Japan launches team of athletes for Milano Cortina Winter Olympics

Japan has formed a team of athletes to compete in the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, which will take place in Italy next month. An inauguration ceremony was held in Chiba Prefecture, just east of Tokyo, on Sunday. Athletes who had been selected to represent the country at the Games took part.

Crown Prince and Princess Akishino also attended. Crown Prince Akishino delivered an address during the ceremony. He said he hopes the athletes will promote international friendship by deepening their exchanges with people from around the world through sports. The opening ceremony of the Milano Cortina Olympics is set for February 6 and the closing ceremony for February 22.