Last of six parts

Aiming to attract 40 million annual inbound tourists in 2020 when Tokyo will host the Olympics and Paralympics, Japan hopes to overcome a language and cultural gap of similar proportions within the next three years.

Amid a growing mood to welcome foreign visitors with the spirit of omotenashi (hospitality), hundreds of students are already seeking opportunities and preparing themselves to provide linguistic support as interpreters or tourist guides during the international festival of peace and sports.