The Tokyo 2016 Olympic Games Bid Committee Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Ichiro Kono extended his good wishes to the upcoming Beijing Olympic Games in a recent interview in Tokyo with Chinese media.

"First of all, I believe that the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games are going to be very successful, and the Tokyo 2016 Bid Committee wishes all the best to China and Beijing for the Games," Kono told Xinhua.

Kono said his team believe that Olympic and Paralympic Games boast the powerful force to strengthen peace around the globe and ensure collective celebration of human excellence.

Kono said that the Japanese athletes had been working very hard with the aim of competing in Beijing and they are very proud to be a part of the Beijing Games.

"We firmly believe that the Beijing Olympic and Paralympic Games will act as a focal point for bringing peace through sports to many people," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency April 7, 2008)