The 92-year-old ancestor intends to volunteer in “Tokio 2020”

She was barred from learning what was called the enemy's “language” as it was new.

When Japan hosted the 1964 Summer Olympics, Takamizawa was too busy with families to go to an event or pay close attention, Reuters reports.

It will be 92-year-old when the Olympics return to Tokyo in July next year, and this time it wants to be as close as possible to this event.

It is one of 200 thousand people who have applied for volunteers at the Olympics and the Olympics, hoping to be part of the army of people needed to help and instruct thousands of foreign fans throughout the city.

Although it is not binding, the ability to speak English is the key skill that organisers seek, and Takamizawa is determined to finally seize the opportunity to master the language.

When I was the first year of high school, World War II broke out. In my second year at school, English was banned because it was the language of the enemy”, Takimizawa relates.

Takamizawa says that her grandchildren have convinced her that she is not too old to learn.

I don't speak any English at all, so I'd like to speak English”, says Takamizawa, while visiting the Tokyo-based Olympic Stadium, broadcast Koha.net. When I told my grandchildren my wish, they told me: It's not too late. We'll learn from one word a day. It'll be a good challenge for you. This is where everything started”

According to organisers, less than one percent of applicants for the volunteer program are over 80 years old.

However, she knows that the ability to speak English will help to achieve the purpose of sharing her story with people around the world.

When I taught him the word "bota," Grandma said: That's what I want to know, your world and your country. I want to know about your world.

Natsuko speaks English and is a teacher of her grandmother.

And what I want is not only the opportunity to speak English, but also to meet people from different cultures and values using English as a” tool, Takamizawa adds. “This would be the best thing”.

According to EF English Proficiency Index, Japan ranks 49th among countries where English is not the first language, which owns the language. It is below Chile, Belarus, or neighboring South Korea.

This is gradually changing, as new generations are embracing English and learning in school from a very young age.

But Takamizawa believes the big change will not happen until the Japanese are no longer open to the rest of the world.

“We must live and act not only as Japanese, but as members of the world”, 92-year-old says.

Natsuko sends her grandmother from one English word to learn every day on the mobile phone, and they sit together regularly to work in key phrases that Takamizawa will need at the Olympics.

Welcome to Tokyo, this is the Olympic Stadium, how can I help?

To her granddaughter, this is a source of true joy.

My goal was to give her something to enjoy in the 90s. It's just fun to talk to her and wait for her answer, admire her hard work. I can see that her English is getting better, it's a pleasure to see”, Natsuko relates.

With less than 500 days to the start of the Olympics, the entire Takamizawa family is willing to host the world in Tokyo.

I'm definitely excited. I never thought I'd see the Tokyo Olympics twice in my life. It's good to live for”, says 92-year-old.