(ATR) Tokyo 2020 Japan House opened its doors to provide a glimpse into the entertaining and innovative technology which will be showcased at the next Summer Olympics.
Japanese officials are already touting Tokyo 2020 as the most innovative Games in history.
Tokyo 2020 organizers are striving to raise awareness of these Games and wow visitors with the fun-filled, tech attractions at Japan House, which is located in the heart of Gangneung Olympic Park.
A Thursday media visit, attended by around 120 reporters, was hosted by the 2020 organising committee and Tokyo Metropolitan Government. Japan House will be open to the public between noon and 8pm every day throughout the PyeongChang Winter Games.
"Tokyo 2020 is very keen to invite spectators from all around the world to our Tokyo 2020 Japan House to experience some of the atmosphere which they will also experience in 2020," communications director Masa Takaya tells Around the Rings.
"We have some digital gadgets which show Japan’s cutting-edge technology and how we should be able to bring some excitement through such technology," he said.
Perhaps the most impressive interactive exhibit is the Tokyo Travellers where you create your personal avatar by standing still as a hi-tech mobile camera circles your body. Your likeness is then projected onto a jumbo screen taking a leisurely jaunt through downtown Tokyo and it’s famous Cherry Blossom filled parks.
Other neat features include the opportunity for visitors to ride a surfboard or toss your best fastball at the Tokyo 2020 New Events Photo Bar. Before you know it, friends are seeing you in action on Twitter or Instagram. Or take a few minutes to create an original Japanese origami crane with your smart phone photo incorporated onto the paper art.
Tokyo’s abundant nature, culture and food are also highlighted in displays along the walls of Japan House.
Photos of Japan’s 124 athletes competing at the PyeongChang Winter Olympics are shown in one corner, including eight-time Olympic ski jumper and Japan’s opening ceremony flag bearer Noriaki Kasai.
"Hopefully, the team will achieve great success which will bring huge momentum for Tokyo 2020 and massive excitement to our country," Takaya said.
Reported by Brian Pinelliin PyeongChang
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