Tokyo 2020 ran a number of drills preparing overseas visitors for natural disasters during the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
A natural disaster striking Japan during the Games is a primary concern, with organisers needing to be able to provide clear instructions in English and raise awareness of what to do in case of an earthquake or a tsunami.
Two hundred of Tokyo’s foreign residents took part in a drill at Musashino Forest Sports Plaza, according to Reuters.
The venue will host badminton, fencing and wheelchair basketball events during the Paralympics.
Participants tested earthquake simulators, were taught how to use fire extinguishers, walk through smoke-filled rooms and phone the police in case of emergencies.
More than 30 interpreters speaking six different languages were on hand to help the participants, who hailed from 44 countries.
“I actually think it is amazing the effort they go to to tell you to prepare, prepare, prepare because it is easy to go through daily life and not worry about it,” said Rodrigo Coronel, the Nicaraguan ambassador to Japan.
“So, the Tokyo Government has done a fantastic job with these kinds of events.”
Last year, Tokyo 2020 held an earthquake drill at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre, a newly built venue for the Olympics, as part of their growing contingency plan ahead of the Games.
Evacuation plans are also in place at Shonan Port, where sailing is due to held during Tokyo 2020, in case an offshore earthquake triggers a tsunami near the venue.
