NAGANO -- An ordinary neon sign here has been advertising a Japanese restaurant for the past 10 years without attracting any particular attention.

One night last February, it suddenly came under the spotlight when the award ceremonies of the free-style skiing world championships were televised. Television cameras captured Taishukappo Seitaro's neon sign installed atop a four-story building, illuminating its light against the backdrop of poles that hoist the winners' national flags.

The sign has since become an issue for organizers of next year's Nagano Winter Olympics, since the restaurant is located just behind Central Square, a newly built plaza where award ceremonies will be held for Olympic winners every evening during the 16-day Games. This means the neon sign will be televised worldwide -- every night.