For sponsor companies, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics is a golden opportunity to develop and showcase new technologies, not only to impress foreign visitors but also to provide a legacy for future generations.
With everything from a mist curtain designed to cool people off in the oppressive summer heat to hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and robots delivering refreshing drinks, companies are sparing no expense as they gear up for a marketing bonanza.
Major electronics maker Panasonic Corp. aims to do its part to spread omotenashi (the "spirit of hospitality") with its "Green Air Conditioner," which it is testing this summer.