Japanese Ambassador to China Yuji Miyamoto conveyed Tokyo's support for the Beijing Olympics yesterday on the eve of the torch's arrival in Japan.

"The aim of the Olympic Games is to promote peace and harmony. So we hope more people in Japan, and in the world, get a deeper understanding of the Olympic spirit through the torch relay," Miyamoto said at the founding ceremony for the Japanese Association to Support the Beijing Olympics and Paralympics.

The flame will arrive in Tokyo this morning for the Nagano leg of the relay.

"Japan will cheer for China's athletes just as we hope China will cheer for ours," he said.

Ichita Itabashi, executive director of Japan's Olympic Committee, said the association will play a part in supporting the Olympics and Paralympics.

It will also provide support to Japanese athletes during their stay, he said.

Meanwhile, the Chinese ambassador to Japan said the relay will be a chance to "extend and deepen the friendship".

"Japanese people identify with the Olympic spirit and are enthusiastic about the relay," Cui said in Tokyo yesterday.

(China Daily April 25, 2008)