2020 Olympic Host City Election: How Tokyo Won the Games
The selection of a host city for the Summer Olympics is one of the most high-stakes events in international sports. On September 7, 2013, during the 125th Session of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the world watched as three major global cities—Tokyo, Istanbul, and Madrid—competed for the honor of hosting the 2020 Games.
The process was an exhaustive ballot, meaning voters continued to cast ballots in successive rounds until a winner emerged. While the contest was initially viewed as a close three-way race, Tokyo eventually secured the victory, marking a significant moment for Japan.
Key Facts
- Winner: Tokyo, Japan.
- Date of Election: September 7, 2013.
- Competing Cities: Tokyo (Japan), Istanbul (Turkey), and Madrid (Spain).
- Final Vote Share: Tokyo won with 62.50% of the vote in the runoff.
- Key Figure: Prime Minister Shinzō Abe played a pivotal role in securing the bid.
The Voting Process and Results
The election took place in Buenos Aires, Argentina. The voting was conducted in rounds, with the city receiving the fewest votes being eliminated until a final runoff determined the winner.
Round One and the Tie-Break
In the first round, Tokyo took a commanding lead with 42 votes (44.68%). Istanbul and Madrid were tied with 26 votes (27.66%) each. To determine who would advance to the final round, a tie-breaking vote was held between Istanbul and Madrid. Madrid was ultimately eliminated, allowing Istanbul to move forward to the runoff against Tokyo.
The Final Runoff
In the second and final round, Tokyo increased its lead significantly, securing 60 votes (62.50%) compared to Istanbul's 36 votes (37.50%). Notably, after Madrid's elimination, the three Spanish IOC members became eligible to participate in this final vote.
| City | Country | Round 1 Votes (%) | Runoff Votes (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tokyo | Japan | 42 (44.68%) | 60 (62.50%) |
| Istanbul | Turkey | 26 (27.66%) | 36 (37.50%) |
| Madrid | Spain | 26 (27.66%) | — |
Factors Influencing the Outcome
Several political and economic factors swayed the IOC's decision. Japanese Prime Minister Shinzō Abe was a major asset to the campaign, delivering a personal address and providing critical reassurances that radiation from the Fukushima disaster would not impact the Games. Tokyo also received strategic support from Princess Hisako and Sheikh Ahmad Al-Fahad Al-Sabah.
Conversely, the competing cities faced significant headwinds. Madrid's bid was hampered by Spain's struggling economy. Istanbul's candidacy was weakened by internal political instability, doping scandals, and reports of match-fixing in 2011.
The victory was met with immense joy in Japan. Fencer Yuki Ota noted that the win served as a beacon of hope for a nation still recovering from the 2011 earthquake.
Later Investigations and Controversies
Despite the initial celebration, the bidding process later came under intense scrutiny. French authorities launched investigations into payments made by the Tokyo bid committee to Black Tidings, a consultancy based in Singapore. Reports indicated that Tsunekazu Takeda, the president of the Tokyo bid, approved nearly US$1 million in payments to the firm shortly before the 2013 vote.
Further legal issues emerged regarding the organization of the Games. Haruyuki Takahashi, a former Tokyo 2020 executive board member and former Dentsu executive, was accused of accepting payments related to sponsorship and licensing contracts. By 2023, Japanese prosecutors had indicated that Dentsu, Hakuhodo, and other firms were involved in alleged bid-rigging concerning Olympic contracts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which cities competed to host the 2020 Olympics?
The three candidate cities were Tokyo (Japan), Istanbul (Turkey), and Madrid (Spain).
How was the winner decided?
The winner was decided through an exhaustive ballot process conducted by IOC members. Tokyo won the final runoff round with 62.50% of the vote.
What role did Shinzō Abe play in the victory?
Prime Minister Shinzō Abe provided a personal address to the IOC and offered crucial reassurances regarding the safety of Tokyo and the impact of Fukushima radiation.
What were the controversies following the election?
Investigations in France focused on payments to a Singaporean consultancy called Black Tidings. Additionally, Japanese prosecutors investigated bid-rigging and bribery involving former board member Haruyuki Takahashi and companies like Dentsu and Hakuhodo.
Why was Madrid eliminated before the final round?
Madrid and Istanbul tied in the first round of voting. After a tie-breaking vote, Madrid was eliminated, leaving Tokyo and Istanbul to compete in the runoff.