Passing the Torch: Japan and Canada's Friendship through Sport

   

Sapporo City	Hakodate City	Misawa City	Morioka City	Shiwa Town	Natori City
Komatsu City	Okaya City	Numazu City	Gifu City & Prefecture	Kariya City	Anjo City
Yokkaichi City	Wakayama City	Akaiwa City	Miyazaki Prefecture	Miyazaki City	Others

Sapporo City, Hokkaido Prefecture (Host Town of a Harmonious and Inclusive Society: Goalball )

     

Sapporo Snow Festival	Sapporo Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium	Sapporo Odori Park

Sapporo City is Japan's northernmost ordinance-designated city with a population of about 1.97 million, accounting for about 30% of the population of Hokkaido. In 1972, Hokkaido hosted the first Winter Olympic Games in Asia. Sapporo City is a sports city that hosts many international sports competitions including the Asian Winter Games, FIFA World Cup, and Rugby World Cup. Some of the local specialties in Sapporo are miso ramen, soup curry, and Japanese style mutton.
 
-Message to Athletes-
As the host town of Canada, Sapporo City is rooting for Canadian women's goalball team! We look forward to taking this opportunity to connect with the people of Canada in various ways! Please come visit Sapporo City!




 

Hakodate City, Hokkaido Prefecture (Host Town: Badminton / Para Badminton)

     

Hakodate Christmas Fantasy	Hakodate by night	Goryokaku Park

Hakodate City is one of the leading tourist destinations in Japan. On the occasion of the event called "Hakodate Christmas Fantasy" which is held in December every year, we light up the fir trees that are sent from our sister city, Halifax, N.S.
 
-Message to Athletes-
Although it is difficult to travel between Japan and Canada now due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, we are looking forward to being able to freely visit each other's countries again like in the past.




 

Misawa City, Aomori Prefecture (Leading Host Town of a Harmonious and Inclusive Society: Wheelchair Rogby)

     

Misawa BBQ Jamboree	School visit by Wheelchair Rugby Canada	Exchange between people of Misawa and Wheelchair Rugby Canada

Misawa is a city surrounded by beautiful nature that is aiming to enhance this symbiotic relationship as part of the legacy of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
 
-Message to Athletes-
Misawa City considers Wheelchair Rugby Canada to be our friend, and even family. At the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, the people of Misawa City are cheering for Team Canada. Let's go Team Canada!
 

	Misawa City
	Misawa x WRC

 

 

Morioka City, Iwate Prefecture (Host Town: Rugby / Water Polo)

     

Members of Canadian Water Polo Team joined Sansa Odori Festival	Youth Clinic by Canadian Women's Rugby Team	Host Town display at Cross Terrace Morioka

Morioka City, the capital of Iwate Prefecture, is located 2 hours and 10 minutes north of Tokyo by Shinkansen and its population is about 300,000. The Rock Splitting Cherry Tree was designated as a National Treasure. For four days in mid-summer, beginning August 1st, the traditional local dance festival “Sansa Odori” is annually held.
 
-Message to Athletes-
Morioka believes that great games are ahead for Team Canada at the Olympics.




 

Shiwa Town, Iwate Prefecture (Host Town: Volleyball / Sitting Volleyball)

     

Mt. Azumane and buckwheat field	Goronuma Pond in spring	Canadian athletes visiting a local kindergarten	Friendship game with Canadian team

Shiwa Town is located approximately in the centre of Iwate Prefecture, between Morioka City and Hanamaki City. The town is blessed with nature, with the Kitakami River flowing through the center of the town. It is also surrounded by the Kitakami Highlands to the east and the Ōu Mountain Range to the west.
The town is also situated in an excellent location convenient for transportation. National Route 4 as well as six different highways and railroads run north and south through the town. The town also has interchanges and three train stations.
The town's core industry is agriculture. In addition to glutinous rice, which boasts one of the largest production volumes in Japan, buckwheat, wheat, and various vegetables are also produced. Fruit such as apples and grapes are also cultivated.

-Message to athletes-
Taking the opportunity of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Shiwa Town has been making valuable connections with Canada, such as with the Canadian Volleyball National Team. We hope to continue to deepen our exchanges with Canada in the future.

    


 

Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture ('Arigato' Host Town for Supporting Reconstruction: Cycling / Para Cycling)

     

Kawamachi Terrace Yuriage	Maple Pavillion at Yuriage Port	Junior High School Students visiting Sooke, BC	Introducing Canadian autheur's children's book

Natori City is located in the south-east of Miyagi Prefecture, and is represented by the Raijinyama Kofun, the largest historic site in the Tohoku region. The city is blessed with fertile land as well as good climate and natural features. It is a city with the perfect combination of nature and history. Some of the local specialties are ark shell, whitebait, and Japanese parsley. The Great East Japan Earthquake that struck on March 11th, 2011 devastated the city's coastal area. Thanks to the support received from many people including the Government of Canada, the city has recovered from the disaster. Now that ten years have passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake, we want to continue to convey our sincere gratitude to Canada through our "ARIGATO" Host Town for Supporting Reconstruction Project.
 
-Message to Athletes-
We look forward to seeing Canadian athletes competing at Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Team Natori will be rooting for you!




 

Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture (Host Town of a Harmonious and Inclusive Society: Paracanoe)

     

Mt. Hakusan and Lake Kiba	Hikiyama Children's Kabuki Festival	A Canadian athlete practicing at Lake Kiba

Komatsu City, in southern Ishikawa prefecture, is blessed by the natural bounty and scenery of both the Sea of Japan and one of Japan’s Three Holy Mountains, Mt. Hakusan. Literally meaning “White Mountain” for its visibly snow-capped peak throughout the year, Hakusan is greatly revered by the locals, and a particularly well-loved viewing spot is across Lake Kiba in Komatsu. As a national canoe mecca, this is also where the Olympic canoe teams will be gathering to train! It is particularly beautiful in spring, when sakura tunnels line the 6.4km trail around the lake.
 
-Message to Athletes-
Komatsu is a small and quiet city, but we long to share our rich nature and culture and get in touch with people around the world! We hope for such a chance with our friends in Canada someday.

     


 

Okaya City, Nagano Prefecture (Host Town: Table Tennis)

     

Lake Suwa and Mt. Fuji	Cherry Blossoms at Yokogawa River	Okaya Taiko Festa	Special Olympics in 2005

Okaya City is located in the center of Nagano Prefecture, on the shores of Lake Suwa. Surrounded by Yatsugatake, Mt. Fuji, and beautiful mountains, it is a city rich in nature.
 
-Message to Athletes-
We are looking forward to the best performances of all the athletes at the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Do your best Canada!!!

     


 

Numazu City, Shizuoka Prefecture (Host Town: Fencing)

     

Numazu Port with a view of Mt. Fuji	Numazu's signature fresh seafood dish	Team Canada at pre-Olympics camp	Athletes experiencing tea ceremony

Numazu City is about 60 minutes from Tokyo, located south of Mt.Fuji. It is the gateway to the Izu Peninsula. There are many beaches on the 63km-long coast, and you can enjoy fresh sea food and restaurants at Numazu Port. Numazu is a scenic spot with a mild climate. It’s rich in nature that changes with each season. It’s a city with many warm-hearted people, and it’s a place where you can feel at peace amongst a friendly atmosphere.

-Message to Athletes-
Numazu City is one of the Host Towns of Canada. The Canadian Fencing Team had a Pre-Games Training Camp for Tokyo 2020 in Numazu. We hope Team Canada have great success in their matches. Good luck!

               


 

Gifu City and Gifu Prefecture (Host Town of a Harmonious and Inclusive Society: Athletics / Para Athletics)

     

Ukai, Cormorant fishing	Gifu Castle	Online exchange with Canadian Para-athletes	Canadian athletes giving lessons at a local high school

Gifu City is famous for Ukai（cormorant fishing）, Gifu Castle and Gifu Japanese umbrellas. In addition, it’s a sister city of Thunder Bay!
 
-Message to Athletes-
Go #GifuCanada Go!!

          


 

Kariya City, Aichi Prefecture (Host Town: Basketball)

     

Kijo Park in spring	Mando Matsuri Festival	Mayor of Kariya and President & CEO of Canada Basketball	Mississauga Park

Kariya City, located in the center of Aichi Prefecture and, has a population of about 150,000. It is a vibrant city with a thriving automobile industry, being situated next to Toyota City, where Toyota Motor Corporation is located. One major draw is its convenient location. For example, it takes only 17 minutes to go to Nagoya and about 2 hours to Tokyo.
Kariya Highway Oasis, which is near Aichi University of Education and is also a parking area on the Ise Bay Expressway, has a large Ferris wheel with a height of about 60 m. There is also a natural hot spring, Kakitsubata no Yu, where you can enjoy footbaths. After Universal Studios Japan, the number of visitors is the third highest in Japan, and many people from all over the country visit. Every autumn, the Kariya Anime Collection, a festival of anime and cosplay, attracts approximately 10,000 people from all over the country. For the past 240 years Kariya City, which prospered as a castle town in the olden days, holds the Mando Matsuri Festival in which the youth of the city carry a doll called Mando, and warlords and Kabuki actors are drawn to prevent fires and other disasters. Why don't you visit Kariya City and experience the history and culture?

-Message to Athletes-
In 2021, Kariya City and Mississauga City will celebrate their 40th anniversary of becoming sister cities. In such a memorable year, Kariya City is looking forward to inviting the Canada Women's Basketball League to hold a pre-camp for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Wing Arena.

                     


 

Anjo City, Aichi Prefecture (Host Town: Softball)

     

Anjo City	Anjo City Library	Anjo Industry Culture Park Denpark	Local children's online exchange with Team Canada

Anjo city is located in the middle of Aichi. About 100 years ago Anjo’s main industry was agriculture. While agriculture is still one of our main industries, the manufacturing industry is also strong now. Most of the manufacturing companies in Anjo supply parts to big auto companies, but there is also small-scale manufacturing. The collaboration between local designers and small manufacturing companies won the Grand Prize and Gold Prize in the “Asia Design Prize”.
Due to our city’s long history of softball, we are trying to become known as “The Place for Softball” (Softball no Seichi). Team Canada Softball Anjo Camp is one of the projects attempting to realize this goal. Team Canada brought us the opportunity to learn about Canada and softball, and also motivated local students to learn English. We hope to continue the relationship with Team Canada to promote a new way of international understanding through sport.

-Message to Athletes-
Our city learned much about Canada through the hard working and generous members of Team Canada Softball. Team Canada Softball came so far to achieve their goal. Go Canada! Go for the Gold. We are cheering from Anjo!

    


 

Yokkaichi City, Mie Prefecture (Host Town: Gymnastics / Trampoline / Rhythmic Gymnastics)

     

City mascot Konyudo-kun	City of Yokkaichi	Yokkaichi City Gymnasium	Canadian students visiting a school

Located in the center of Japan, Yokkaichi City faces the Suzuka Mountains in the west and Ise Bay in the east. Blessed with such rich nature, the city also enjoys a favorable economic location thanks to its connection with the three regional economies of Tokai, Kinki, and Hokuriku. Moreover, Yokkaichi City boasts a wide variety of characteristics fostered through its rich history, culture, and tradition. Of particular note is a petrochemical complex that has been developing environmental technology based on lessons learned from the city’s pollution history. Added to this is one of the largest industrial clusters in Japan featuring some of the world’s most advanced and largest semiconductor plants. This complex and cluster serve as sources of the city’s vitality. Thus, while striving to achieve harmony between industry and the environment, as well as industry and culture, Yokkaichi City will continue to focus on parenting support, education, medical services, and welfare measures so as to ensure continuous development as a city that is livable for everybody. Yokkaichi City seeks your generous understanding and support for its efforts to embody the slogan “Yokkaichi for Everybody to Be Proud of.”
 
-Message to Athletes-
Yokkaichi City is rooting for Gymnastics Canada! We hope you get wonderful results!




 

Wakayama City and Wakayama Prefecture (Host Town: Swimming / Para-Swimming)

     

Wakayama Castle and Ohashi-roka Bridge	Katsuragi Shugen	Local elementary school children preparing messages for Canadian Para-Swimming Team

Surrounded by the ocean and mountains, the City of Wakayama is filled with natural beauty and has a mild and warm climate. It is also rich in history. Wakanoura is recognized as Japanese heritage and reminds people of Japan in the old days. Additionally, the Tomogashima Islands, where Katsuragi Shugen (a type of traditional religious training) originates, is also located in the city. 
The City of Wakayama and the City of Richmond became sister cities in 1973. Since 2016 Wakayama City has been hosting camps for Swimming Canada as a host town. The interaction between the teams and local elementary school students has also deepened our friendship. 

-Message to Athletes-
Unfortunately, we are unable to have the pre-game training camp this year in Wakayama City. However, we hope that you will have the chance to come for training camps and enjoy the beautiful city after the pandemic. We look forward to seeing you in the future. 
 

	Wakayama City Tourist Association
	The Official Wakayama Travel Guide
	Wakaya City website

 
 

Akaiwa City, Okayama Prefecture (Host Town: Field Hockey)

     

Peach field	Ryoguzan Kofun Tomb	Local high school students singing Canadian national anthem	Team Canada being welcomed

A beautiful pink carpet of peach flowers is a typical spring scene in Akaiwa. The harvest season starts from late June until August. Akaiwa is also famous for many quality fruits such as grapes, pears and strawberries. Akaiwa welcomes you with beautiful mountain sites, rice fields and amazing stars at night.

-Message to Athletes-
Enjoy your moment and best of luck! If you have our peaches you will be as strong as the legendary MOMOTARO!!!

Akaiwa City's Canadian Field Hockey Team Pre-Games Training Camp report




 

Miyazaki Prefecture (Host Town of a Harmonious and Inclusive Society: Triathlon / Paratriathlon)

Nichinan City	Takachiho Town	Komak's courtesty visit to Governor of Miyazaki	Lecture on Canada

Miyazaki has many sunny days and a warm climate throughout the year. Due to this blessed climate, we thrive in agriculture. In particular, our Miyazaki Beef is recognized for its quality and was awarded the top prize in Japan.
 
-Message to Athletes-
As the host town of Canada, Miyazaki will be cheering Canada on. Go for it, Canada!

     


 

Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture (Host Town of a Harmonious and Inclusive Society: Triathlon / Paratriathlon)

Horikiri Pass	Aoshima Shrine	Canada Host Town Event	City bus with Host Town decoration

Miyazaki City is a popular beach resort city with many natural wonders such as the Aoshima and Nichinan coasts. The city enjoys a mild climate year-round.
 
Miyazaki City is also a sports destination that draws a large number of domestic and international visitors. The city hosts numerous training camps and golf tournaments each year. In the past Miyazaki has hosted many different sports teams, include professional baseball teams from Japan and South Korea, Japan’s soccer J. League and other professional sports clubs.
 
-Message to Athletes-
Miyazaki city has been promoting the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games in the capacity as a "host town" of Canadian teams since 2018. We look forward to the success of Team Canada!

                    



 

Other Host Towns for Canadian Teams

• Sagamihara City, Kanagawa Prefecture for Rowing & Slalom
• Echizen Town, Fukui Prefecture for Men's Hockey
• Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture for Wheelchair Basketball
• Toyota City, Aichi Prefecture for Swimming
• Tsu City, Mie Prefecture for Wrestling
• Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture for Artistic Swimming

 

Pre-Games Training Camps (Non-Host Towns)

• Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture for Sailing
• Narita City, Chiba Prefecture for Women's Soccer
• Matsusaka City, Mie Prefecture for Skateboard

Highlights across Japan and Tokyo

Japan Japan - Where tradition meets the future | JNTO Hope lights the way |JNTO Japan 47 Prefectures + | JNTO Enjoy my Japan | Concept movie | JNTO Tokyo Old meets New Unstoppable Journey - Full version Always Surprising To explore more of Japan, visit JNTO Canada website!