The two companies have been jointly attributed to the category “Banking”, increasing the total number of Gold Partners to 12.

Mizuho, which has built up one of the largest customer bases in Japan since it was founded in April 2002, has committed to extending its full support to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games over the next six years.

SMFG was established through a share transfer from Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation in December 2002, with its companies offering a range of financial services centred around banking operations, and including credit card services, leasing, information services, and securities.

“I am delighted that SMFG and Mizuho will be providing their support to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games as Tokyo 2020 Gold Partners,” said Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori.

“Both these companies are leading Japanese mega-banks, and their addition to the Tokyo 2020 sponsorship programme will enable us to fully realise the message we have been conveying of an ‘All-Japan’ team working as one towards the successful delivery of the Games ever since our bid campaign.

“We look forward to staff of both these financial institutions located across the length and breadth of Japan lending their active support towards building momentum in the lead up to the 2020 Games.”

Mizuho's relationship with the Olympic Games dates back to supporting the organisation of Tokyo 1964 and storage of the official Olympic flag.

“We are extremely honoured to have the opportunity to contribute to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games as a Tokyo 2020 Gold Partner,” said Yasuhiro Sato, President and chief executive of Mizuho.

“With the advent of the Tokyo 2020 Games, we will provide financial-related support and expertise to Olympic and Paralympic Games-related business and contribute to society and the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games through our nationwide network of branches and offices.

“Mizuho is also committed to continuing to create timeless value and provide local economies and societies with abundant and varied benefits.”

As well as supporting the Games, both Mizuho and SMFG will also give their backing to the Japanese Olympic and Paralympic teams. 

“We view the Tokyo 2020 Games as an event that advances the objectives of excelling as the ‘most innovative Olympic and Paralympic Games in history and inspiring positive change in the world'," said Koichi Miyata, President of SMFG.

“This resonates perfectly with the Group’s own 10-year vision of ‘becoming a banking group that, by earning the highest trust of our customers, leads the growth of Japan,’ as well as the company’s objective of achieving solid growth for ourselves and our customers.

“By promoting new action initiatives for Japan and building a legacy for the next generation, the Group will provide energetic support for the Tokyo 2020 Games, athletes, the Organising Committee and society at large.

“We will work closely with all partners to soundly pioneer the ‘Next Japan’ and contribute to the growth of the country and society.”

In becoming Tokyo 2020 Gold Partners, Mizuho and SMFG join Nippon Life Insurance Company, Tokio Marine & Nichido Fire Insurance Co, JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corporation, Fujitsu, NEC, Canon, Asahi Breweries, Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation, Nomura, and Asics.

The aim of the scheme is to raise a total of JPY¥150 billion (£840 million/€1.27 billion/$1.1 billion) in sponsorship to help offset the cost of the Games, and Tokyo 2020 are reportedly charging each Gold Partner JPY¥15 billion (£80 million/$128 million/€110 million) to be part of the spectacle.



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