattle,” participants compete in presenting book reviews in a new game-like style. The photo shows the award ceremony for this first Bibliobattle held for high school students.

November 23, 2013

　　On November 23, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government held the annual comprehensive joint disaster drill in collaboration with Akiruno city. The drill assumed an earthquake directly striking the Tama area, with tremors of lower-6 or higher intensity on the Japanese seismic scale broadly felt in the region. Some 10,000 people participated in the drill, including the Metropolitan Police Department, the Metropolitan Fire Department, the Self-Defense Forces, fire departments of neighboring prefectures, US military forces in Japan, fire fighting units from the cities of Taipei and Seoul, as well as local residents and observers.

November 23, 2013

　　Visitors flocked to see the blazing yellow glory of the ginkgo trees aligning the avenue of Meiji Jingu Gaien near Tokyo’s National Stadium and Jingu Stadium, and enjoyed the ginkgo festival while there.

December 3, 2013

　The Aomi-Daiba Crosswalk, a large pedestrian bridge, has been completed at the Route 357 Odaiba central intersection in the Tokyo waterfront area. It is anticipated that this will not only help alleviate traffic congestion in the Aomi and Daiba districts where ongoing large-scale development projects are significantly changing the flow of people and vehicles, but will also ensure increased safety and convenience for pedestrians.

December 17, 2013

　Japan’s largest “dojinshi” fair for self-published works, Comic Market 85, was held at Tokyo Big Sight for three days, from December 29 to December 31. Recent years have seen an increase in participants from outside of Japan, and this year the total number of people at the event reached 520,000. Many visitors came in anime-themed cosplay costumes, and a cosplayer photo session was also held.

December 30, 2013

　The shoppers came in droves again this year to Ameyoko in preparation for the New Year holiday. Famous as a year-end tradition, the area was busy not only with local shoppers, but also many tourists and overseas travelers as well, requiring traffic control measures to be enacted.

December 31, 2013