Tokyo defends bid to host 2020 Olympics

The president of Japan's Olympic Committee, Tsunekazu Takeda, defended Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games in Argentina's capital Buenos Aires, where the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is meeting.

"Tokyo is extremely well positioned," Takeda told reporters at a press conference Wednesday, reports Xinhua.

The Japanese capital is competing against Madrid (Spain) and Istanbul (Turkey) in its bid to host the games, and the IOC decision is to be announced here Saturday (Sep 7).

IOC is holding its 125th session Sep 4-10 in Puerto Madero, Buenos Aires, where it will decide on the host city.

During the press conference, Takeda was accompanied by fencer Yuki Ota, two-time silver medal winner, and Fujio Cho, president of the Japanese Football Association.

The Japanese-built robot Mirata, which responds to people's movements and voices, was also there.

Tokyo, which hosted the Olympic Games in 1964, is to present its case Saturday, after Istanbul but before Madrid, at the city's Hilton Hotel.

"With the organisation and funds guaranteed, we will focus on those extras that help promote the Olympic spirit around the world," said Takeda.

"Our strength lies in our responsible organisation," he added.

The possible selection of Tokyo has been criticised by some, since the country continues to struggle with fallout from its Fukushima nuclear plant disater, but Takeda said, "it is a city that can be counted on in these uncertain times".