I?was a first-grade primary school student when Tokyo held
the Games in 1964 but I can still recall some TV programs about the
Games...the Japanese economy experienced rapid development at that
time. The Tokyo Games and the newly-built Shinkansen Line both
embodied Japan's economic take-off. We all know that South Korea
also held the Olympic Games.
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Being a host to the Games seems to reflect a nation's economic
development and overall national power. Therefore, the Beijing
Games is important to China's economic development. I am looking
forward to the Games very much. Actually, a lot of Japanese people
living in Beijing are paying attention to the preparation work.
Recently, we invited the BOCOG officials to give a presentation to
the Japanese people. Some Japanese media and tour services were
also present. As far as I know, they all praised this kind of
presentation. More Japanese people will come to China for the
Games. The Japanese embassy will do our best to arrange for their
comfort, especially regarding hotels and traveling. One thing I
want to emphasize is that the Olympic Games represents more than
competitions among athletes with an audience. It also provides
international communication opportunities between societies. Some
international exchange programs for primary schools exist in
Beijing, such as Heart to Heart. Some of the schools have contacted
us and started exchanges with the Japanese side.
(China.org.cn April 5, 2007)