With the 2020 Games just six months away, residents in Chiba, a city that will host several Olympic and Paralympic competitions, are preparing to open their doors to visitors under a program that encourages residents to host paying guests during popular events.
Kenji Kaminaga, 82, is among those looking forward to the summer. While he will not attend the competitions, he plans to play his part by sharing his house when Chiba stages three Olympic and four Paralympic sports.
"It's fun to interact with people from abroad. I have always liked inviting people to stay over at my house, and this has given me a chance to become more aware of other countries and their cultures," said Kaminaga, who began hosting guests last year to prepare for the crowds.