April 16 - Japan's Prime Minister Taro Aso (pictured) today personally guaranteed that the Government would underwrite the cost of the Olympics if Tokyo is chosen to follow London and host the 2016 Games.

 

Aso, who competed in shooting at the 1976 Montreal Games, told the International Olympic Committee's (IOC) Evaluation Commission that Tokyo deserved to be the frontrunner in the race to host the Games.

 

He said: "I will begin the process now with a firm commitment on behalf of the Government of Japan.

 

"Whatever needs to be done, will be done.

 

"Whatever needs to be built, will be built.

 

"Whatever needs to be financed, will be financed."

 

The guarantees from the Japanese Government are one of the strongest features of Tokyo's bid, especially as Chicago - who are widely tipped as the favourites - do not enjoy such an undertaking, despite the high-profile backing of United States President Barack Obama.

 

Tokyo's bid leaders insist the Japanese capital is best placed to emerge from the global financial downturn and host a debt-free Olympics in 2016.

 

The city has a contingency fund for the Games of over $4 billion (£2.67 billion).

 

The IOC's 13-member commission led by Moroccan Nawal El Moutawakel (pictured below in the middle) are visiting Japan second after a whirlwind stop in Chicago earlier this month.

 

Aso even managed to crack a joke.

 

He said: "I was young enough [at the 1976 Montreal Games] that I didn't need to use glasses.

 

"It was an unforgettable experience.

 

"The Olympic Games are the world's biggest and most prestigious event.

 

"Tokyo has an excellent urban infrastructure with the world's best transportation networks and accommodation.

 

"It is one of the world's most advanced cities in terms of sports, environment, and public safety."

 

 

Tokyo says 23 of its proposed 34 venues already exist and that land has been secured for the 11 new facilities.

 

Five of the new venues would be permanent, including the main Olympic stadium on the city's central waterfront that would hold 100,000 spectators for track and field events and the opening and closing ceremonies.

 

Tokyo is pinning a lot on its environmental plan to help win the Games.

 

Tokyo's Governor Shintaro Ishihara claimed the 2016 Olympics would be the first major sporting event anywhere to be carbon-minus.

 

He said: "Experts warn that if the [global warming] situation remains this way for another five years, we will go past the point of no return."

 

This is the Evaluation Commission's second visit to a city.

 

They have already visited Chicago and are due to travel to Rio de Janeiro and Madrid next month.