"The Legacy of Tokyo Para Remains in the People" Junichi Kawai JPC Chairman January 19, 0:01

"The Paralympic Games is a" celebration of human potential ""
Finally 2020. The words of the person who became the new face of the Tokyo Paralympic Games following the Tokyo Olympics.
Junichi Kawai, 44, participated in six Paralympic Games and won 21 medals including five gold medals.
On January 1st, I became the first athlete to become chairman of the JPC = Japan Paralympic Committee. He talked passionately about what he aims for at the Tokyo Paralympics and what he wants to keep as "legacy" = heritage.

Para Legend "Legend"

"Since the Paralympic Games were in 2020, Japan has changed and we want to make it the best ever tournament that seems to have changed the world."

Mr. Kawai was so enthusiastic about the inaugural press conference held on the 10th of this month. It may be a bit hard to imagine wearing a suit, but it is a legend that no one knows in the Paralympic world.

Kawai is a totally blind swimmer. Participated in six consecutive events from the 1992 Barcelona Games to the 2012 London Games in the Paralympic swimming and blind classes. Won 21 medals including 5 gold medals.
Three years ago, for the first time in Japan, he joined the Paralympic Hall of Fame, honoring those who have made significant achievements in the Paralympics.

Aiming for packed venues and active players

The chairman of the JPC = Japan Paralympic Committee is responsible for strengthening the athletes and promoting competition for the Tokyo Paralympic Games.
I asked Mr. Kawai, who answered an interview with NHK alone, when he took office, to be frank about his goals at the Tokyo Paralympics.

I started talking about my experience at the Barcelona Paralympic Games, where I first participated 28 years ago, when parasports were little known in Japan.

"Our spectators are full and cheering at the same spot where the Olympic athletes have been swimming and winning medals a month ago. At the moment, I couldn't borrow and the number of spectators was too small, and I was inspired during Barcelona and had the dream and hope that Japan would like to become like that. There is nothing that draws the power of the athlete. ''

The goal for the Tokyo Paralympic Games was "to fill the venue and create an environment where Japanese athletes can play an active role."
The words were full of power because of their intense experience.

“A festival of human potential”

Kawai most emphasized the potential of the Paralympic Games to change people's consciousness.

"It is said that the Olympics are a" festival of peace, "but I think the Paralympic Games is a" celebration of human potential. " There may be parts that seem to be short or inferior to the record, but what about, swimming and running with no eyes at all? Even if you can see, you can feel that you can not run or swim with such a record. ''

"I think people will realize the greatness of the Paralympians by sharpening their sensibilities. The Paralympic Games are very valuable as a place to meet the potential of people. When you encounter surprise and excitement, you will be able to remove the "barrier in your mind" that you may have had unconsciously until now. "

An experience where “sensitivity” is shaken

Kawai, a visually impaired person who lost sight due to illness when he was a junior high school student.
Regarding the current situation in Japan surrounding people with disabilities, `` Even though there are few wheelchair seats on the Shinkansen and few elevators at the station, there are still many issues, but there are no countries where the installation of Braille blocks is so advanced. The installation of home doors is progressing, and Tokyo is especially wonderful from a global perspective. ''
We appreciate that barrier-free is progressing.

On the other hand, it is said that true barrier-free cannot be realized unless many people's "barriers in their hearts" are removed.

"Once we have all the hardware, it's not that we don't need people's support. Even if there is a hardware barrier, I think we can go beyond with our hearts. What we need is people's awareness, I think it's sensibility and feeling that encourages awareness. ''

Kawai emphasized that the Paralympic Games have something to shake the "sensitivity" that is essential for removing barriers in the mind.

“People” are legacy

Kawai then mentioned the keyword "people" as what the Tokyo Paralympics will leave in Japan.

"The legacy of the Tokyo Paralympics will remain in the people. I think that people will be the legacy. I hope that the people who saw, felt, and participated in the Paralympic Games can become the biggest legacy of Japan in the future. And we have them become the embodiment of a symbiotic society. We believe that the Paralympic Games will play a huge role in creating a society where no one is left behind. "

Let's go see the Tokyo Paralympic Games!

“Sensitivity”, “Barriers in the mind”, “Symbiotic society”, “Legacy”.

Kawai, who spoke passionately about the Tokyo Paralympic Games in such words, was the last thing he said unexpectedly.

"Rather than thinking about things that are so difficult, it's a sporting event, so I'd like you to come and look forward to it. Many people were interested and wanted to know more. ''

"I hope that you can be honest about sharing your space and time with your friends and wanting to have fun, and hope that they will come and enjoy it. I wish you had been to the venue and it was a good experience. I have found a player I want to cheer for and want to go to.

At the Tokyo Paralympic Games, applications for the second lottery sale of spectator tickets will be made until this month, and sales will begin at retail stores in Tokyo after spring.
First of all, why don't you visit the venue of the Paralympic Games this summer and see, touch and feel the charm of it.
(Sports News Department reporter Shunsuke Shimanaka)