Prime Minister Shinzo Abe showered the closing of Rio Olympics with excitement last Aug. 22 as he cosplayed the Nintendo game character, Mario to announce Japan's turn to host the international sports event. In 2020, the land of the rising sun aims for not just medals but also for psychological boost to its people, new life to its waging economy and sports business and an environmental friendly approach.
Japan which won 41 medals this year already appropriated $7.3 billion for infrastructures and sports arena. The Central Bank presumes that the country's GDP will increase by 0.3 percent every year. Mr. Abe aims to double the influx of tourists to Japan by 2020. In addition, the prime minister hopes that the olympics will help the country's sports industry which generated $55 billion of sales in 2012, the Wall Street Journal reported.
This is the second time Japan will host the summer games after 1964. The country's leader believes that Tokyo's advanced technology, infrastructures and transport system will be beneficial to the event.
Meanwhile, Japan plans to offer not just robots and man-made meteorites but also eco-friendly medals. In a report released by BBC, Japan's consideration of using e-wastes to create medals was disclosed.
Recycled metals are usually obtained from mining firms. Despite the country's lack of natural resources, leaders are enthusiastic about the idea. In fact, Japan is one of the most active recyclers of plastic, glass and paper in Asia. However, the country has a low number of recycled materials in store.
E-waste medals should meet the strict criteria set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This year, gold medals awarded to Rio Olympics winners had no trace of mercury while silver and bronze medals were made of recycled materials.
Watch Prime Minister Shinzo Abe dressed as Super Mario during the closing of Rio Olympics 2016.
