The Rugby World Cup, the Tokyo Olympics and Changing Japan (G1 Global 2019)

G1 Global Conference. Sept 16, 2019 @GLOBIS Tokyo.
The Rugby World Cup... the Olympics and Paralympics... Global sporting events are coming to Japan, and the people here are uniting to elevate the country’s global standing, a symbol of its recovery from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Japanese are welcoming the world, breaking down language barriers, making the subway easier to use, and even upgrading anti-smoking laws. Other nations and athletes, too, are excited to make their mark during these events…but there is a fine line between a festival of nations and a festival of nationalism. As Japan globalizes, its traditions, reputation, and even identity change. How will Japan, as the host, be perceived during and after these events? How will its status as a global leader be when the games are through? Can the government and event organizers leverage today’s momentum to achieve wider social goals and ambitions tomorrow? Panelists will discuss how hosting global sporting events may transform Japanese society and its image in the world.

Kenneth Berger (Business Development & Sales, IMG Japan)
Gen Fukushima (Head of Executive Office, JRFU Interface, Rugby World Cup 2019 Organising Committee)
David Hackett (Partner, Mindspring Capital)
Hiromi Kawamura (Public Relations Secretary, The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games)
Moderator: Martin Newman (Owner, The Newman Partnership)