Tokyo Photo News February 2012

20120201

Drill held for aiding stranded commuters during a disaster

In the immediate aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake large numbers of stranded commuters added to the confusion of the situation. As a result, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, in cooperation with Chiyoda, Shinjuku and Toshima Wards, conducted drills for stranded commuters in and around three terminal stations in the metropolis in an effort to have people understand the importance of not moving about without reason. Approximately 10,000 people participated in the drill.
Photo: Participants receive relief supplies from a drill organizer. (JR Shinjuku Station, February 3)

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Cycling and running event held on Tokyo Gate Bridge prior to grand opening

A sports festival commemorating the completion of the Tokyo Gate Bridge was held on February 4 and 5 in advance of its February 12 grand opening. The general public was able to enjoy three sporting activities at the event including running and cycling. The morning of February 4 saw good weather and 5,000 runners were treated to amazing views of Mt. Fuji and the Tokyo Sky Tree from the bridge deck as they ran along an 8-kilometer round-trip course.
Photo: Tokyo Gate Bridge crowded with runners (February 4)

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Tokyo releases its application file for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games

The Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee held a press conference at the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on February 16, releasing the application file submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). After opening remarks by Governor Shintaro Ishihara, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee Vice President and CEO Masato Mizuno spoke about Tokyo’s motivation for hosting the games. This was then followed by a question and answer session.
Photo: Photo session with participants (February 16)

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6th Tokyo Marathon gets underway

On February 26, 36,000 runners set off from in front of the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building on a course winding through the heart of Tokyo. 105 high school students from the disaster-stricken Iwate, Miyagi, and Fukushima prefectures were invited to run a 10-kilometer course that ended at Hibiya Park. In addition, 63 government employees, one from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government and one from each municipality within Tokyo, participated in the race dressed up as Yurito, the Sports Festival Tokyo 2013 mascot.
Photo: Runners starting out in front of the TMG Building (February 26)