It is hoped the agreement will allow Tokyo 2020 to leverage the Nippon Foundation’s experience of managing volunteers when developing selected training programmes for the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The Nippon Foundation will provide support to Tokyo 2020 in a number of areas, including the development of a volunteer leaders’ training programme and the training of those who will conduct volunteer recruitment interviews.

The two organisations will also collaborate in the organisation of events and activities aimed at building momentum in the Tokyo 2020 volunteer programme.

The Nippon Foundation has years of experience training volunteers to work in sports environments, educational institutions and welfare programmes.

Its partner organisations include the Sasakawa Sports Foundation, the Nippon Foundation Paralympic Support Center and the Japan Sports Volunteer Network.

"We want to make the Tokyo 2020 Games even more memorable than the Tokyo 1964 Games, but to achieve this, it is essential that citizens take responsibility for the success of the Games," Tokyo 2020 President Yoshirō Mori said.

"Volunteers will play an especially key role by taking ownership of the Games to connect as many people as possible with each other, ultimately for the success of the Games.

"Tokyo 2020 will provide high-quality training for all participants, helping them to seize this unique opportunity and become the very best volunteers they can."

Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of the Nippon Foundation, added: "We were very pleased to receive a request from Tokyo 2020 for this partnership.

"We have been working towards the goal of creating an inclusive society in which all people can live in harmony.

"We would like the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games to become a stepping stone to continued achievements, not a final goal.

"I hope our partnership will become a catalyst for ongoing volunteering as a social movement in Japan, as well as help the Tokyo 2020 Games become the most successful ever."

It is claimed volunteers recruited to support Tokyo 2020 will play an essential role in the operation of the Games.

They will need to be 18 years or older as of April 1, 2020.

The application process for volunteer positions is due to begin next year.

Last month, Tokyo 2020 welcomed Recruit Holdings, a global company in information services and human resources, as an official partner.

The company, founded in 1960, has been attributed the category "Human Resources and Online Study and Learning Services".

Its addition brought the total number of Tokyo 2020 domestic partners to 43, including 28 official partners.