Webinar on “Why Resilience Matters: How Adversity Molds Us”
On Wednesday, Dec. 2, 2020, and on Thursday, Dec. 10, 2020, JAPAN HOUSE Los Angeles, the Consulate General of Japan in Los Angeles and Japan America Society of Southern California, co-presented a special webinar series entitled “Why Resilience Matters: How Adversity Molds Us”, discussing the latest news related to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. Yuko Kaifu, President of Japan House Los Angeles hosted the events.
The first of the two-part webinars featured three athletes at the top of their sports. Speakers include Apolo Ohno (former short track speed skater and 8-medal winning Olympian), Aaron Phillip Wolf (Japanese judoka and gold medalist at the 2017 World Judo Championships in Budapest), and Kanoa Igarashi (Pro Surfer, 2020 Tokyo Olympics Representative), moderated by award-winning ABC 7 News anchor David Ono. They shared challenges they’ve faced on and off the field, gave tips on how to persevere despite the obstacles, and reflected on how adversity can make us all stronger. Ohno, a retired Olympian, also gave Wolf and Igarashi valuable advice on life after being a competitive athlete.
Watch the webinar HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qH6drg9W36c
The second program offered updates on event planning and excitement leading up to the upcoming Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo next summer and Los Angeles in 2028.
John Harper, COO of LA28, and Hidemasa Nakamura, Games Delivery Officer of the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games engaged in a dialogue moderated by President and CEO of the LA84 Foundation Renata Simril to explore how planners work together across geographies to create an amazing Games experience for both athletes and fans. Nakamura explained the vision and sustainability concept for the Tokyo 2020 Games, as well as changes and requirements caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Harper talked about the rich history of the Games in LA, which has hosted the Games twice, as well as the vision of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. They also discussed the significance of hosting the Paralympic Games at the same time of the Olympic Games. In addition, Nakamura shared the plan of using hydrogen technology at the Tokyo Games, showcasing it for the next generation.
Watch the webinar HERE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Oe8DGySxNk
Speaker profiles are available at:
https://www.la.us.emb-japan.go.jp/itpr_en/2020_Webinar_WhyResilienceMatters.html