Estimated 800,000 welcome Japan’s Paralympic medallists

An estimated 800,000 people took Tokyo’s streets on 7 October to welcome the 87 Japanese Olympic and Paralympic medallists from Rio 2016.

The medal-winners paraded on open-top buses through the city centre, waving to the cheering crowd and thanking them for their support.

The parade covered 2.5 kilometres from the Ginza district, Tokyo’s world-famous shopping and dining area featuring trendy boutiques and world-class restaurants, to the traditional Nihonbashi district, the historical centre of Tokyo with its fascinating mix of centuries-old establishments and cultural landmarks.

Japan sealed 41 medals at August’s Olympic Games -12 golds, 8 silvers and 21 bronzes- and 24 at September’s Paralympic Games -10 silvers and 14 bronzes-.

This celebration built more excitement amongst Japanese people ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.