Japan will target 15 gold medals at this summer's London Olympics, Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda said on Thursday.

In his first address of the year to the JOC and the Japan Sports Association, Takeda said it is important for Japan to haul in the gold in London to improve domestic support for Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Summer Games.

At the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Japan won nine gold medals.

"We will aim for a minimum of 15 gold medals," Takeda said. "It's crucial for us to do well in London so we can drive up public support for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic bid."