The "Olympics for All" roadshow series enables top-class athletes to share their experiences with Tokyo 2016 supporters in more than 30  locations, including schools and workplaces, ranging from large cities to small towns.

 

A similar scheme was rolled out when London were bidding for the 2012 Games, helping raise public support for the Games.

 

Elite athletes participating in the Tokyo scheme include the 1984 and 1988 judo gold medallist Hitoshi Saito,1988 swimming gold medallist Daichi Suzuki, 1992 volleyball bronze medallist Yoko Zetterlund, two-time Nordic combined skiing gold medallist Kenji Ogiwara, Beijing Olympics men's 4x100 meter relay bronze medallist Nobuharu Asahara, 2004 archery silver medallist Hiroshi Yamamoto, 1996, 2000 and 2004 synchronised swimming medallist Miho Takeda, and 2000 silver and bronze medallist swimmer Mai Nakamura.

 

Ichiro Kono, the chairman and chief executive of Tokyo 2016, said: “These events are bringing to life both the Olympic spirit and the transformative power of sport for the people of Japan.

 

"The sense of possibility and achievement conveyed by some of the world’s highest sporting achievers are helping Tokyo 2016 inspire people of all ages to engage or re-engage with sport and healthy living.

 

"The passion across all levels of society for Tokyo 2016 demonstrates that these would be a Games for the entire nation, heralding a golden economic, social, and sporting era for Japan.”

 

Suzuki, said: “Sport and the Olympic Games transformed me from a physically weak child into a champion.

 

"The profound effect the Games have had on my life makes me particularly aware of how much the Olympic movement can benefit individuals and societies.

 

"I feel sure that bringing the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games to Tokyo would help generations of people in Japan and beyond to live well and fulfil their potential.”

 

Zetterlund said: “The Olympic Games are a truly inspirational experience, and can energise people to achieve the seemingly impossible.

 

"I was lucky enough to compete in an Olympic Games hosted in my home country, and I encourage the Japanese people to continue their incredible support for Tokyo 2016.

 

"This will help to give Japan’s athletes the rare opportunity of competing on home soil, and bring an unforgettable experience to the nation and the entire Olympic Movement.”

 

Tokyo 2016 are also due this week to host a major symposium in the heart of the capital.

 

Members of the public will be encouraged to attend the meeting, which will see world-renowned architect and member of the grand design team for Tokyo 2016, Tadao Ando, deliver a keynote speech highlighting the Tokyo 2016 Games vision.