The International Olympic Committee's Evaluation Commission began its four-day inspection tour of Tokyo on Monday, with metropolitan officials expressing confidence about the capital's ability to host the 2020 Summer Games.
At a morning ceremony in Tokyo, Gov. Naoki Inose said: "Nothing would make us happier than to positively create strong bonds with you (members of the IOC). We would like to share with the people of the world the power and joy of sports."
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, as well as Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda, also made their pitches that the metropolis would be the perfect venue for the 2020 Games.