Keiichiro Nagashima and former world record holder Joji Kato carry Japan's hopes in the men's speedskating competition at the Winter Games, and both have the added incentive of a bumper payout should either of them pick up a gold medal in Sochi.
Nagashima and Kato took silver and bronze, respectively in the 500 meters at the Vancouver Games four years ago.
In Vancouver, Nidec Sankyo Corp. offered its skaters ¥20 million for gold, ¥10 million for silver and ¥6 million for bronze, and that amount has been set aside for the upcoming games, with half coming out of company chairman Shigenobu Nagamori's pocket.