Three cities namely Tokyo, Istanbul and Madrid put forward bids to host the world's greatest sporting spectacle.
Six IOC members were exempted from voting as a result of the rule that prevents the president and members from countries with candidate cities in host selections. In the first round of elections Tokyo ran away with 42 votes while Istanbul and Madrid were tied at 26 votes apiece which called for a runoff in which Istanbul pipped Madrid by 49 votes to 45. In the second round of voting and following Madrid's elimination, the three earlier exempted Spanish IOC members were able to vote to return 60 votes in favour of Tokyo and 36 in favour of Istanbul.
For the people of Japan, especially the Tokyoites, it was a lot of frenzy and fanfare. About 2,000 supporters assembled at a gymnasium near the Komazawa stadium used for the 1964 edition to greet the news as it was announced by the IOC president, Jacques Rogge at 5:20 am local time. In many clusters of supporters across the city, the victory cry of "banzai" , a Japanese cheer of enthusiasm or triumph serenaded the Tokyo morning skyline.
The Japanese Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe, gave the IOC assurances that the Fukushima leak will in no way jeopardize health and safety during the games. He said, "Let me assure you the situation is under control, it has never done and will never do any damage to Tokyo."
The IOC also selected wrestling to be included in the Olympic program for the 2020 and 2024 games.
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