More than 250 local governments have offered to serve as host towns for foreign athletes who will take part in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, in a bid to promote exchanges with participants.
The central government has been soliciting ideas from local authorities willing to support visiting athletes. So far, it has approved 179 projects. Some registered host towns have already begun activities, inviting athletes and staff.
Murayama, a city in Yamagata Prefecture will host athletes from Bulgaria. The municipality held a two-week training camp for the country's rhythmic gymnastics team in June, with an official saying the city hopes "the athletes can get used to Japan" as they aim for gold in 2020.