Japan's delegation to the Beijing Winter Paralympics was formally launched in a ceremony Thursday, promising to emulate the success this month of their Olympic compatriots.
"The Olympians giving their best greatly moved the citizens of Japan," said Japan's captain, women's para-alpine skier Momoka Muraoka, who is looking to add to her five medals from 2018 that included giant slalom gold.
"The Paralympic team, too, is resolved to never quit and fight to the end while giving all we have."
Japan's Winter Olympic team won a record 18 medals in Beijing, including three gold.
Flagbearer Taiki Kawayoke, a men's para-Nordic skier, attended the ceremony, where he received the team's flag from Chef de Mission Junichi Kawai. The remaining athletes took part online amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Crown Prince Fumihito and his wife, Crown Princess Kiko, were present at the ceremony, while Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sent a video message.
The Beijing Paralympics will be held from March 4 to 13.
