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On January 20th, the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) held the formation ceremony and send-off party for the Japanese delegation participating in the 22nd Olympic Winter Games (February 7th-23rd) in Sochi, Russia, at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Minato Ward, Tokyo. The ceremony was attended by 126 members of the delegation (99 athletes and 127 officials) and approximately 560 related personnel. At the start, JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda stated, "I hope you will compete with integrity and passion, conveying to the world a vibrant image of Japan that we can be proud of." The team flag was presented by President Takeda to Team Leader Seiko Hashimoto, who then handed it to flag bearer Ayumi Ogasawara, a member of the women's curling team.

His Imperial Highness Prince Akishino stated, "I hope you will experience the nature and culture of Sochi, deepen exchanges with people gathered from around the world, and strive for international goodwill through sport." Guest speaker Ambassador Evgeny Afanasyev of the Russian Federation to Japan remarked, "Sochi is fully prepared and looking forward to welcoming you all. I pray for the success of the Japanese delegation." He lightened the mood by adding, "Russian athletes are also aiming for gold medals. We can't promise Japan all the medals." Ski jumper Noriaki Kasai, serving as team captain, declared his resolve: "We will unite Team Japan's passionate commitment to the Games and challenge the competitions with single-minded focus."

Approximately 2,000 people, including general attendees, participated in the send-off ceremony. Amidst a festive atmosphere, the delegation received cheers through various creative displays. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe shared an anecdote from the 1972 Sapporo Olympics: he had sent a fan letter to figure skater Janet Lynn (USA) and received a reply saying "LOVE & PEACE." He encouraged the athletes, saying, "I hope you will harness the dreams, hopes, and cheers of many citizens as your strength." JAXA astronaut Koichi Wakata, currently aboard the International Space Station, sent a video message: sent a video message saying, "I will be watching from space and cheering for you all. Ganbare! Nippon!"

JOC partner Greer ran a campaign to collect messages of support for the athletes, receiving over 50,000 submissions. At the venue, a "Everyone's Japan Team Support Flag" bearing these messages was presented to the team representatives. The JOC's ongoing "Nippon! Call Project" had collected cheers of "Nippon!" from approximately 126,000 people by the day of the event. Morning Musume '14 (One for), the project ambassadors, appeared on stage. They sang the official support song "Kimi no Kawara wa Iyashinai" (There's No One Like You) with power and passion, cheering on the athletes. The athletes were also presented with gloves printed with a flame mark, expressing the hope that they would fight hard with the passionate cheers of all of Japan in their hands. Finally, everyone chanted "Nippon!" together to raise their spirits.

A message of support from space	Greer President Yoshikazu Tanaka, competitive swimmer Aya Terakawa, and boxer Satoshi Shimizu presented flags to the delegation of athletes.

 

Morning Musume '14 Live	All members chant "Nippon!"

 

The "Ganbare! Nippon! Park" was set up in the venue lobby and was bustling with general participants. Along with exhibits of competition wear and equipment used by famous skiers and skaters, JOC partner companies also had booths. Toyota Motor Corporation exhibited the "AQUA" with the car name written in flames on the body, and Greer introduced its support campaign and "Everyone's Japan National Team Support Flag". Mizuno, Descente, and ASICS Japan displayed replica products such as the official sportswear and bags of the national team, while Airweave introduced mattress pads for the national team and displayed its products.

 

A message board for support was also set up.

At a press conference after the send-off party, Team Leader Hashimoto said, "The Sochi Games are the first Games since Tokyo was chosen to host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, so they are very important. Our goal is to win five gold medals and a total of 10 medals, surpassing the Nagano Games."