Their addition brings the total number of domestic partners to 32, including 17 official partners - the second domestic tier of the Tokyo 2020 sponsorship programme.

"KNT-CT Holdings Co., Ltd., JTB Corp. and Tobu Top Tours Co., Ltd. are three of Japan’s leading travel companies, and we are delighted to have been able to conclude Tokyo 2020 official partner contracts with all three companies in the category of travel agency services and national trip hospitality services," said Tokyo 2020 President Yoshiro Mori.

"This is the first time we have concluded contracts with three different companies in a single category, and I believe this is yet another example of the strong 'Best of Japan' team we are building with the aim of working together to ensure the success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games."

As an integrated travel company group, KNT-CT has previously contributed to the organisation of numerous sports events, principally through their companies Kinki Nippon Tourist Co., Ltd., and Club Tourism International Inc.

"We are extremely honoured that we have this opportunity to contribute to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games and to support Japan's national Olympic and Paralympic teams as a Tokyo 2020 official travel services partner," said Kazuyoshi Togawa, chief executive of KNT-CT.  

"As a travel company, we are taking part in the Games under the spirit of the three core concepts of the Tokyo 2020 Games vision; 'Striving for your personal best, accepting one another and passing on legacy for the future'.

"Our aim is to respond to the needs of customers who will be travelling in Japan to experience the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games for themselves.

"We believe that our role is to help people experience the kind of memories that will be talked about for generations to come.

"By harnessing our network and engaging in teamwork, KNT-CT is looking forward to making a contribution to turning 2020 into a year of new, unforgettable stories."

The JTB Group was founded in 1912 as the Japan Tourist Bureau with the objective of contributing to the Japanese economy by bringing foreign visitors to Japan.

It has since served as a driver of growth in Japan’s tourism industry while establishing itself as a leading innovator in its mission of contributing to society through its businesses.

"As an official travel services partner of Tokyo 2020, JTB will welcome customers from around the world to Japan through our inbound business, which is the origin of our business," said Hiroyuki Takahashi, JTB President and chief executive.

"What is more, we will encourage guests to travel widely around the whole of Japan and experience the attractions of local cultures and cuisines, and provide further support to the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games from the perspective of regional revitalisation.

"Through its travel services that offer perfect moments for customers, we would like to dedicate ourselves to working for the success of the Tokyo 2020 Games and towards the creation of legacies for future generations in Japan that extend far beyond 2020."

Tobu Top Tours is a travel agency with 167 business offices throughout Japan and local subsidiaries in the United States, Europe and Asia.

This year marks the 60th anniversary since its founding.

"We are delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games as an official travel services partner," said Nobuaki Sakamaki, Tobu Top Tours President and representative director.

"Tobu Top Tours will make an all-out effort to promote the Tokyo 2020 Games by broadly conveying the most appealing features of Japan, including its history, tradition, culture and tourism.

"Based on our business philosophy of 'Human Warmth - Creating Connections of Gratitude', we will do our utmost to make this historic event a success, so that everyone involved in the Tokyo 2020 Games can play an active role with a sense of sheer joy."

The highest tier of domestic sponsors in Japan are the Gold Partners, which so far include companies including Canon, Asahi, NEC and Fujitsu.

A third tier of official supporters is also in operation.

Domestic partners are seen as key to the effective running of both Games, with the companies involved awarded the rights to use Olympic and Paralympic designations and imagery including emblems, mascots and slogans.