(ATR) Masa Takaya takes over as spokesman for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics effective Aug. 21.
Takaya is a veteran of international sports public relations, beginning with the International Triathlon Union. He was press chief for the Tokyo 2016 Olympic bid and then worked on the 2020 bid as communications manager. He’s had a similar role since Tokyo won the bid.
Takaya is legendary for his boundless energy during the Tokyo bids, seemingly available by phone or email to reporters 24 hours a day.
Takaya will take over as Tokyo 2020 spokesman from Hikariko Ono. Ono, a senior media expert in the hierarchy of Japanese government, she was secondedto the Olympics from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where she will return.
Moving over to Tokyo 2020 from Foreign Affairs is Maki Kobayashi who will take over as Executive Director of Communications and Engagement. Until lastmonth that job was held by Hidetoshi Fujisawa who left for personal reasons.
Kobayashi was director of European Policy Division at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"Ever since I started my career in the international sports community at the Osaka 2007 World Athletic Championships, it has been my biggest dream to work for the Olympic and Paralympic Games," said Takaya in a statement.
"Tokyo is right on track to deliver the 2020 Games in three years’ time. The Games will be marked by incredible celebrations and innovation, they will boost the value of sport to our society, and they will provide everyone with unforgettable memories," said Takaya.
Written by Ed Hula.
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