I might cry tears of joy when Olympic flame is lit at opening ceremony, says JOC president Yamashita

The JOC originally targeted 30 gold medals before the pandemic last year, but Yamashita admitted that that is no longer the goal.

However, he still thinks that Japanese athletes will enjoy some advantages in gymnastics, wrestling, swimming, baseball and two new events, skateboarding and karate.

"I hope that Japanese athletes will not feel pressured by the goals and just do their best and do their utmost," he added.

Like Kano Jigoro, the founder of judo, Yamashita has done a lot to promote cultural and sports exchange between Japan and China. He helped to establish two judo schools in Qingdao, Shandong Province, and Nanjing, Jiangsu Province.

"I think Mr. Kano would be very happy if he knew what I have done in China," he said. "Mr. Kano established a school in Tokyo that accepted thousands of Chinese students in early last century. He just wanted to do something for the Chinese students. I think that I have the same target as Mr. Kano."

When the Qingdao judo school was founded in 2008, some people in Japan doubted the necessity to do so, but Yamashita decided to move on with the project.

"China and Japan are neighbors with very long and deep ties in history," he said. "To maintain continued exchange among the people is beneficial to both sides. I am very confident and want to tell everybody.

"If Japan wants to be understood by China, it should try hard to understand China. I think that this is exactly the role that sports can play to promote the exchange between different countries."

Yamashita, who was a hot favorite to win the heavyweight gold medal at the 1980 Moscow Olympics, had to watch from the stands as a spectator, while top rivals vied for the gold. He believes that Japan will not boycott the Beijing Winter Olympic Games, which will take place six months after the closing of the Tokyo Games.

"We cannot deprive the athletes' chance of competing at the Olympics," he said. "I think Japan will not boycott. As far as I know, although there are government officials in some countries making some comments (about boycott), there has not been a single local Olympic committee that has agreed with such remarks."

He said that Japanese athletes will definitely compete and try to win in Beijing.

"Japanese athletes will not only compete, but also put up great performances. Our athletes are very strong in both summer and winter events. I attended the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games and look forward to visiting Beijing again next February. I think our athletes will achieve very good results in Beijing."