The organizing committee of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is planning to appoint film director Takashi Yamazaki among others to direct the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2020 sports events, sources close to the matter said Wednesday.

Yamazaki, 53, best known for his film series "Always -- Sunset on Third Street," is expected to play a key role in creating the format and stories for the ceremonies, the sources said.

Yamasaki's "Always" depicts life in a close-knit Tokyo neighborhood after World War II and its third episode features the Japanese capital in 1964, when the previous summer Olympics was held. He also directed the war drama film "The Eternal Zero" and animation film "Stand By Me Doraemon."

The production team of the Olympics and Paralympics ceremonies will also likely include those involved in the performance by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at the closing ceremony of the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, during which the premier played the role of Mario, of Mario Bros., according to the sources.

Pop singer Ringo Sheena and traditional Japanese kyogen actor Nomura Mansai are also likely to join the group, the sources added.

The opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics will each be presented in four parts, based on such themes as peace, coexistence, reconstruction and the future.