Tokyo, 21 March 2013 – Tokyo 2020’s plan to fully leverage the creativity of the world’s most forward-thinking city reached new heights today when Tokyo Metro, one of the two systems making up Tokyo’s extensive subway network, extended mobile access to all nine of its underground subways, including between stations. The move is the latest of many cross-industry initiatives that are cementing Tokyo’s reputation as a city that sets world-leading trends in everything from fashion to technology.
The current phase of mobile expansion included adding access on the Ginza and Marunouchi lines in the heart of the city. Connection is possible via Japan’s four major mobile operators – NTT DOCOMO, INC., KDDI CORPORATION, SOFTBANK MOBILE Corp. and eAccess Ltd. – which have international roaming agreements with providers from around the globe.
Tsunekazu Takeda, IOC member and President of both the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and Tokyo 2020, said: “Universal mobile access in the Tokyo Metro subway system adds further momentum to our efforts to leverage innovation in the world’s most technologically advanced major capital. The Tokyo 2020 Games plan embraces technology for the benefit of both athletes and spectators from across the globe.”
Tokyo, in addition to its large number of ground-level train lines, has 13 underground subway lines divided between the Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Toei subway network and the private Tokyo Metro subway network. The subways alone cover some 287km, encompassing 235 stations and averaging more than 8 million passengers per day. Virtually all of Tokyo 2020’s competition venues are easily accessible via subway.
Closed-circuit TV now available in most subway stations and railcars will provide international guests with a wide variety of Tokyo 2020 information, including competition results, tourism, directions to venues and much more. Information will be provided in text and voice in multiple languages, helping foreign tourists to fully experience the joy and excitement of both the Tokyo 2020 Games and tourism in Japan.
Masa Takaya – Communications Manager, Japanese Olympic Committee Acting Communications Director, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Phone: +81 3 6279 0049 Mobile: +81 80 1355 9110 Email: m-takaya@joc.or.jp
Hisao Shuto – Director of International Communications, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Email: hisao.shuto@tokyo2020.jp
Hiromi Sato – Manager, International Communications, Tokyo 2020 Bid Committee
Email: hiromi.sato@tokyo2020.jp