By Kim Eun-young and Kim Minji

"The PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics was a success in every aspect including the opening and closing ceremonies, safety, event management and reception. It will serve as a great reference for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics."

So said Maki Kobayashi, executive director of communications and engagement for the Tokyo Organizing Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games, in a written interview with Korea.net on March 12.

 - How is preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics coming along?
Japanese actor Nomura Mansai will take overall charge of the opening and closing ceremonies, and is planning to present eight concepts based on the spirit of harmony such as peace, co-existence and reconstruction. 

 The Athletes' Village will be completed this year and the main stadium by February next year. Focused on safety and security management, the stadium will be earthquake-resistant and feature cutting-edge technologies including a facial recognition system. 

 - What items from the PyeongChang Olympics will you use in Tokyo?
The opening ceremony of the PyeongChang Olympics successfully combined traditional Korean culture with cutting-edge technology. I felt the LED countdown numbers and the ringing of the Peace Bell at Sangwon Temple to open the Olympics at the opening ceremony were the most impressive. We also want to introduce outstanding Japanese techniques and ideas with our traditional culture and technology. 

PyeongChang's recruitment of volunteers and staff was also impressive. The organizing committee has also begun conducting online interviews for overseas residents and started this month job training on a variety of dates with residents. Job training in English will be held for foreigners wishing to volunteer for the Olympics.

Starting with the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, Japan and China will hold the Olympics successively. We hope that Korea, Japan and China demonstrate their cooperative power to the world by passing on the success of the PyeongChang Olympics to the Tokyo Olympics, and the results of the latter two Olympics to Beijing. 

 eykim86@korea.kr