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.


Related news stories:
Prime Minister Abe shows support for Tokyo's Olympic bid (8th January 2013)
Japanese government backs Tokyo 2020 Olympic bid (13th December 2011)
Japanese firms ready to back Tokyo 2020 Olympics bid (5th March 2013)
Japan Wrestling Federation urges medallists to lobby IOC to keep sport for 2020 (21st February 2013)