Volunteering Strategy for the Olympic and
Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
December 2016
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games
(Tokyo 2020)
Volunteering Strategy for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
―Table of Contents ―
Introduction ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 1
Chapter 1 Volunteers for the Tokyo 2020 Games ------------------------------------ 2
1. Volunteers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games
2. Volunteers for the Tokyo 2020 Games
3. Collaboration with related local governments and others
Chapter 2 Promotion of active involvement by diverse participants ------------- 11
1. Volunteering by people with impairment
2. Volunteering by children and students
3. Volunteering by working-age and child-rearing adults
4. Other
Chapter 3 Recruitment ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 13
1. Recruitment initiatives
2. Application requirements and conditions
3. Recruitment period
4. Recruitment methods
5. Applicant screening
Chapter 4 Training ---------------------------------------------------------------------------- 17
1. Training
2. Accommodating multiple languages
Chapter 5 Cultivating enthusiasm for volunteering and expanding the base of
volunteers ------------------------------------------------------------------------ 20
1. Promoting information on volunteering at the Games and other programs
2. Tokyo Volunteerism Promotion Council (TVPC)
3. Initiatives aimed at expanding the range of participants
Chapter 6 Post-Games Legacy ----------------------------------------------------------- 25
1. Toward the realization of a “community of support”
Chapter 7 Volunteer recruitment and selection schedule -------------------------- 27
Reference: Volunteering ---------------------------------------------------------------------- 28
1. What is volunteering?
2. Volunteering in Japan
3. Volunteers currently active in Tokyo
- 1 -
Introduction
The Tokyo 1964 Games generated great excitement throughout Japan and are still
remembered today by many people.
To make the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 (hereafter “Tokyo 2020
Games), the second Games to be held in Tokyo, a historic event that is cherished in
the hearts of the people, it is crucial that we work to build excitement for the Games
through all-Tokyo and all-Japan efforts.
Athletes and those affiliated with the Games from 200 or more countries and areas
around the world will participate, and a large number of spectators will come to Japan.
It is also said that about 4.8 billion people will watch the Games on television or other
forms of media, making the Games a prime opportunity to convey the attractions of
Tokyo and Japan to the world.
To achieve these objectives, it is imperative to have each and every resident of Tokyo
and Japan play a role in the success of the Games. Of these various roles,
volunteering offers participants the valuable opportunity to experience a form of
excitement that can only be obtained by uniting with the many others affiliated with the
Games to make them happen.
The Volunteering Strategy for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
(hereafter “the Strategy”) sets forth the basic concept for how the volunteer program
should be operated at the Tokyo 2020 Games, including recruitment and training, as
well as other aspects such as expanding the base of volunteers.
Along with advancing preparations for the start of volunteer recruitment, which will
begin around the summer of 2018, in accordance with the Strategy, the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government (hereafter “TMG”) and the Tokyo Organising Committee of
the Olympic and Paralympic Games (hereafter “the Organising Committee”) will
collaborate to the extent possible with respect to the formulation of this Strategy and
volunteer operations, including volunteer recruitment and training, and post-Games
initiatives.
Based on this plan, the TMG and the Organising Committee will also advance studies
in preparation for collaboration with other local governments where venues are
located.
We would like to invite the people of Tokyo and Japan to consider volunteering. In
addition to the groups of volunteers recruited, trained, and managed by the TMG and
the Organising Committee, we hope that the people will also get involved in a range of
other ways, including participation in activities that will be organized nationwide to
support the Tokyo 2020 Games.
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Chapter 1 Volunteers for the Tokyo 2020 Games
1. Volunteers at the Olympic and Paralympic Games
A large number of people take part in the Games in various capacities. This includes
national teams, made up of the athletes, who are the stars of the competition,
coaches, and others, technical officials such as referees, sports federations, media
from around the world, those affiliated with the International Olympic Committee (IOC)
and International Paralympic Committee (IPC), marketing partners, and spectators. In
addition, those who support the operation of the Games, referred to as workforce,
include paid workforce such as event operations workforce, doping control, doctors,
and nurses, as well as contractors and volunteers.
Volunteers are expected to play an important role in the operation of the Games,
including providing support and information at Games-related venues such as
competition venues and the Olympic Village, prior to, during, and following the Games.
These volunteers are called “Games Volunteers.” This system provides a means for
many people to become directly involved with the Games, and the volunteers
themselves contribute to cultivating the Games atmosphere.
- 3 -
During the Games, a second group of volunteers called “City Volunteers” stationed
at airports, major train stations, sightseeing spots, and other locations will provide
services to visitors from across Japan and abroad, such as tourism and transport
information, as well as guidance to spectators at stations nearest to competition
venues.
City Volunteers, as “the face” of the host city, warmly welcome those affiliated with
the Games, such as athletes, tourists, and spectators, in the spirit of o motenashi
(Japanese hospitality). City Volunteers complement the Games by creating a bright
and friendly atmosphere and contribute to building excitement for the Games.
At the London 2012 Games, people with various backgrounds and abilities applied
to serve as volunteers. About 240,000 people applied to become Games Volunteers,
and about 24,000 applied to become City Volunteers.
Technical
officials
(judges,
referees,
etc.)
Press
Athletes
National
teams
Broadcasters
(television,
radio, etc.)
IOC/IPC
Marketing
partners
Spectators
City
Volunteers
Volunteers
throughout
Japan
Workforce
Paid workforce
Games
operation
workforce
Doping inspectors
Medical workforce
Interpreters
Event operation
workforce, etc.
Long
term
Short
term
Games Volunteers
Guides to assist
spectators at
venues
Workforce
registration
Event operation
support
Medical support
Language
support, etc.
During
the
Games
Contractors
Others
Food and
beverage,
janitorial,
security,
and other
services
Performers,
etc.
- 4 -
Of the applicants selected, about 70,000 Games Volunteers, called “Games
Makers,” and 8,000 City Volunteers, called “London Ambassadors,” took pride
playing a role as professionals in their respective capacities, leading the Games to
success.
Carrying on the volunteer network and distribution of volunteer recruitment
information when the Games ended has resulted in many people continuing to be
active in volunteering even after the Games.
At the Rio 2016 Games, about 50,000 people were involved in the operation of the
Games as Games Volunteers, and about 1,700 people served as City Hosts,
guiding and assisting visitors from around the world.
It is said that that each and every volunteer and workforce member raised the level
of excitement of the Games as a whole by enjoying the roles they do and assisting
visitors in a bright and friendly manner.
*City Hosts were workforce paid by the city of Rio de Janeiro.
London 2012 Games
Rio 2016 Games
Number of
people
Total number of Games
Volunteers and City Volunteers
about 78,000
Games Volunteers: About 50,000
City Hosts: About 1,700(*)
Names for
volunteers
Games Volunteers were called
“Games Makers.”
City Volunteers were called
“London Ambassadors.”
Games Volunteers were first called
“Heroes’ hero.” However, the name
was later changed to “volunteers.”
“City Hosts” provided assistance
such as tourist information.
Mission of
Games
Volunteers
“I DO ACT”
Be Inspirational
Be Distinctive
Be Open
Be Alert
Be Consistent
Be part of the TEAM
The Team that does more for Sport
Engagement
Respect
Fun
- 5 -
Volunteers actively participating in past Games
〈London 2012 Games〉
〈Rio 2016 Games〉
Photos by Tokyo 2020/Shugo Takemi
2. Volunteers for the Tokyo 2020 Games
(1) The role of volunteers at the Tokyo 2020 Games
The participation of 90,000 or more people (both Games Volunteers and City
Volunteers in Tokyo) is expected at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Games Volunteers are to be recruited, trained, and managed by the Organising
Committee, while the TMG will be responsible for recruiting, training, and managing
City Volunteers in Tokyo.
In order to widely promote the attractions of Japan to the world through the Tokyo
2020 Games, having each Games Volunteer and City Volunteer demonstrate the
strengths of the Japanese people, such as the Japanese spirit of hospitality,
omotenashi, and sense of responsibility, as they engage in activities will also be an
important factor to the success of the Games.
©IOC
Courtesy of the GLA
【Games Volunteers】
【City Volunteers】
【City Host】
【Games Volunteers】
- 6 -
The sight of each of the volunteers eagerly participating, truly enjoying their role, and
actively volunteering with a smile as part of a team will be conveyed to the athletes
and visitors. Along with bringing more excitement to the Games atmosphere, this sight
will also enhance the attraction of the Games overall.
The participation of volunteers will also play a major role in achieving the three
concepts contained in the Games vision—“Achieving Personal Best,” “Unity in
Diversity,” and “Connecting to Tomorrow.”
As with the “Games Maker” and “London Ambassador” names from the London 2012
Games, we will formulate and announce volunteer names and missions befitting the
Tokyo 2020 Games at the appropriate time.
Tokyo 2020 Games Vision
Sport has the power to change our world and the future.
The Tokyo 1964 Games completely transformed Japan. The Tokyo
2020 Games, as the most innovative in history, will bring positive
reform to the world by building on three core concepts:
“Striving for your personal best (Achieving personal best)”
“Accepting one another (Unity in diversity)”
“Passing on Legacy for the future (Connecting to tomorrow)”
Games Volunteers
City Volunteers
Management
entity
The Organising Committee
TMG (*1)
Areas of
activity
Games-related facilities, such
as competition venues and the
Olympic Village
Airports, major stations, tourist
areas, and around stations that are
the closest to competition venues
Activities (*2)
Services for spectators, event
operations support, media
support, etc.
Provide tourist and transportation
information to visitors from Japan
and abroad, provide support and
information to spectators in areas
around the stations nearest to
event venues
Scale
An estimated total of 90,000 people or more
- 7 -
*1: Establishment of City Volunteer programs by local governments outside of Tokyo
is under consideration
*2: See below for examples of activities.
(2) Games Volunteers activities
Games Volunteers have a wide variety of roles. Using the London and Rio Games as
a reference, activities Games Volunteers are expected to engage in are listed below.
As we advance with preparations for delivering the Games, we will now examine the
number of people required to carry out each activity.
Activity
Description (Examples)
Guidance at
venues
Guide spectators and those affiliated with the Games at
venues, check tickets, provide support for regulating
entrance to venues, etc.
Doping control
Provide support for doping inspectors as they test athletes
who have finished competition
Driver
Transport those affiliated with the Games between venues
by car
workforce
registration
Sign in workforce at venues. Check the workforce
member’s shift by referring to their personal ID, and relay
necessary information to them.
Uniform
distribution
Pass out uniforms to workforce members (volunteers and
others) at a uniform distribution facility
Media support
Provide support to Japanese and foreign media covering
the Games at venues, the Press Center, and other
locations
Language services
Provide communication support to those affiliated with the
Games, including athletes, the media, and foreign
dignitaries
Support for teams
Support the teams that come from around the world. Start
preparations prior to the teams entering the Olympic
Village to facilitate a comfortable stay.
Logistics support
Support the management and organization of goods
brought to competition venues, the Olympic Village, etc.
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Support for rental
services
Support rental services that will supply athletes, the
media, and others related to the Games with various items
at the Olympic Village, Media Center, etc.
Support for
sustainability and
recycling
Show athletes, spectators, and others how to separate
garbage for recycling to achieve consideration for the
sustainability of venues and other facilities
Support issue of
IDs
Issue IDs to be carried by those affiliated with the Games
based on pre-registered information
Event operation
support
Assist with event operations. Following the instructions of
event officials, perform duties such as assisting with the
progress of the event and providing support for athletes at
venues and practice areas.
Medical support
Act as a first responder who will rapidly respond in the
event someone among the spectators or those related to
the Games suddenly falls ill or becomes injured
A volunteer leader position is established for activities that involve a large number of
Games Volunteers.
The leader performs roles such as contacting team members, confirming the
attendance of team members, and adjusting shifts.
Those who play a role as leaders will need to have a great deal of experience in
sports volunteering so that they can respond flexibly according to the situation.
It is also important for leaders to have good listening skills and the ability to see things
from the perspective of team members.
(3) City Volunteers activities
The activities of City Volunteers are expected to include the following.
a. Provide tourism and transport information to athletes, those affiliated with the
Games, and Japanese and foreign visitors at booths set up at airports, major train
stations, sightseeing spots, and other locations
b. Provide support and information to spectators in areas around the stations nearest
to event venues
As with the Games Volunteers, leaders will be appointed among the City Volunteers.
Volunteer leader roles will include confirming the attendance of team members and
checking on team members in the event of an emergency.
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Those who play a role as leaders will need to have volunteering experience,
consideration for team members, and good listening skills, as they are required to act
flexibly depending on the situation.
(4) Activities across Japan
At the time of the Games, in addition to Games Volunteers and City Volunteers, it is
expected that volunteer guides at tourist attractions and other locations throughout
Japan will play an active role in volunteering.
Regardless of whether one is a Games Volunteer or City Volunteer, it is anticipated
that the people of Tokyo and Japan will support the Games in a variety of ways,
coming together in all-Japan efforts to energize the Games.
3. Collaboration with related local governments and others
The TMG and the Organising Committee will fully cooperate with related
organizations, including local governments of prefectures and municipalities where
event venues are located, and consider the promotion of integrated measures to
ensure the Games achieve success nationwide.
(1) Cooperation with local governments of prefectures and municipalities outside of
Tokyo where competition venues are located
The TMG and the Organising Committee will work with local governments of
prefectures and municipalities outside of Tokyo where venues are located to consider
areas in which integrated measures are needed to facilitate effective volunteer
activities.
Specifically, we will enhance the quality of City Volunteer services by considering the
adoption of a unified design for City Volunteer uniforms and bases for volunteer
activities, and offering the same training in select areas such as service and Games
information.
While cultivating a sense of unity by using the same names to refer to volunteers and
recruiting volunteers during the same period, for example, we will coordinate with
other local governments to ensure effective operations.
(2) Cooperation with the local governments throughout Japan
Efforts to encourage and enable the spectators who came to Tokyo to visit other
destinations across Japan, including areas that were affected by natural disasters, so
that the benefits of holding the Games are felt nationwide, are also essential to the
success to the Games.
- 10 -
The TMG will work with local governments to implement effective measures, such as
distributing sightseeing information on every region of Japan at bases for volunteer
activities.
(3) Cooperation with local communities (Tokyo municipalities, transportation providers,
existing volunteer organizations, etc.)
Throughout Tokyo, a variety of organizations provide information and support at
transportation and tourist facilities on a daily basis, and have accumulated experience
in this area.
In order for City Volunteers to be able to smoothly carry out their activities and
effectively provide information on the frontlines, full cooperation between the TMG
and such organizations is essential. Therefore, the parties will discuss topics such as
the division of roles and establishment of bases for volunteer activities according to
the situation in each area.
With the cooperation of municipalities in Tokyo, neighborhood associations, related
organizations, and others, we will also consider ways that many motivated residents
of Tokyo and Japan can volunteer during the Games so that each and every individual
can feel that they have contributed to the Games.
(4) Cooperation with Rugby World Cup 2019
A portion of the City Volunteers for the Tokyo 2020 Games will be recruited ahead of
schedule enabling them to also serve at Rugby World Cup 2019 (RWC2019) and then
carry on that experience to the Tokyo 2020 Games the following year.
Specifically, we will work to raise the overall abilities of the volunteers by sharing the
experience and know-how gained from RWC2019 through training and other means.
Following RWC2019, we will evaluate the performance of volunteers and volunteer
operations at the event, and carry out a review related to the plan for volunteer
operations at the Tokyo 2020 Games accordingly.
(5) Cooperation with companies and other organizations
We will also work with corporate sponsors, relevant organizations, and others to raise
enthusiasm for volunteering and develop measures to encourage the active
participation of working-age adults.
In addition, we will consider and apply the experience and know-how obtained from
the Tokyo Marathon related to volunteer operations, as 10,000 or more volunteer at
the event each year.
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Chapter 2 Promotion of active involvement by diverse participants
As illustrated by one of the core concepts of the Tokyo 2020 Games, “Unity in
Diversity,” it is essential to encourage participation in society by various people with a
view to after the Games. We will consider initiatives to enable various people to play
active roles as volunteers at the Tokyo 2020 Games, regardless of factors such as
age, gender, nationality, and whether or not they have a disability, and to continue
volunteering after the Games have ended.
1. Volunteering by people with impairment
We will improve the environment at each stage of the process, including recruitment,
training, and placement, so that anyone can take part in volunteering with peace of
mind regardless of whether or not one has a disability.
We will also consider matters such as methods of ascertaining the type of support or
consideration needed with respect to placement and activities when an applicant
applies.
2. Volunteering by children and students
To give our youth, who will lead the future, the opportunity to try volunteering, along
with considering ways for junior high and high school students to participate through
school and club activities, including those in areas that have been affected by natural
disasters, we will also consider ways for students to experience City Volunteer
activities, such as allowing children from elementary schools in Tokyo to participate
with their parents.
In addition, we will separately considering opportunities for children and students to
play a role at the Games, including making appearances at various ceremonies and
providing support for event operations.
3. Volunteering by working-age and child-rearing adults
We will also work with the central government, corporate sponsors, relevant
organizations, and others to promote measures to enable busy working-age adults to
actively participate in volunteer activities, such as promoting the establishment of
systems to allow employees to take time off to volunteer and use of such systems at
companies or other employers.
Furthermore, we will work with related institutions to consider measures to enable
those engaged in child rearing to volunteer, such as measures to facilitate the use
childcare facilities.
- 12 -
4. Other
In addition to making volunteering more accessible through tangible improvements
such as infrastructure upgrades to enable different people to take part in volunteering
safely and comfortably, we will also enhance our response in intangible areas,
including implementing training to promote understanding related to diversity and
ensuring that a range of information is displayed in multiple languages.
We will also work with the central government and others to consider measures to
make it easier for university students to volunteer during the Games, including
encouraging schools to give consideration to the Games when setting up test
schedules.
- 13 -
Chapter 3 Recruitment
1. Recruitment initiatives
Using various means such as symposiums, websites, public relations publications,
and advertising media, we will publicize the types of volunteers needed, so that the
people of Tokyo and Japan fully understand the duties of Games Volunteers and City
Volunteers, and can apply to volunteer based on factors including their interests and
abilities.
We will also consider the possibility of volunteering as a group, enabling individuals to
participate with their peers.
The TMG and the Organising Committee will work together to consider a seamless
method of recruitment.
2. Application requirements and conditions
(1) Games Volunteers
Games Volunteers are expected to play an important role as workforce members
directly involved in Games operations.
In light of factors such as early morning and late night activities, the age requirement
for Games Volunteers shall be set at 18 years and above (as of April 1, 2020). This
does not apply to the aforementioned initiatives that will allow children and students to
experience volunteering. Based on past Games, the estimated number of days
volunteers will serve shall be set at 10 or more days.
Volunteers should be capable of fulfilling their roles to the end and being a
considerate team member.
Basic knowledge regarding the Olympic and Paralympic Games, volunteer
experience such as sports volunteering, the desire to utilize English or other foreign
language skills to welcome athletes and spectators from around the world, as well as
while engaging in activities with other volunteers from around the world, are examples
of experience and qualities that can be applied by volunteers at the Games. Therefore,
publicizing information on the types of experience we would like those interested in
becoming Games Volunteers to acquire by the start of the Games will be considered.
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〈Application requirements under consideration〉
〈Experience and qualities to be used by Games Volunteers〉 (draft)
(2) City Volunteers
The age requirement for City Volunteers shall be set at 18 years old and above (as of
April 1, 2020), the same as that for Games Volunteers. This does not apply to the
aforementioned initiatives that will allow children and students to experience
volunteering. The estimated number of days and hours per day volunteers will serve
shall be 5 or more days (5 hours or more per day), making it relatively easy for
working-age and child-rearing adults to participate.
The qualities of being capable of fulfilling assigned roles to the end and being a
considerate team member are desirable for both City Volunteers and Games
Volunteers.
Additionally, as City Volunteers will also provide tourist and transportation information
to visitors from Japan and abroad, we will establish application requirements to
ensure the recruitment of a wide variety of people, including those who possess a
specialized expertise and skills other than foreign language abilities.
① Basic knowledge of Olympic and Paralympic Games
② Volunteering experience such as sports volunteering experience
③ The desire to use English and other foreign language skills
① 18 years old and above as of April 1, 2020
② Able to participate in volunteer training sessions
③ Japanese national or foreign national with permission to stay in Japan
④ Able to volunteer 10 or more days
⑤ Able to enthusiastically fulfill ones roles through to the end, helping to
contribute to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games
⑥ Has the desire to volunteer as a part of a team and treat other team
members with consideration
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〈Application requirements under consideration〉
〈Experience and qualities to be used by City Volunteers〉 (draft)
Games Volunteers and City Volunteers are not compensated. In principle, these
volunteers will be responsible for transportation costs to and from Tokyo and for
securing their own accommodations. Providing information related to
accommodations will be considered.
Meanwhile, we will now consider details concerning what may be provided to
volunteers, including uniforms that instill a sense of unity and pride, training, and
meals.
3. Recruitment period
Recruitment will, in principle, start around the summer of 2018. However, a portion of
the City Volunteers for the Tokyo 2020 Games will be recruited ahead of schedule,
starting at the end of FY2017 to first support Rugby World Cup 2019 (RWC2019).
That experience will then be applied to the Tokyo 2020 Games.
Following RWC2019, we will evaluate the performance of volunteers and volunteer
operations at the event, and carry out a review related to the plan for volunteer
operations at the Tokyo 2020 Games accordingly.
We will now consider matters such as recruitment requirements for City Volunteers at
RWC2019 based on the overall event.
① The desire to use knowledge, skills, and experience related to giving
Tokyo tourist and transportation network information
② The desire to use knowledge related to disaster preparedness, crime
prevention, emergency lifesaving care, etc.
③ The desire to use English and other foreign language skills
④
① 18 years and above as of April 1, 2020
② Able to participate in volunteer training sessions
③ Japanese national or foreign national with permission to reside in Japan
④ Able to volunteer at least 5 days (5 hours per day) during the Games
⑤ Able to enthusiastically fulfill ones roles through to the end, helping to
contribute to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games
⑥ Has the desire to volunteer as a part of a team and treat other team
members with consideration
- 16 -
4. Recruitment methods
Concerning methods of applying, in addition to accepting applications online, as a
general rule, we will also consider accepting applications by mail and other methods
for City Volunteers. Regarding online applications, we will consider application forms
that take accessibility into account, including webpage design that makes it easier for
different people to apply.
We will also consider an application form that can be completed on devices other than
personal computers, including cell phones, smartphones, and tablet devices.
5. Applicant screening
Methods such as examining applications and documents and interviews will be used
to screen applicants.
For those who applied, but were unfortunately not selected to serve as a volunteer, we
will work with the central government and related organizations to consider matters
such as the provision of various types of information to enable these people to widely
support the success of the Games in other capacities.
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Chapter 4 Training
In addition to helping participants understand the importance of each of the roles to be
played as volunteers and master the required knowledge, training will also be
conducted to build a sense of unity.
The TMG and the Organising Committee will work together to provide training in areas
that overlap between Games Volunteers and City Volunteers, such as knowledge
related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Furthermore, to make volunteering more appealing, we will roll out various measures
in addition to training. For example, along with considering measures that enable
participants to feel the excitement of interacting with each other and expanding their
network, including the use of social network services, we will also consider methods to
allow volunteers to participate in Olympic and Paralympic related events held by the
TMG and the Organising Committee.
Taking into account that the Tokyo 2020 Games will be held during the summer and
other matters, we will consider measures to facilitate a safe environment for
volunteers to be active, including measures to combat the heat.
1. Training
(1) Standardized training
Games Volunteers and City Volunteers will learn the basic knowledge needed by all of
the volunteers through standardized training. We are considering including the topics
listed below as the main content to be covered. In addition to conducting in-person,
group training sessions, we will also consider the use of e-learning.
In addition, we will work with the central government and relevant organizations in
determining the specific content to be covered, securing locations to conduct training
sessions, selecting instructors, and other areas.
Topics to be covered by standardized training (examples)
Method of
conducting training
Olympic and Paralympic Values and Histories
Group training
sessions,
e-learning
Being a volunteer (omotenashi—the Japanese spirit of
hospitality, the Japanese sense of responsibility, the joy of
volunteering, etc.)
Promoting understanding regarding diversity
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(2) Leadership training
We will consider the implementation of leadership training for those who will fulfill
leadership roles among the volunteers.
In developing the training, we will consider incorporating the experience and expertise
gained from the Tokyo Marathon and other events to create an effective training
program.
(3) Specialized training
In addition to standardized and leadership training programs, we will also implement
training tailored to each role so that each and every volunteer can acquire the
information and skills necessary to fulfill a particular role, as well as training according
to the location or Games venue volunteers will be stationed at, allowing them to learn
information specific to each location or Games venue.
2. Accommodating multiple languages
(1) Accommodating various languages, printed materials
Volunteers need to smoothly respond to the needs of those affiliated with the Games
and visitors from around the world. Therefore, we will consider matters such as the
languages that should be accommodated and stationing those with foreign language
skills based on the location and needs of each base for volunteer activities.
We will also consider which languages printed materials to be handed out will be
offered in, including maps and guidebooks.
(2) Utilizing Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
To support volunteers in assisting in multiple languages, we will consider the use of
multilingual voice and handwritten text translation applications. We will also consider
the use of digital signage capable of displaying information in multiple languages,
including maps, railway network maps, and information related to the Games.
Service and manners
(Tokyo 2020 Accessibility Guidelines)
An overview of the Games (basic knowledge regarding
sports, venues, etc.)
Sustainability
- 19 -
Additionally, we will consider the signage and devices installed at each base of activity,
such as maps and digital signage, as well as the devices and materials to be carried
by City Volunteers.
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Chapter 5 Cultivating enthusiasm for volunteering and expanding the
base of volunteers
In order to have the 90,000 or more volunteers, a number exceeding that of the
London 2012 Games, play active roles at the Tokyo 2020 Games, we must advance
broad measures that target many people early on in the lead-up to the Games,
including measures to cultivate enthusiasm for participation and create a mechanism
capable of expanding the base of volunteers to obtain applications from a broad
spectrum of people.
The results of the FY2015 Survey on Specified Nonprofit Corporations and State of
Citizen Interest in Contributing to Society conducted by the Cabinet Office show that
although about 60 percent of those surveyed were interested in volunteering, only
about 23 percent of those surveyed had actual experience volunteering.
In the same survey, in addition to “no time to get involved,” many also cited the
methods of information distribution used by organizers, including “a lack of sufficient
information” and “procedures for participating in activities difficult to understand,” as
reasons preventing them from volunteering.
Taking the above information into account, we need to take steps, including further
increasing the number of people interested in volunteering and removing the
uneasiness felt by those holding back from getting involved despite their interest, so
that many volunteers will participate. To that end, we will implement the following
initiatives, working to cultivate enthusiasm for volunteering and expand the base of
volunteers.
1. Promoting information on volunteering at the Games and other programs
(1) Websites
In FY2015, the TMG launched the Tokyo Metropolitan Volunteerism Navigation
Website, which conveys the appeal of volunteering, and working with the Organising
Committee, introduces the activities volunteers will be a part of at the Tokyo 2020
Games, schedule leading up to the Games, the situation at past Games, including
examples of volunteer activities at the London 2012 Games, and other topics.
The site also broadly introduces volunteering programs run by the government and
various private organizations, including TMG initiatives such as the OMOTENASHI
TOKYO program, in which volunteers warmly welcome and assist foreign visitors, and
- 21 -
Omotenashi language volunteer program.
The Organising Committee has also released information on volunteering at the
Games on its website, and will continue to further enhance the contents.
Furthermore, we will use a range of tools, including social networking services, to
widely distribute information.
Tokyo Metropolitan Volunteerism Navigation Website
http://www.city-volunteer.metro.tokyo.jp/jp/index.html
Organising Committee volunteering website
https://tokyo2020.jp/jp/get-involved/volunteer/
(2) Olympic and Paralympic Games volunteer symposiums
To cultivate enthusiasm for volunteering at the Games and expand the base of
volunteers, the TMG and Organising Committee are jointly organizing symposiums
that feature guests, including Olympians and Paralympians, as well as those who
have volunteering experience at the Olympic or Paralympic Games, to introduce
information related to volunteering at the Games and the appeal of volunteering.
2. Tokyo Volunteerism Promotion Council (TVPC)
With the participation of a variety of entities, both government and private
organizations, including the Organising Committee, the Tokyo Volunteerism
Promotion Council (TVPC) was launched in FY2015. The council is working to
generate enthusiasm for getting involved, including widely publicizing the attraction of
volunteering to the people of Tokyo, considering the operating scheme related to
volunteering at the Games, among other efforts.
- 22 -
*1: The term Games-related volunteers covers both Games Volunteers and City
Volunteers.
①
Publicizing information: Promote volunteering to Tokyo residents, who lack
interest in volunteering, those who will benefit from volunteering, and others.
②
Expand volunteer base: Encourage the development of new opportunities for
volunteers to get involved and options that make it easy to participate.
③
Successful delivery of the Games: Study expanding the base of Games-related
volunteers(*1) and the operating scheme for City Volunteers
Tokyo Volunteerism Promotion Council
① Share information concerning Games-related volunteers
② Subcommittee members support and promote various types of training
and initiatives
Subcommittee for Games-Related Volunteers
Study matters including the operating scheme for City Volunteers
and type of activities they will be responsible for
City Volunteer Study Group
① Consider the types of initiatives to be implemented from the standpoint of
each entity that makes up the council so that various entities can take part
in volunteer activities, including the people of Tokyo.
② Gather and distribute information that will lead to the creation of more
enthusiasm for volunteering and a broader base of volunteers.
Subcommittee for Cultivating Momentum
- 23 -
3. Initiatives aimed at expanding the range of participants
(1) TMG guidelines for the promotion of the creation of a community of support
Seizing the opportunity presented by the Tokyo 2020 Games, the TMG formulated
guidelines for the promotion of the creation of a community of support in February
2016, with the aim to establish a culture of volunteerism and realize a community of
support with volunteering at its center, and is advancing a range of initiatives.
In accordance with these guidelines, the TMG established an award in FY2016 to
honor companies and organizations implementing ongoing or advanced initiatives
related to volunteering. The award was established with the aim to recognize activities
to date, as well as to help build enthusiasm for volunteering.
The TMG has also been engaged in activities such as holding events that target
young people who are not familiar with volunteering. Through such initiatives, we will
encourage the participation of many people in volunteering at the Tokyo 2020 Games.
(2) Omotenashi language volunteers
With an eye to the Tokyo 2020 Games, the TMG will train Omotonashi language
volunteers to actively use basic foreign language skills to offer assistance when they
see foreign visitors around the city in need of support or information, and prepare an
environment that allows foreign visitors to stay in Tokyo with peace of mind.
(3) Omotenashi goodwill ambassador training courses
The TMG is training junior high and high school students, who will lead the next
generation, to become Omotenashi goodwill ambassadors, volunteers who will assist
foreign tourists at sightseeing areas in Tokyo, demonstrating the spirit of Japanese
hospitality, omotenashi. The students will learn how to assist foreign tourists and
Tokyo’s own style of omotenashi, among other skills.
(4) Olympic and Paralympic education (volunteer mindset)
Positioning “instilling a volunteer mindset” as one of the elements of Olympic and
Paralympic education which must be developed with priority, the TMG will promote the
Tokyo Youth Volunteer initiative at all public schools in Tokyo to cultivate a volunteer
mindset.
分科会会長：オリンピック・パラリンピック準備局長
①大会関連ボランティアに関する情報提供、裾野拡大及び気運醸成
②分科会メンバーによる各種育成取組への支援・促進
大会関連ボランティア分科会
部会会長：オリンピック・パラリンピック準備局 運営担当部長
都市ボランティアの運用体制や活動内容の検討
都市ボランティア検討部会
①情報発信：活動に関心の薄い若年層や受入側などへの情報発信
②裾野拡大：新たな受入機会や活動しやすいメニュー開拓の働きかけ
③大会成功：大会関連ボランティアの裾野拡大・都市ボランティアの体制検討
東京都ボランティア活動推進協議会
会長：都知事
副会長：首都大学東京 川淵理事長
副会長：東京商工会議所 佐々木副会頭
分科会会長：オリンピック・パラリンピック準備局長
①大会関連ボランティアに関する情報提供、裾野拡大及び気運醸成
②分科会メンバーによる各種育成取組への支援・促進
大会関連ボランティア分科会
部会会長：オリンピック・パラリンピック準備局 運営担当部長
都市ボランティアの運用体制や活動内容の検討
都市ボランティア検討部会
①情報発信：活動に関心の薄い若年層や受入側などへの情報発信
②裾野拡大：新たな受入機会や活動しやすいメニュー開拓の働きかけ
③大会成功：大会関連ボランティアの裾野拡大・都市ボランティアの体制検討
東京都ボランティア活動推進協議会
会長：都知事
副会長：首都大学東京 川淵理事長
副会長：東京商工会議所 佐々木副会頭
①情報発信：活動に関心の薄い若年層や受入側などへの情報発信
②裾野拡大：新たな受入機会や活動しやすいメニュー開拓の働きかけ
③大会成功：大会関連ボランティアの裾野拡大・都市ボランティアの体制検討
東京都ボランティア活動推進協議会
会長：都知事
副会長：首都大学東京 川淵理事長
副会長：東京商工会議所 佐々木副会頭
- 24 -
This initiative will enhance and grow initiatives already being implemented at each
school to foster the spirit of contributing to society, and contribute to developing a
volunteer mindset within the children. To raise self-esteem, the initiative will also
facilitate systematic and ongoing volunteering, according to each developmental
stage.
(5) Tokyo 2020 Nationwide Participation Programme
In October 2016, the Organising Committee launched the Tokyo 2020 Nationwide
Participation Programme. The program promotes a framework to enable various
organizations and groups linked through the Olympic and Paralympic Games to
implement projects for the Games, generate momentum, and take steps toward the
creation of legacies. The Organising Committee has recommended the use of
volunteers in this program.
- 25 -
Chapter 6 Post-Games Legacy
１ Toward the realization of a “community of support”
With many residents of Tokyo and Japan volunteering at the Tokyo 2020 Games and
playing an active role, enthusiasm for volunteering is expected to rise even after the
Games.
Steadily maintaining and keeping excitement for volunteering going, linking it to
participation in a range of activities, will contribute to the establishment of a culture of
volunteerism and realization of a “community of support” where everyone supports
each other, which will be passed on as a post-Games legacy.
(1) Keeping the excitement for volunteering going
We will consider initiatives to keep excitement for volunteering going steadily even
after the Games.
a) Expressing gratitude to volunteers
To express our gratitude to the volunteers, as well as channel volunteering at the
Games into future activities, we will consider specific initiatives so that volunteers can
truly feel that their activities supported the Games.
b) Creation of a system to manage volunteers with an eye to after the Games
We will coordinate with relevant institutions to create a system that can be smoothly
transitioned to, in order to preserve the volunteer network built at the Games and
enable those who volunteered to participate in a variety of other activities after the
Games.
(2) Post-Games initiatives
We will establish a system by 2020 that enables the volunteers involved with the
Tokyo 2020 Games to also play an active role after the Games, aiming to firmly
establish a culture of volunteerism in Japan.
a) Improving the environment for volunteering
Even after the Games, we will continue to promote the establishment of an
environment to make it easier to volunteer, encouraging the use of systems for taking
time off to volunteer and ensuring accessibility.
- 26 -
b) Enhancing the provision of information and matching functions
With the cooperation established through the Tokyo Volunteerism Promotion Council
(TVPC) as the foundation, the use of a website, and other means, we will provide a
wide array of information on volunteering opportunities and activities.
Through efforts such as training and utilizing volunteer coordinators, we will also
enhance functions to match those who wish to volunteer with opportunities to
volunteer that fit their needs.
c) Sharing management know-how
By sharing knowledge obtained through the recruitment, training, and management of
volunteers with related organizations via the Tokyo Volunteerism Promotion Council
(TVPC), among other efforts, we will support the initiatives of the organizations.
- 27 -
Chapter 7 Volunteer recruitment and selection schedule
Recruitment of both Games Volunteers and City Volunteers is scheduled to start
around the summer of 2018. We will then screen applicants by reviewing applications
and holding interviews, with the main portion of training scheduled to start in 2020.
2017
2018
2019
2020
Consider
various
aspects of the
program,
prepare for
operations
Recruitment
(*)
Application
screening
Interviews
Selection of
volunteers
and
notification
Training
* A portion of the City Volunteers will be recruited ahead of schedule (around the end
of FY2017) to start activities prior to the Tokyo 2020 Games at RWC2019.
Start of the Tokyo 2020 Games
- 28 -
Reference: Volunteering
1. What is volunteering?
Although there are various definitions of volunteering, as an example of such
definitions, ministries of the central government define volunteering as shown below.
As seen above, it can be said that volunteering is defined as activities conducted for
the purpose of society (for society, for the collective), in which participants willingly
engage in (self-initiated), having no expectation of compensation (uncompensated,
unpaid).
Reference: Sports volunteering
According to the Research Study on Vitalizing Volunteering in Sports (Research
Study on Individuals Engaged in Volunteering in Sports) conducted by the Ministry
of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in FY2014, sports
volunteers are those who regularly support operations and instruction at local sports
clubs or organizations not for pay, and those who voluntarily offer their expert
capabilities, time, and other talents at international and local sports competitions,
supporting the operation of the competitions.
Definition of volunteering
Ministry of
Health, Labour
and Welfare
(Social Welfare
and War Victims'
Relief Bureau)
Generally, volunteering is said to refer to “the act of voluntarily
contributing to others or society.” Examples of the nature of
volunteer activities include “self-initiated (initiative),” “for society
(for the collective),” and “not for compensation (unpaid).”
Cabinet Office
(Social Policy
Bureau)
Volunteering refers to activities, other than business and
schoolwork, in which participants donate time, labor, knowledge,
skills, and other talents for the benefit of the community or
society.
Ministry of
Internal Affairs
and
Communications
Volunteering refers to activities conducted to promote the welfare
of the community and society, as well as that of individuals and
organizations, in which participants donate labor, skills, and time
without getting paid.
- 29 -
Sports volunteers can be divided into three main categories based on the role they
play and the extent of that role—event volunteers, who serve at occasional events,
club and organization volunteers, who serve on a regular basis, and athlete
volunteers, who are top athletes or professional athletes.
2. Volunteering in Japan
(1) Rate of engagement in volunteer activities in Japan
According to a global comparison of volunteering rates between 2006 and 2008,
conducted by the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development)
Japan ranks 14th out of 38 countries in terms of volunteering rates.
3.9
6.3
7.4
7.5
10.3
10.4
11.9
12.4
12.8
12.8
12.9
14.3
14.8
16.9
18.2
18.9
19.7
20.1
20.3
21.1
21.3
22.7
23.1
24.0
24.7
27.9
28.5
28.7
30.3
32.0
34.1
35.0
37.1
37.9
38.1
38.9
41.5
41.9
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
40
45
China
Hungary
Greece
Turkey
Mexico
Poland
Portugal
Sweden
India
South Africa
Slovak Republic
Chile
Spain
Brazil
Czech Republic
Israel
Denmark
Estonia
Russian Federation
Italy
Korea
Germany
Indonesia
Belgium
Japan
Finland
France
United Kingdom
Austria
Slovenia
Switzerland
Ireland
Netherlands
Australia
Canada
Norway
New Zealand
United States
％
Global comparison of volunteering rates
(2006 to 2008)
- 30 -
(2) Volunteering environment in Japan
According to the FY2015 Survey on Specified Nonprofit Corporations and State of
Citizen Interest in Contributing to Society conducted by the Cabinet Office, about 60
percent of those surveyed were interested in volunteering, however, only about 23
percent of those surveyed had actual experience volunteering.
Very
interested
9.3%
Interested
50.3%
Have little
interest
31.0%
Have no
interest
9.4%
Interest in volunteering
Have
volunteering
experience
23.3%
Have no
experience
76.7%
Experience volunteering
- 31 -
Furthermore, according to the 2011 Basic Survey on Social Life conducted by the
Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications indicates that the volunteering rate for
citizens of Tokyo is 24.6 percent. Tokyo ranks 35th out of Japan’s 47 prefectures.
Volunteering
participation
rate(*)
（％）
Total number
of volunteers
(Unit:
thousands)
All of Japan
26.3
29,951
Volunteering rates for Japan’s 47 prefectures
1
Yamagata
35.3
365
25
Nara
27.7
347
2
Shimane
34.8
219
26
Ehime
27.4
345
3
Kagoshima
34.4
511
27
Fukuoka
27.3
1,222
4
Tottori
33.9
175
28
Fukushima
27.2
483
5
Iwate
33.7
396
29
Nagasaki
26.9
333
6
Nagano
33.1
631
30
Mie
26.7
440
7
Gifu
32.8
607
31
Tochigi
26.2
467
8
Shiga
32.6
408
32
Chiba
26.0
1,449
9
Saga
31.8
235
33
Ibaraki
25.8
682
10
Fukui
31.3
222
34
Hyogo
25.7
1,279
11
Okayama
31.3
537
35
Tokyo
24.6
2,949
12
Yamanashi
31.2
239
36
Kanagawa
24.4
1,986
13
Yamaguchi
31.0
396
37
Tokushima
24.3
168
14
Miyagi
30.7
488
38
Wakayama
24.2
215
15
Kumamoto
30.7
639
39
Saitama
24.0
1,556
16
Toyama
29.6
286
40
Hokkaido
23.8
1,162
17
Gunma
29.2
301
41
Kochi
23.7
159
18
Ishikawa
29.2
519
42
Niigata
23.5
498
19
Akita
28.9
279
43
Kyoto
23.2
548
20
Hiroshima
28.9
303
44
Aichi
23.1
1,526
21
Oita
28.9
731
45
Aomori
22.7
275
22
Shizuoka
28.5
952
46
Okinawa
22.4
269
23
Kagawa
27.8
244
47
Osaka
20.6
1,638
24
Miyazaki
27.8
276
*
Percentage of people of 10 years old and above who volunteered during the past year, donating
labor, skills, and time to enhance the welfare of local communities and individuals or organizations.
- 32 -
The FY2015 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Opinion Poll conducted by the
Cabinet Office also indicates that 22.7 percent of the total number of people polled
want to engage in volunteering activities related to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and
Paralympic Games, and 41.5 percent of those polled in Tokyo’s special ward area
want to engage in said volunteer activities.
3.0
4.0
12.7
3.5
19.4
19.1
28.8
19.2
1.8
1.1
3.4
1.5
32.2
37.2
29.7
34.5
43.6
38.6
25.4
41.3
0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 100
Female: 997
Male: 876
Number of people
polled in wards of
Tokyo: 118
Total number of
people polled:
1,873
(%)
Public's attitude toward volunteering at the Olympic and
Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020
People who want
to engage
People who hopefully
want to engage
Don't know People who do not want
to engage so much
People who do not
want to engage
Percentage of those who want to
get involved
(subtotal) 22.7
- 33 -
(3) Factors preventing people from volunteering
According to the FY2015 Survey on Specified Nonprofit Corporations and State of
Citizen Interest in Contributing to Society conducted by the Cabinet Office, more
than half of the people surveyed cited not having any time to volunteer as a factor
preventing them from getting involved.
8.0
12.0
4.8
6.8
13.3
15.7
20.7
22.7
23.2
29.3
52.8
0 10 20 30 40 50 60
No particular factors to prevent the
engagement.
Others
Insurance for the activities which I will
engage in is inadequate.
I do not feel I am contributing to activities
when I engage in them.
I have no other people to engage with me.
I distrust the organizations and
incorporated non-profit organizations
accepting volunteers.
The procedure to engage in activities is
hard to understand.
I need to take holidays, etc. to engage in
activities.
I want to engage in volunteer activities
but I have not enough information.
I have a big economic burden as expenses
incur to me in engaging in activities (such
as transportation fee).
I have no time to engage in activities.
%
Factors preventing people from volunteering
- 34 -
In addition, according to the FY2015 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Opinion
Poll conducted by the Cabinet Office, when asked, “What types of initiatives do you
feel will be effective in encouraging participation in sports volunteering,” the highest
percentage of respondents, 42.1 percent, selected initiatives to “make it easier to take
time off to volunteer or use paid vacation time.” This was followed by initiatives to
“better disseminate information on organizations looking for volunteers, required
procedures, etc.” selected by 36.0 percent and initiatives to “simplify procedures for
participating,” selected by 35.1 percent of respondents.
7.6
5.9
0
22.0
20.3
22.9
26.3
30.5
38.1
44.9
46.6
44.1
8.3
6.3
0.3
16.6
20.7
22.8
23.3
26.5
28.2
35.1
36.0
42.1
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 50
Don't know
No strong opinion
Others
Providing an authentication system to enhance the
reliability of volunteer recruitment organizations
Enhancing the pre-training concerning the
knowledge/skills required for people’s engagement in
activities
Disseminating fully the privileges and rewards of
people’s engagement in activities (such as being able to
contribute socially and get their fellows)
Providing a system that socially evaluates participants’
activities
Providing an activity engagement menu in units of
groups that enables you to engage in activities together
with your fellows
Providing a time-dependent activity engagement menu
that enables people to engage in activities even for a
short period of time
Making the procedure to engage in volunteer activities
simple
Disseminating fully the information such as
organizations recruiting volunteers and procedures
required
Making it easy to take volunteer leaves or paid holidays
(%)
Initiatives to encourace participation in sports volunteering
Total number of people
polled (N = 1,873,
M.T.=266.3%)
Number of people polled in
wards of Tokyo (N = 118,
M.T.=309.3%）
- 35 -
3. Volunteers currently active in Tokyo
With an eye to the Tokyo 2020 Games, the TMG is currently recruiting and training the
following volunteers who provide assistance to foreign visitors and others, allowing
foreign tourists to stay in Tokyo with peace of mind.
The TMG plans to have Tokyo sightseeing volunteers (Omotenashi Tokyo volunteers)
play a central role in City Volunteer activities during the Games.
Volunteer
type
Tokyo sightseeing volunteers
(Omotenashi Tokyo)
Omotenashi language
volunteers
Management
entity
Tourism Division, Bureau of
Industrial and Labor Affairs,
Tokyo Metropolitan Government
Citizens' Affairs Division, Bureau of
Citizens and Cultural Affairs, Tokyo
Metropolitan Government
Activity
Provide assistance and tourist
information to foreign visitors in
several languages and introduce
the attractions of Tokyo.
-Give tours of the Tokyo
Metropolitan Government
Buildings and observations
decks located there.
-Provide information on 10
touring courses around popular
sightseeing areas in Tokyo
-Dispatch volunteers to
international conferences and
events.
-Give support and information
around the city.
Actively offer assistance to foreign
nationals within the course of daily
life.
Those who complete one of the
following two courses will be
registered as Omotenashi
language volunteers.
-Set training course
Omotenashi training session (3
hours and 30 minutes) and
language training session (Four
two-hour sessions)
-Omotenashi training course
Omotenashi training session (3
hours and 30 minutes) only
Application
requirements
18 years old or over.
Has attained a certain level of
foreign language ability (for
example, has acquired Level 2
on the Test in Practical English
Proficiency or higher).
Able to engage in activities once
every 1-2 months.
15 years old or over (excludes
middle school students).
Resides, works, or goes to school
in Tokyo.
Able to attend the training courses
listed above.
- 36 -
Number of
people
Approx. 2,000 people
(Number of registered volunteers
in FY2016), aiming to increase
the number to 3,000 people in
FY2018.
Approx. 13,000 people
(Number of volunteers expected to
be registered by the end of
FY2016), aiming to increase the
number to 50,000 people in
FY2019.
