
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
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Say hello to Japan’s new generation of adults, fresh from Kitakyushu’s 2023 seijinshiki ceremony
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
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
Is overtime work in Tokyo going to get worse thanks to the Olympics’ new last train schedules?
Leave a Reply