Japan's ice stars hope to shine in Harbin

Ahead of this year's Games, the Japanese delegation held an official launch ceremony in Tokyo on Tuesday. After an eight-year break since the Sapporo event, the delegation head Masahiko Harada is filled with anticipation for the competition.

"In Asia, both Japan and China are eagerly awaiting the Harbin Asian Winter Games," Harada told Xinhua. "This is a pivotal opportunity for winter sports in Asia to demonstrate their appeal on the global stage."

Harada, who visited Harbin in April, was captivated by the city's beauty and the warmth of its people. "Harbin is known as the Ice City," he said. "I could deeply feel the energetic atmosphere China has created for this major winter sports event. The passion and dedication are inspiring, and we look forward to what promises to be an exceptional competition."

At 56, Harada is now head of the Ski Association of Japan. As a ski jumper, Harada competed in five Winter Olympics and helped Japan win the gold medal in the men's team event at the 1998 Nagano Winter Olympics. He also served as a torchbearer and lit the cauldron at the 2017 Sapporo Asian Winter Games.

"As someone with a background in snow sports, I'm familiar with winter sports facilities," he said. "The venues at the Beijing Winter Olympics — like the ski jumping and cross-country skiing courses — were beyond extraordinary. They were futuristic, awe-inspiring, and left a lasting impression. I still vividly recall how remarkable they all were."