Seiko Hashimoto, former president of the Tokyo Olympics organising committee, told AFP that the Japanese public was deeply divided over holding the Games amid the Covid-19 pandemic. She hopes Paris will showcase the best of sport this month and bring joy to the residents of the French capital as they host the event.

"I hope every single person will understand the value and importance of hosting the Olympics in their own country," said Hashimoto. "If this serves as an opportunity for people to think about what the Olympics and Paralympics mean to them, it will be something that benefits future generations."

Hashimoto acknowledged that many in Japan questioned holding the Olympics during the pandemic. Strict anti-virus measures included banning most spectators and requiring masks. Though venues could have been 50-60% full, barring spectators was the only realistic option at the time.

"We argued over and over again that we could host it safely, but no one listened," she said. "Conversely, had we given in to pressure and cancelled the Games, I think people would have said, 'Why didn't you work harder and think of ways to hold the Olympics?'

"I believe the Tokyo Games left their mark in that we were able to show we could respond to various demands and still move forward with the project. For better or worse, we hosted the Tokyo Games. Maybe there were some shortcomings, but I believe we left a good example of what can be done despite very difficult conditions."

The Tokyo Olympics' legacy was marred by a corruption scandal, with 10 people found guilty of bribery. Hashimoto, who replaced Yoshiro Mori six months before the Games, believes organisers did well under tough conditions but regrets missed opportunities due to the pandemic.

"From the preparation stage, Tokyo had received very high reviews," she said. "There were such high hopes, much more than other cities and countries. There were so many things that we wanted to do but couldn't. That's a regret that I have."

Hashimoto believes Tokyo's successful delivery of the Games under difficult circumstances offers valuable lessons for future Olympic organisers. She is confident Paris can host a "perfect" Games. "I believe the Paris committee has grown considerably because it was able to see our unprecedented experience of organising the event in the midst of the pandemic, and took lessons from it," she concluded.