Tokyo Welcomes Fans Back to World Athletics Championships

Fans in Tokyo embraced the excitement of the world athletics championships on March 15, 2024, marking a vibrant return to live sports four years after the pandemic limited access during the Tokyo Olympics. The National Stadium, which can accommodate nearly 70,000 spectators, saw a significant turnout as fans flocked to witness top athletes compete.

The atmosphere was markedly different from the Olympic Games, which were held in near silence due to restrictions aimed at curbing the spread of COVID-19. Japanese fans were eager to make up for lost time. Events began early, with spectators arriving well before the men’s 35 km race walk commenced at 7:30 am.

Hajime Kondo, a 41-year-old office worker from Chiba, attended with his wife, Yukiko, and their six-year-old son. “We just arrived but we watched the race walk, and when the Japanese athletes went past, people got very excited,” Kondo shared. “Kids get to watch athletes in action, and it makes them want to do it too. It’s a good incentive for them.”

The Kondo family had previously secured tickets for the Olympic kayak slalom but were disappointed when they had to watch from home due to spectator bans. “It was disappointing. We had taken the day off work, and it looked a bit forlorn on TV. It didn’t have that energy,” Kondo remarked.

As the morning progressed, fans erupted in cheers when Japan’s Hayato Katsuki entered the stadium during the final lap of the race walk. Katsuki, who also competed in the Tokyo Olympics, secured a bronze medal in the event. “Fans were allowed to cheer us on this time, and that gave me a lot of strength,” he said. He emphasized the importance of showcasing race walking as an enjoyable event, particularly with the sport’s inclusion in the upcoming Los Angeles Olympics.

Emotional Reflections from Officials

The head of Japan’s athletics federation, Yuko Arimori, expressed her emotions as she reflected on the significance of the championships. She noted that the event could help “wipe away” the painful memories of the empty stands during the Olympics. Arimori highlighted that sport is not only about the athletes but also about the energy shared among everyone involved.

Attendees like Takashige Torii, a 49-year-old consultant from Chiba, shared mixed feelings about the stadium’s capacity. While he was disappointed by the number of empty seats, he remained optimistic about the global event’s potential to introduce visitors to Japanese culture. “It’s a great chance for visitors from around the world to come to Tokyo and get to know Japan,” he stated. He added that the previous Olympics limited children’s opportunities to watch live athletic performances, and he believed this championship would positively impact young spectators.

Organizers reported that some sessions of the nine-day championships were sold out, although tickets remained available for others. Sebastian Coe, president of World Athletics, described the competition as “the largest sporting event of the year by some distance,” underscoring its international significance.

On the opening day, Hitoshi Aita, a 38-year-old company worker, attended with his wife, Misato. He expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It’s the first time I’ve seen race walk, and I’m surprised by how fast they go. If there are a lot of fans, it gives strength to the athletes.”

As the world athletics championships continue, the palpable excitement and energy from the stands reflect a long-awaited return to normalcy for sports in Japan.