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When Tokyo was awarded the 1964 Games, it triggered several major urban development projects that have continued to benefit the city over the last 50 years, including new sports venues, hotels and airports. Perhaps the most high-profile initiative was the construction of the bullet train between Osaka and Tokyo, which demonstrated Japan’s industrial and technological strength and has carried more than 5.6 billion passengers. Other projects included the construction of 22 new highways, eight expressways and two subway lines. Tokyo’s excellent transport infrastructure was a key component of its successful bid to host the 2020 Games, while some of the venues from 1964 will be utilised again in five years’ time.OLYMPIC REVIEW 71OLYMPIC FLASHBACK