The University signed a deal with the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) in May for their team to base themselves in the Leicestershire town in the build-up to the Games in London.

 

More than 60 staff from the University’s Sports Development Centre and catering and accommodation arm imago.

 

Loughborough Ltd have undergone initial training that helps them to understand the cultural differences and learn some basic Japanese in readiness for the arrival of the first group of athletes this month.

 

A further 80 employees are set to follow the course in September.

 

As well as being taught greetings, numbers and some basic phrases, staff learned about Japan’s geography and culture and found out how differences in pronunciation could lead to confusion.

 

The sessions follow on from a day-long Welcome International course which has been added to imago’s staff training plan to further enhance its customer service to guests from Japan and other international countries.

 

Each year, imago welcome’s more than 10,000 international visitors to Loughborough University and its onsite hotel and conference centres, Burleigh Court and Holywell Park.

 

The company's training and development manager Angela Lannucci has overseen the introduction of the session and underlines its value to improving customer service.

 

She said: “As we prepare to welcome the first wave of elite athletes this August, delivering an exceptional customer experience is at the forefront of our minds.

 

"After all, the Japanese are renowned for their meticulous standards and unfaltering politeness.

 

“By learning some key Japanese words and phrases, as well as an understanding of their customs and culture, we want to ensure the warmest of welcomes is extended to our guests.

 

"We are delighted that team Japan have chosen to come to Loughborough University and our staff our looking forward to delivering an exceptional experience throughout their stay”.

 

The University is poised to welcome hundreds of Japanese athletes and support staff onto campus over the next three years as momentum builds to the London Olympics.

 

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Loughborough and the JOC teams will be using the University as a base for European competition over the next three years as well as for their final preparation in the weeks immediately prior to the 2012 Games.

 

Japan have initially indicated that 15 sports, including athletics, hockey, tennis, triathlon, badminton, basketball and weightlifting, will use Loughborough University and selected regional facilities between now and the 2012 Games.