In a press conference given today (20 August), Toshiro Muto, CEO of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), showered praise on what he called the simplicity of Rio 2016.

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"Facilities were simply built in Rio de Janeiro,” said Muto. “The temporary facilities were numerous, which is a good reference for us in Tokyo. For us, too, expenditure has to be reduced. Wasteful facilities should not be created. We would like to analyse what kind of consensus process was introduced for the facilities in Rio de Janeiro and then proceed with our plans.”

Of the 32 venues at Rio 2016, nine were renovated, six were already operational before the Olympic Games, and seven were temporary.

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“(Stakeholders) have to be fully engaged in coming to good ideas and we would like to capitalise on Rio de Janeiro's result,” Muto added.

The Olympic medals were made from gold extracted according to strict sustainability criteria (Photo: Getty Images/Alexandre Loureiro)

Tokyo 2020 will be the first Games charged with putting into practice the IOC’s 2020 Olympic agenda reforms. One of those reforms includes a new philosophy to present a project that fits candidates ‘sporting, economic, social and environmental long-term planning needs.’

“Tokyo's work to deliver the Games will be guided by three core themes of Olympic Agenda 2020: youth, sustainability and credibility,” said Muto. Rio 2016’s emphasis on sustainability, from the food served, to the venues played in and medals won, has proved an important learning experience for the JOC.

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"We have also been inspired by Rio 2016's sustainability concept,” Muto said. “We take away important lessons which will help our efforts to minimise the cost of the Games. We know that there is still a long way to go but we will continue to give our very best to deliver a successful and inspirational Games."

Focus: Rio 2016 Sustainability