The Shinto faith is rooted in the metaphysical relationship between nature, gods (kami), and humans, and as such there can be seen a deep connection between environmentalism and Shinto ideology in Japan. Environmentalist movements have been in response to a wide variety of issues over the years, including movements in recent years over massive urban development projects related to sporting events. As Tokyo taxpayers help to foot a more than 800-billion yen bill for 2020 Olympic infrastructure projects, many have become increasingly critical towards how much money and resources are being diverted for the Olympics. The Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee has repeatedly expressed its commitment to deliver an environmentally sustainable Olympic Games, and has put in place both policies and plans for before, during and after the event to ensure that it fulfills its concept to “Be better, together – for the planet and the people.” This presentation will explore connections between Shinto ideology and some of the environmental concerns specifically related to Olympic development projects, such as large-scale deforestation necessary to build the new National Stadium. In so doing, I aim to highlight both uniquely Japanese vantage points towards issues of environmental sustainability, as well as universal concerns regarding the lasting impact of sports mega-events.