Tokyo Photo News February 2018

On February 25, “Tokyo Marathon 2018” was held. The event was held for the 12th time since the inaugural run in 2007. The marathon course underwent a major overhaul last year. The purpose of the revision was to “further appeal to people at home and abroad about how wonderful Tokyo is” and “remake the route into a fast-paced, record-breaking course.” The same new route was used again this year. Setting off from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building, participants ran through Iidabashi, Kanda, Nihombashi, Asakusa Kaminari-Mon, Monzen-nakacho, Ginza, and Takanawa, among other landmark locations, and finished the race at the Gyoko-dori Avenue, against the backdrop of the Marunouchi Station Building of Tokyo Station.

(February 25, 2018)

On February 20, Governor Koike visited the Tokyo Metropolitan Mitaka Secondary School. The governor observed a class where students used tablet PCs to take a Web-based math test, create materials at home and give presentations in English, and enjoy online conversations with English instructors based in the Philippines.

(February 20, 2018)

Hanegi Park has about 650 plum trees (around 230 blooming in dark pink and 420 in white). About 60 varieties, including Yaekanko, Yaeyabai, Michishirube, Shirakaga, and Omoi-no-mama, can be seen at the park. The Plum Blossom Festival, held from early February through early March, is a signature spring event of Setagaya, and many visitors come from far to enjoy the plum blossoms.

(February 27, 2018)

On February 28, the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games announced the selection of the official mascots of the Tokyo 2020 Games. Governor Koike issued a statement saying, “With a little more than two years left until the Games begin, together with our adorable new Tokyo 2020 Games Mascots, I hope to continue creating momentum and excitement regarding the Tokyo 2020 Games among the people of Tokyo and those across the nation.”

(February 28, 2018)