A senior official of the Japan Olympic Committee says his organization will continue supporting Sapporo's long-term bid to host the Winter Games.

JOC Secretary General Ogata Mitsugi talked to reporters on Thursday after the IOC decided the previous day that the French Alps and Salt Lake City in the US have been picked as the preferred hosts of the Winter Games in 2030, and 2034, respectively.

Ogata said that he had not anticipated the IOC's announcement that it has invited Switzerland into a "privileged dialogue" for the 2038 Winter Games.

He said the IOC decision has completely eliminated any chances of Sapporo hosting the Games in 2030 or 2034.
He said it has also become impossible, for the time being, for the JOC to go into a dialogue with the IOC regarding the 2038 Games.

Ogata added that the JOC will consult with Sapporo about how to conduct bidding activity for the Games in 2038 or later.

Asked whether the JOC thinks Sapporo should continue bidding activity now that it is likely to face a long haul, Ogata said the committee is always ready to patiently continue supporting the city's attempts in whatever way possible.