Homage and symbolism
The carrier of the flame, Yoshinori Sakai, was chosen because he was born on 6 August 1945, the day the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima, in homage to the victims and as a call for peace in the world.
Fair play rewarded
Swedish yachtsmen Lars Gunnar Käll and Stig Lennart Käll were the first recipients of the Tokyo Trophy for setting an outstanding example of sportsmanship when they gave up their race to save the life of a fellow competitor.
Honour to Japan
Japan wanted to show the world its talent for organisation. It success earned it three awards from the International Olympic Committee- the Olympic Cup, the Bonacossa Trophy and the "Diploma of Merit".
The end of a type of running track
A cinder running track was used for the last time in the athletics events.
The first time in Asia
It was the first time the Olympic Games were given to an Asian country.
New on the programme
Appearance of two new sports- judo (men) and volleyball (men and women).
A team sport for women
The first appearance of a team sport for women- volleyball
An innovation in pole vaulting
The first time a fibreglass pole was used in the polevaulting competition.
Ceremonies
Tokyo 24 October 1964. Ceremony of closure. The delegations enter the Olympic Stadium. Here Zambia and Japan.
Official opening of the Games by: The Emperor Hirohito
Lighting the Olympic Flame by: Yoshinori Sakaï, a student born on 6 August 1945, the day the atomic bomb exploded in Hiroshima
Olympic Oath by: Takashi Ono (artistic gymnastics)
Official Oath by: The officials' oath at an Olympic Summer Games was first sworn in 1972 in Munich.