InsideJapan News Network

The Tokyo 2016 Olympic bid organising committee yesterday (February 12th) promised to stage the "most compact Olympic Games" in the history of the sporting tournament if its bid is successful.

A file containing details of Japan's bid, wrapped in furoshiki cloth and decorated with traditional Japanese paper, was officially submitted to the International Olympic Committee (IOC), reports the Associated Press.

Everything from information about sports venues, spending budgets, transportation, hotel accomodation and security are believed to be included in the document.

Among Tokyo's rival bidders are Chicago, Madrid and Rio de Janeiro.

The popularity of newly elected US president Barack Obama may have given Chicago the edge over other cities.

Jacques Rogge, president of the IOC, commented: "All bids were of a high standard. It's a tribute to the health of the Olympic Movement that the field was so strong."

The winning city will be selected by a secret ballot in October.


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