
Official assures us that posting pics from the Games is A-OK, and clarifies what you’re not allowed to share online.
A few days ago, while waiting to find out if our applications for tickets to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics were successful or not, we were passing the time by reading through the fine print on spectator rules and regulations, and were startled to find a ban on social media posting. However, we’ve since been contacted by the Games’ organizers, who gave us some good news.
Previously, we’d mistakenly thought that the social media ban included photography, but Lavier has assured us that “spectators can enjoy posting photos on their social media accounts,” and so you’re free to share your snapshots of Olympic action with your followers around the world.
However, it’s important to note that this leniency is only in regards to still images. If you’re shooting video, or recording audio, that’s allowed for personal use, but posting the videos or audio clips to social media is expressly prohibited, as per the ticket purchase agreement that states:
“the Holder shall not transmit or distribute (or otherwise provide to a third party) any moving images and/or sounds taken or recorded within the Venue over television, radio, the internet (including on social media and by livestreaming), or any other electronic media whether now existing or created in the future with new technology, without the IOC’s prior consent.”
With full-motion video off the table, your opportunities for social media glory are limited to capturing the perfect, singular moment that defines the Olympic spirit, or perhaps shooting enough still images for a flip book-like effect while your followers scroll through your collected posts, but it’s good to know that the initial complete social media blackout we thought was happening isn’t actually taking place after all.
Top image: Pakutaso
● Want to hear about SoraNews24’s latest articles as soon as they’re published? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter!

Tokyo Olympics bans fans from posting videos of the Games on their social media accounts
Tokyo Olympics might allow you to take one, and only one, drink with you into sweltering stadiums
Tokyo Olympics will not allow spectators from overseas
Please take Tokyo Olympics condoms back to your home country and use them there, organizers say
A look inside the Tokyo Media Centre for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
No, that’s not French bread, it’s Japan’s crazy-big gobo!
Fading Tokyo – Horikiri Station, the Arakawa River, and Kinpachi-sensei[Walking course]
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
How to easily make Salmon & Cheese Grilled Rice Balls, a tasty camp food【SoraKitchen】
This easy, camp-friendly gratin dish will keep you warm this winter with hot cheesy creaminess
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Tokyo Olympics will take place as scheduled “with or without COVID” says IOC exec
Tokyo Olympics announces new start date following coronavirus postponement
Tokyo Olympics committee announces safety plans for the Games, including priority hospital beds
Please drink alone in your room and don’t have sex, Tokyo Olympics tells athletes
Tokyo Olympics Official Shop branch closes down four months before Games may or may not start
What Pokémon Type are you? A quick look at your social media habits will give you the answer
Nine places to take unforgettable social media photos in Japan
Japan’s Shizuoka bans teachers from personal communication with students on social media
Olympic medals and torch display held in Tokyo for a very limited time
Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe proposes postponing Tokyo Olympics for up to one year
Japanese artists anthropomorphise national flags into samurai characters for 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Dragon Quest at Olympics opening ceremony? Game theme, Eva-connected song heard coming from stadium
Japanese high school will suspend students who don’t reveal their social media account names
Tokyo Olympic torch flame goes out twice on first day of relay, filling commenters with dread