‘Homestays in Saitama 2020’ for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games

　During the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Saitama Prefecture will act as the host venue for 4 Olympic events (basketball, football, golf, and shooting) as well as one Paralympic event (shooting). Saitama is also home to a large number of charming tourist hotspots.
　Saitama Prefecture has initiated the ‘Homestays in Saitama 2020′ Program to welcome Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games athletes’ families, games-related personnel, etc., as guests in order to spread word of Saitama’s charms to the world. Guests will be able to cheer on athletes together with their host families, while also experiencing daily Japanese life and deepening cultural exchange.

Until now, participants in the homestay program included foreign press-related personnel, representatives from foreign embassies, etc. Amongst the press who participated, Germany’s ARD television and Brazil’s Globo television broadcasted news programs on ‘Homestays in Saitama 2020.’ Participants offered comments such as, “we were deeply moved by the kind hospitality of our host families,” and “the program is an ideal opportunity to more deeply understand Japanese culture. I will definitely recommend taking part in a homestay in Saitama Prefecture to everyone I know.” The participants and their host families exchanged contact information upon parting ways, and maintained communication albeit the short period of their stay.

Through the ‘Homestays in Saitama 2020’ Program, we hope that guests will become fans of Saitama Prefecture and continue to visit Saitama even after the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

More information on the ‘Homestays in Saitama 2020’ Program is available at the following websites:
http://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/oly-para/eng/hospitality/homestay/guest-application.html

Report on the homestay by foreign press-related personnel, representatives from foreign embassies, etc.
http://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/oly-para/eng/hospitality/homestay/homestaytopics/homestaytour201901.html
http://www.pref.saitama.lg.jp/oly-para/eng/hospitality/homestay/homestaytopics/homestay201905.html

contact

Miho Sasaji and Isamu Komine
Camp and Lodgings Group, Olympics and Paralympics Division
Saitama Prefectural Government
TEL: 048-830-2874   FAX: 048-830-4756
E-mail: a2880-01@pref.saitama.lg.jp