The southern Japanese city of Fukuoka Monday officially joined Tokyo in the race for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.
Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) President Tsunekasu Takeda told reporters, “we are expecting to see a plan of the highest quality that will be recognized as such by the world”.
Referring to Tokyo’s bid, Fukuoka prefectural governor Wataru Aso said, “it’s time to consider (the value of) local cities against the metropolis”. Tokyo plans to make a formal proposal to the JOC on Friday and the selection of a Japanese host city will be determined on August 30.
Fukuoka Mayor Hirotaro Yamasaki told a news conference, “we have the ability to create a plan to host the Olympics even in a city of 1.5 million.
As part of its proposal Fukuoka plans include building the Olympic Village about five minutes from the sporting venues for 50 per cent of the participating athletes.
The main stadium and other major facilities would be concentrated in a redeveloped region about 100 hectares in area on the northern side of Hakata Bay.
Reports say only seven new facilities will be built, with many exiting and temporary facilities will be used. Maintenance at Olympic venues will be carried out by redeveloping the wharf area now dotted with factories and warehouses.
Expected cost for facilities should reach 486.4 billion yen. The city’s financial burden is limited to 97 billion yen.
