With almost 90 years of history in Japan and more than 28,000 employees in the country, next year's Games hold a special significance to Bridgestone, which is the only Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner with its global headquarters in Tokyo.

As part of its global commitment to improve how people move, live, work and play, Bridgestone says it is focused on supporting and enhancing the experience for all athletes, staff, fans and visitors in the host nation during Games time.

Additionally, the company is working to ensure its efforts to support the Games will deliver positive contributions to the city of Tokyo and its residents that will remain after the Olympics and Paralympics come to a close.

"As the only Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic Partner with its global headquarters in Tokyo, we feel a personal sense of pride to be able to support these Games and welcome the world to our hometown," said Masaaki Tsuya, the chairman of the Board, chief executive and representative executive officer at Bridgestone Corporation.

"When Bridgestone was established in 1931, our founder's dedication to 'the welfare and happiness of all mankind' was firmly embedded in the company’s culture, and this still carries through today in our company's mission to 'serve society with superior quality'. 

"We intend to showcase these long-standing values alongside our vision for industry-changing future innovation as we support the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020."

Through its diverse portfolio of products, services, and solutions, Bridgestone says it is proud to help the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee and the Tokyo 2020 Organising Committee deliver one of the most efficient and sustainable Games ever for athletes, fans and the host city. 

The company's support includes plans to maximise its position as the official tire of the Olympic and Paralympic Games by providing its products to Tokyo 2020 official fleet vehicles.

It is hoped the recently-announced installation of Bridgestone seismic isolation bearings in the Tokyo Aquatics Centre and Ariake Arena will help decrease the chance of damage in the event of an earthquake, while a commitment has been made by the company to support the Tokyo Metropolitan Government's Transport Demand Management initiative, which is focused on easing traffic and congestion in the host city next year.

Other sources of support are a variety of additional industry-leading diversified products and solutions that are engineered to promote "efficient and sustainable mobility, building efficiency and more", as well as a volunteer programme that will allow hundreds of Bridgestone's employees to work with organisers to help ensure a smooth and efficient Games-time experience for fans and athletes.

All Bridgestone activities related to its Worldwide Olympic and Paralympic partnerships are designed to empower people of all abilities to persevere through adversity and chase their dreams.

In support of these efforts, the company is partnering with more than 50 "inspiring" Olympic and Paralympic athletes and hopefuls across more than 15 countries to serve as brand ambassadors on the road to Tokyo 2020. 

These partnerships are in addition to the support that Bridgestone also provides to the more than 200 National Olympic Committees in what is said to be a testament to the company’s belief in the power of sport to excite, unite and inspire people across all borders.

Multiple Olympic gold medallists Allyson Felix and Missy Franklin were recently named among a group of seven American athletes who will be sponsored by Bridgestone Americas in the build-up to Tokyo 2020.

Felix and Franklin join swimmer Ryan Murphy, wrestler Jordan Burroughs and Paralympic athletes – cyclist Will Groulx, swimmer Jessica Long and sprinter-long jumper athlete Scout Bassett – on the list of Team Bridgestone athlete ambassadors.

The seven competitors, who have won a combined 48 Olympic and Paralympic medals, will receive financial support and "access to cutting-edge Bridgestone products and technologies" before the Games in the Japanese capital.

Bridgestone is also sponsor of the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee.