NTT's Initiatives for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay
--Launching a Safe and Secure Torch Relay that Embodies the Remote World--

As the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Presenting Partner^*1, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation (hereinafter, "NTT") (head office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President & CEO: Jun Sawada), will support the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay, which will begin anew on Thursday, March 25, 2021, after a one-year postponement.

By implementing the following initiatives, NTT will contribute to the realization of the most innovative Torch Relay in history, which will enliven local communities in all 47 prefectures of Japan and allow everyone in the local community to participate safely and securely both in the real world and remote world (decentralized society) where physical distance is a prerequisite.

1. NTT Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay Statement

We would like to express our deepest sympathy to those who have been infected by the novel coronavirus and to those whose lives have been affected by its spread.

After reaffirming the importance of "connecting" and "connections" in 2020, NTT (as a Presenting Partner) has decided to newly issue its statement as follows, and will help connect the light of hope brought by the torch to all of Japan during the torch relay that will start in March 2021.

2. Torch Relay Initiatives that Embody the Remote World

The spread of the new coronavirus has made it difficult for people to move around and communicate face-to-face, but NTT will provide opportunities for everyone in Japan to participate in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay safely and securely by utilizing telecommunication services.

■ "DOOR"Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay - Virtual cheering world

On March 25, NTT will establish an environment where you can experience the excitement that occurs every day during the Torch Relay along the road and the celebration events at the finish line, anytime, anywhere through DOOR (NTT's owned 3D media).

By using avatars specially created for the Tokyo 2020 event to move freely around the virtual space, you can experience the Torch Relay as if you are actually there.

Contents may partially change.

■ The CONNECTING WITH SMILES Project for Remotely Supporting the Torchbearers

Under the current circumstances, it is not easy to get to the roadside and cheer for the torchbearers, but NTT is providing a system that allows everyone in Japan to send their smiles and encouragement to the 10,000 torchbearers.

Photos, videos, and messages posted on sites including SNS for supporting the torchbearers will be displayed on a large LED panel mounted on the NTT torchbearer support trailer, which is part of the Torch Relay convoy, to send encouragement to the torchbearers just before they begin running, and bring smiles to those on the sidelines.

■ Take Torch Commemoration Photos in the Virtual World ~ Kirari! Version & Optimal Illusion Version ~

Each day at the celebration venues around the country, we will have a booth where you can experience torch kissing in a safe and secure way with the virtual Kei Nishikori (tennis player) who will not physically be there, without worrying about physical distancing.

*The experience will be captured on video and presented to the participants as a gift to take home.

■ Live Streaming of Expanded Celebration Event ~ New Live Experience in the 5G Era ~

In a joint effort with The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the Osaka Torch Relay Prefecture Task Force (Osaka, April 13), and the Kanagawa Torch Relay Prefecture Task Force (Kanagawa, June 30), NTT will hold expanded celebrations to mark the arrival of the daily torch relay in Suita City, Osaka Prefecture on April 13 and in Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture on June 30 (two locations total for the east and west regions).

This is the only one of the many celebrations that will be streamed live online so that those who cannot physically be at the venue can celebrate the arrival of the torchbearers with us.

For the live streaming, the Osaka venue will utilize REALIVE360 technology (360° viewing via free viewpoint) that enables a new viewing experience for the 5G era, so that everyone across the country can experience the excitement of the Torch Relay and the WOW! factor through NTT's telecommunication technology.

* The details of the Yokohama venue will be announced at a later date.

3. Safe and Secure Daily Torch Relay Activation to Enliven Regions across Japan

While adhering to the "Guidelines for the Control of Novel Coronavirus Infections in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay" NTT will implement following initiatives to the realization of the Torch Relay which will enliven local communities in all 47 prefectures of Japan and allow everyone in the local community to participate safely and securely.

■ Activation along the Torch Relay Route

Over the course of 114 days, the Torch Relay will be conducted across the country, with torchbearers and Torch Relay vehicles forming a convoy.
NTT will be operating a technologically-advanced convoy and a lead PR vehicle that was designed based on NTT's corporate color (blue), and NTT's unique look that was also adopted for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.^*2

*If roadside congregation is approved, various activations may be suspended in consultation with The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

■ Activations at the Celebration Venues

Activations during the daily celebrations at the finish line, at all venues (113 venues) except on the last day, will be held by utilizing NTT's unique community ties and technology.^*3
*The schedule of the activations at 111 venues except Suita City, Osaka (April 13) and Yokohama City, Kanagawa (June 30) is as follows

(1) Stage Program

(2) Booths

At the booth, you can have a simulated experience of torch kissing via the most advanced telecommunication technology. The simulated experience will be filmed and presented as a gift to the participants.

In addition to the above, NTT will continue to post about daily activations and community excitement throughout the relay period on the NTT Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay website (https://2020.ntt/en/tokyo/torch/). Please definitely check it out.

^*1 The group companies in scope are as follows.
• Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation
• Nippon Telegraph and Telephone East Corporation
• Nippon Telegraph and Telephone West Corporation
• NTT Communications Corporation
• NTT DOCOMO, INC.

^*2 In accordance with the instructions of The Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, torch relay will not be conducted in some areas due to traffic restrictions.

^*3 The content of the event may vary depending on the size of the venue, weather conditions, among other factors.