He admitted that he had felt a lot of responsibility and was overcome with emotion following the victory.

President Jacques Rogge alongside the victorious Tokyo 2020 bid team following the announcement of their victory




Similar themes were evoked by Tokyo 2020 and Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda who said that "it is a great honour that Tokyo has been chosen."

The mood was best revealed however by the double Olympic silver medal winning fencer Yuki Ota

"I cannot believe it," he said

"A thousand times I imagined [IOC President] Jacques Rogge opening the paper.

"After the earthquake [in March 2011] everyone in Japan was depressed but now we have to make a dream come true."

Celebrations were also held across the country despite the decision being made at five o'clock in the morning local time.

A gymnasium used the last time Tokyo hosted the Games in 1964 erupted in cheers with people screaming and embracing and jumping up and down.

Along with the Japanese flags banners that said "let's celebrate Tokyo's victory".were the order of the day.

Huge celebrations in Japan followed the awarding of the 2020 Olympics to Tokyo




This comes despite the fact that only 47 per cent of the public were in favour of hosting the Games at one point in 2012 although the figure undoubtedly rose massively in more recent months.

One had to feel for Istanbul who, despite a hugely popular presentation and an energetic bid, fell so badly at the final hurdle.

"We are of course extremely disappointed not to have been selected but we are grateful to the IOC for giving us this opportunity to bid for the Games," said bid chairman Hasan Arat 

"It has been a fantastic learning experience for Turkey and our commitment to the Olympic Movement is as strong as it has ever been.

"We extend our warmest congratulations to Tokyo for winning the right to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

"I have no doubt that they will stage an outstanding Games in 2020."

Hasan Arat alongside Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan following Istanbul's presentation ahead of their second place finish in the 2020 race


In terms of reasons why Tokyo was chosen early indications from various IOC members was that it was simply the option which will ensure the least sleepless nights over the next seven years.

This is primarily from a commercial and logistical perspective and was enhanced by the reassurances given - largely by Prime Minister Abe - downplaying of the radiation levels at the Fukushima Power Station.

The fact that no Japanese athlete has ever failed a doping test at either the Olympic and Paralympic Games was another point which certainly fell in Tokyo's favour, especially as they were up against bids from countries who have such poor records in that area.

This latter point was something even IOC President Jacques Rogge referred to when admitting "the IOC members pay a lot of attention to the fight against doping and it certainly played some role although we cannot be sure what affect it will make."

More celebrations from the Japanese delegation following their emphatic 2020 victory


After joking that the thing he hopes for most from Tokyo 2020 is that "they cater well for retired people," Rogge expressed a desire for a "secure and well organised Games with the welfare of the athletes in mind."

For now though it will be a night of celebrations before the important work of preparing for a first Games on Japanese for 56 years begins in earnest tomorrow.