TOKYO (Reuters) - The organisers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics unveiled domestic ticket prices for the Games on Friday ranging from less than $18 up to $2,760, the top rate for a place at the opening ceremony. Tickets for many events start at the symbolic price point of 2,020 yen ($17.96) but these are only for group sales, while the cheapest individual tickets will go on sale for 2,500 yen ($22.23). More than half of all tickets will be sold for less than 8,000 yen ($71.15), according to organisers. The cheapest tickets are to be found for sports such as soccer, hockey and the marathon. The Tokyo prices are roughly in line with those for the London Olympics in 2012 but are more expensive than Rio 2016, although fluctuating exchange rates make comparisons difficult. At London 2012, the most expensive opening ceremony tickets cost $2,618 at today's exchange rate. As in previous Games, athletics is the most expensive event with the highest priced tickets coming in at 130,000 yen ($156.12). … [Read more...] about Tokyo 2020 Olympics ticket prices unveiled
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Heatwave deaths prompt concerns about Tokyo Olympics
News / World by Press Association 20/07/2018, 9:22 am FacebookTwitterWhatsAppEmail Send us a story Sign up to our Daily newsletter A deadly heatwave in Japan has many residents in Tokyo questioning the wisdom of staging the 2020 Olympics in July and August. Nine people died and thousands were taken to hospital across the country on Wednesday as temperatures rose as high as 40.7C (105F) in central Japan. Rescuers in Tokyo responded to more than 3,000 emergency calls, breaking the record of 2,900 set the previous day. A total of 317 people were taken to hospital. The 2020 Olympics will run from July 24 to August 9, when temperatures in central Tokyo can exceed 35C. Tokyo’s Application File to host the 2020 Games reads: “The pleasant weather conditions at this time of year will be ideal for athletes.” But anyone who has spent a summer in Tokyo knows that is not necessarily the case. Experts have warned the risk of heatstroke in Tokyo has … [Read more...] about Heatwave deaths prompt concerns about Tokyo Olympics
Kobe Steel says Tokyo prosecutors have indicted company over data tampering scandal
TOKYO (Reuters) - Kobe Steel Ltd, <5406.T> Japan's third-biggest steelmaker, said on Thursday it has been indicted by prosecutors over a data tampering scandal that shook the company and faith in Japanese manufacturing prowess last year. The company has been charged by Tokyo prosecutors for allegedly violating Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act, Kobe Steel said in an emailed statement. Kobe Steel, which supplies steel and aluminium parts to manufacturers of planes, trains and automobiles around the world, admitted to supplying products with falsified quality specifications to more than 600 customers. It said the data fraud had been going on for nearly five decades. "We are taking this matter brought against us very seriously. The entire Kobe Steel Group is working together sincerely and straightforwardly to carry out preventive measures and is making every effort to restore trust," the statement said. The scandal, which led to similar revelations from a number of other … [Read more...] about Kobe Steel says Tokyo prosecutors have indicted company over data tampering scandal
Russia Wants to Build a Rail Bridge to Japan, Linking Tokyo to Europe
World Russia Japan Vladimir Putin Shinzo Abe Russia wants to strike a deal with Japan to build a 28-mile bridge between the two countries that could link Moscow to Tokyo by land and rail. The project has repeatedly come up in discussions between officials from the two countries. During Russian President Vladimir Putin’s previous term, the Kremlin greatly intensified its outreach to the world’s third biggest economy. Putin reignited speculation about the long-rumored project last year, when he announced that a land link between Russia and Japan would have “planetary” significance. A train guard checks his watch ahead of departure as he leans out of a window on a Shinkansen bullet train at Tokyo Train Station on May 02, 2016 in Tokyo, Japan. As currently planned, the bridge would link the Russian island of Sakhalin with Japan’s northernmost major island of Hokkaido. Carl Court/Getty Images Recommended Slideshows 76 The Most Powerful … [Read more...] about Russia Wants to Build a Rail Bridge to Japan, Linking Tokyo to Europe
Tokyo, Paris agree to join hands on Games preparations
TOKYO (Reuters) – The Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024 organising committees said on Wednesday they had agreed to cooperate on preparations for their respective Summer Games, as Japan gets set to host the Olympics in just over two years and France begins to lay its groundwork. Organisers said they would explore partnering in areas including the exchange of personnel and information and language services, and actively promote each other’s Games and work closely on the flag hand-over ceremonies. They will also discuss other areas of potential cooperation to help ensure the success of both Games. “This is a very important day for us, not only because we won the semi-final of the World Cup,” said Paris 2024 Director General Etienne Thobois, referring to France’s win over Belgium the night before and eliciting laughter at a briefing in Tokyo. “But also because we can sign this agreement which for us is very important because after the IOC and the IPC, Tokyo 2020 … [Read more...] about Tokyo, Paris agree to join hands on Games preparations