
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
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 2]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s craziest burger chain takes menchi katsu to new extreme levels
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
How to use Japan’s new self-checkout supermarket carts
Sushi Pokémon Tatsugiri inspires real-life Pokémon sushi and Japanese kitchenware line【Photos】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japanese train platform door tech promotes safety, illusions of being in a sci-fi universe
Taste-testing Japan’s “I love Obama” cakes【Taste test】
How does the GAP store taste? We send Mr. Sato to the world’s first GAP cafe to find out
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Tokyo Skytree turns pink for the cherry blossom season
Japanese restaurant chain serves Dragon Ball donuts and Senzu Beans this spring
Yakuzen ramen restaurant in Tokyo is very different to a yakuza ramen restaurant
Japan Extreme Budget Travel! A trip from Tokyo to Izumo for just 30,000 yen [Part 1]
Japan has only one airport named after a samurai, so let’s check out Kochi Ryoma【Photos】
Japanese drugstore sells onigiri at pre-stupid era prices, but how do they compare to 7-Eleven?
Burning through cash just to throw things away tops list of headaches when moving house in Japan
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
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
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
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