Giant Robot Unites Tokyo 2016’s High-Tech, Green and Youth-Focused Olympic and Paralympic Bid

Tokyo, 8 July 2009 – Tokyo 2016’s environmental, technological and youth-engaging credentials were spotlighted yesterday at the announcement of the Green Tokyo Gundam Project, which kicks off this week-end in the heart of Japan’s dynamic capital city to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Mobile Suit Gundam, the popular Japanese ‘anime’ series created by Yoshiyuki Tomino, and to inspire young people to support Tokyo 2016’s green commitment and live healthy lifestyles.

The giant 18 meter replica of this long-favourite robot animation will welcome visitors to the man-made island of Odaiba throughout the summer season until 31 August.

Specifically, the project will help raise funds for new greenery throughout Tokyo as part of the transformation the city is undergoing within its 10-year ‘Tokyo Big Change’ that will be completed in 2016 for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Contributions will be collected by the Green Tokyo Fundraising Campaign Committee and then used for four Olympic projects to increase greenery in Tokyo:
--Developing the Sea Forest, an 88-hectare area of land reclaimed from the ocean which will host the equestrian competitions at Tokyo 2016
--Planting roadside trees – doubling their number in Tokyo from the current 480,000 to around a million
--Planting lawns in schoolyards to provide an attractive, healthy environment for children to study and play
--Creating low-pollen forests in the Tama area of western Tokyo

Dr Ichiro Kono, Chair & CEO of Tokyo 2016, said:
“Providing the best possible urban environment is part of how Tokyo 2016 is setting the stage for heroes. By creating the conditions for athletes to perform at their peak surrounded by a healthy environment we will promote these solutions to a global audience.
“The Gundam robot symbolizes the advanced technology for which Japan is famous, and also how this is helping Tokyo 2016 to inspire young people and bring about a green transformation across the city.”

Source: Tokyo 2016 Olympic Bid

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Tokyo 2016 Olympic Bid