The Yomiuri Shimbun has obtained a report that says the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) has given Tokyo a higher evaluation than its competitor Fukuoka to become Japan’s candidate for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, because of the feasibility of Tokyo’s plan, financial capability and its international renown.
The report was sent to the 55 members of the selection committee prior to their vote on the candidacy.
Under the report the JOC is unconvinced that Fukuoka can acquire written consent from owners to sell land in the Suzaki district, where construction of the main arena has been earmarked, and it has expressed concern at the viability of the plan.
While the report said Tokyo has had little contact with the JOC because the metropolitan government has limited experience in hosting international events or liaising with the JOC, is it not seen as an obstacle to Tokyo’s hopes, and the report suggest that Tokyo has been given a higher evaluation comparatively.
The advantages of both bids are listed in the report which points out that Fukuoka has experience in managing international sporting events and a strong willingness to host the Games, but Tokyo is globally recognized and has a strong financial base to accumulate reserve funds of 400 billion yen by fiscal 2009.
