Nov 22 (Japan Today) - The Olympic Games is one of the most awaited world events. Every year, different countries host the Olympic Games, and Japan was chosen as the venue for 2020. Despite the current pandemic, Japan puts its best foot forward and continuously make improvements in their facilities, such as the Olympic aquatics center.
Tokyo 2020 organizers on Thursday unveiled the $523 million venue for swimming, diving, and artistic swimming that will seat 15,000 fans for the Olympic and Paralympic Games next year.
Construction is 90 percent complete at the four-story Aquatics Center and is due to be finished on schedule by the end of February, officials said.
"We are aiming to construct a swimming venue to the world's highest standards equipped with the latest facilities," Tokyo 2020 venue official Daishuu Tone told reporters.
The main pool features a movable wall allowing the 50-meter facility to be converted into two 25-meter pools. The depth of the bottom can also be adjusted, which will also be a good training venue to teach aspiring Japanese athletes how to swim faster in the future.
The building cost 56.7 billion yen but Tokyo hopes to make the most of the facility after the 2020 Games, aiming to attract one million users a year -- 850,000 through swimming competitions and another 150,000 casual users.
Tokyo Olympics In 2021 Despite The Pandemic
Japan has been known as a famous Olympic venue since the 1964 Summer Games, the very first in Asia. However, for the first time in history, the Olympics was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite all the uncertainties, quarantines, and lockdowns, hope came into existence.
Just four months ago, the five Olympic rings were removed in Tokyo Bay for maintenance since the Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed until next year. Today, the rings can be seen as you take a cruise nearby, which is a sign of hope for the Olympics. The Olympic rings will be lighted to open the event formally on July 23, 2021, which will be followed by the Paralympics come August 24.
Current restrictions are being imposed in the country to curb the spread of coronavirus. All travelers must self-isolate for 14 days and use contact-tracing apps upon arrival. However, there’s seemingly a laxer policy for overseas visitors for the upcoming Tokyo Olympic games.
Despite the pandemic crisis the world is battling at the moment, the postponed 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games will push through next year. Japan expects a ‘large-scale’ number of overseas visitors and would not require mandatory vaccinations as long as tourists will submit negative COVID-19 test results. Also, visitors should download smartphone tracking apps upon arrival. Tourists will also be allowed to use public transportation systems. All in all, Japan is getting ready for the big event and tries to make it more special, convenient, and unforgettable for all visitors.
