Japanese actor leads star-studded lineup for Tokyo 2025 ambassadorial role

Actor Yuji Oda has been appointed as the special ambassador for the Local Organising Committee of the World Athletics Championships Tokyo 25 (WCH Tokyo 25), joining an impressive roster of athlete ambassadors including Haruka Kitaguchi, Abdul Hakim Sani Brown, Nozomi Tanaka, Asuka Terada and Yuki Hashioka.

Oda served as the main sportscaster for Japanese broadcaster TBS for 13 consecutive World Athletics Championships from 1997 to 2022. His deep passion for track and field, combined with his impactful storytelling, has made him a beloved figure among diverse audiences. 

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As the special ambassador for the Local Organising Committee of WCH Tokyo 25, he will draw on his extensive experience, sharing the event's unique appeal and significance with a global audience.

“I am thrilled to be named as the special ambassador for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo – the world’s biggest sporting event of 2025 and the first to be held in the city in 34 years.

I look forward to sharing all the excitement and spirit of this incredible event with fans in the national stadium, across Japan and around the world," Oda said. 

The athlete ambassadors represent the shining stars of Japan’s track and field scene, several of whom are fresh off participating at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, with fans both at home and abroad eagerly anticipating their performances on home soil.

Kitaguchi, the reigning world champion in javelin, secured a gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics and has successfully defended her title at the Diamond League finals for two consecutive years.

Sani Brown has established himself as a finalist in the men’s 100m at two consecutive World Athletics Championships in Oregon and Budapest.

Tanaka, the Japanese record-holder in both the women’s 1500m and 5000m, is determined to make a strong showing in both events at the next championships in Tokyo.

Last year, Terada showcased her talent by winning the women’s 100m hurdles at the JAAF Athletics Championships.

Hashioka, who finished sixth in the long jump at the Tokyo Olympics, continues to make significant strides in his athletics journey.

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Moving forward, both Oda and the athlete ambassadors will play an active role in engaging with fans and promoting the championships. From official events to media appearances and social media, they will share the excitement, rich history, and personal stories that make this event so special. 

Through their efforts, they will help spread the word about the WCH Tokyo 25 and build anticipation for what promises to be an unforgettable competition, ultimately aiming to fill the stadium with spectators and unite the world.

Taking place from Saturday 13 to Sunday 21 September 2025, the WCH Tokyo 25 will feature more than 2000 athletes from around 200 countries competing for medals across 49 disciplines.