Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games project

ABOUT RIKKYO

In October 2015, Rikkyo University defined its mid-to-long-term vision of RIKKYO VISION 2024 ahead of its upcoming 150th anniversary in 2024, and declared its three values and the nine action plans tied to them. One of these action plans is to help push forward the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games project.
We plan to do this by taking advantage of the opportunity presented by the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games period to enable cultural exchange between diverse peoples, and to carry out educational and research activities which provide a living environment that is both mentally and physically healthy and active. For example, we will work to further energise Rikkyo sports, dispatch interpreters, volunteers, and other forms of Olympic and Paralympic Games support, train disabled sports volunteers, provide scientific support for the games, and so on.
The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Project Preparation Group, established May 2016, has commenced discussions about the measures the University should take for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. The measures identified include ① to build on the features of the history of the University, and the education and research that take place here, to focus on activities that contribute to society and leverage the University’s unique strengths, and ② to see 2020 not as an end goal, but an opportunity to revitalize educational and research activities at the University.
Additionally, in November 2016, we began an official project to promote our efforts for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, bringing current students and faculty of each department, alumni, and others together in a comprehensive, university-wide system.

Basic Policy

【Live Active: Pursuing an Active Life】
Using the opportunity presented by the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, we will work to promote the realization of an inclusive society that values diversity, with exchange between diverse peoples. In addition to the emotional experiences one gains from sport, we will also promote educational and research activities that provide environments and opportunities for improved wellness. Furthermore, we will strengthen the bonds of cooperation within Rikkyo Gakuin and with various sports associations, and carry these toward the future.
Our social engagement plans aim to return the results of our education and research to the region and our society, contributing social value. We have concluded agreements of collaboration with municipalities and organizations in order to promote the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics activities through mutual utilization of human, intellectual, and material resources.

Participation in the Olympic and Paralympic Games

A Rikkyo University student first entered the Olympic Games in the 8th competition held in Paris, France, in 1924. Takahiro Saito, a member of the swimming team, took 6th place in the 100 meters backstroke. Since then, Rikkyo University has sent over 60 athletes to the Games, as well as produced numerous members of Games staff, such as coaches and supervisors, who support the athletes.

The Tokyo Olympics and the establishment of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management

The Rikkyo University College of Tourism has a connection to the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games. With the holding of the Tokyo Olympics, more and more voices within Japan began to call out for the establishment of higher education and research institutes related to hotels and tourism, like those found in the West. Much was expected of the role played by Rikkyo University, which had in fact already delivered results in tourism and hospitality education in a program starting from 1946, not long after the conclusion of the war. In response to this demand, the University started its “Hotels and Tourism Course” within the College of Sociology’s Department of Industrial Relations in 1966. With the consultation with the Ministry of Education that followed, the establishment of the Department of Tourism and Hospitality Management as an independent department of the College of Sociology was officially recognized from 1967; the first within a four-year university system in Japan. After its subsequent educational and research achievements, the department was reorganized into the College of Tourism in 1998.

Participation in operating the cafeterias of the Olympic Village

There were 12 cafeterias included in the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Village. Each of these was operated by university students, with the International Dining Room run by Rikkyo students. Unlike the other cafeterias, which only operated for a few hours per day, the International Dining Room ran for the long period of 18 hours per day, and as the name suggests, played host to customers of all kinds.
The students who ran the cafeteria belonged to the Rikkyo University Hotel Society, which today still operates as an accredited group. There were several other universities that had hoped to run the International Dining Room, but ultimately, the Hotel Society was chosen for its number of members and its record of achievement. It is understood that fourth-year students took the lead in operation of the cafeteria, with a total of 111 students contributing over the Olympic period of September 15 to November 5.

Rikkyo students washing plates and cutlery

Cafeteria of the Olympic Village

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