Preparations for Cultural Olympiad events around Japan in the lead-up to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games are starting slowly, a Kyodo News survey found, as the central government has yet to set certification criteria.
Once certified by the central government, local governments across the country can mount cultural programs showcasing many different art forms during a four-year period leading up to the Olympic Games.
In a survey conducted in March and April of all municipalities throughout Japan, about 60 percent of the 95 percent that responded said they are not sure if they will stage any events.
The Cultural Olympiad is meant to promote wider public engagement in cultural and art events, and as a way for local governments to attract tourists and create jobs.
The Cultural Olympiad through the London 2012 Games drew over 40 million people to one or more of some 180,000 activities.
Of the Japanese municipalities which responded to the survey, only 129, or 7.8 percent, said they already plan to hold cultural programs.
Among them, Kyoto plans events related to tea ceremonies and traditional Japanese cuisine among other activities. And the city of Toyohashi in Aichi Prefecture plans events featuring its traditional hand-held cylinder fireworks.