Thousands of Japanese, who stayed up all night to witness the Olympic vote, erupted in joy when it was announced Tokyo will host the 2020 Games, while athletes hailed the "dream" result and TV hosts broke down in tears.

Several channels broadcast live the 5:20 am (Japan time) announcement from Buenos Aires, Argentina, that the capital would host the Summer Games for a second time, with public broadcaster NHK having begun its programming nearly seven hours before the decision was revealed.

"It is like a dream that Tokyo will host the Olympics," four- time Olympic swimming champion Kosuke Kitajima told NHK. "I hope the event will give children a chance to dream."