- Japan's team for the Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games was officially announced at a ceremony attended by Crown Prince Akishino.
- Figure skater Sakamoto Kaori will be a flagbearer and aims to win a medal in women's singles, following a bronze in the 2022 Olympics.
- The Games, starting February 6th, will feature 116 events across eight sports, including the debut of ski mountaineering.

A: Hey! Did you hear about the Olympics?

B: No! What's new?

A: Japan just announced their team! They had a ceremony yesterday.

B: Really? Who was there?

A: Crown Prince and Princess Akishino were there! It was in Chiba, near Tokyo.

B: Wow! And who was carrying the flag?

A: Figure skater Sakamoto Kaori! The speed skater couldn't make it this time.

B: Oh, that’s too bad. I know Sakamoto! She wants to win a medal, right?

A: Exactly! She got a bronze in the last Olympics! She gave a speech too.

B: What did she say?

A: She said she’ll try her best! She *really* hates losing!

B: Haha! That's a good motivation! But it’s going to be tough, isn’t it?

A: Yeah, the venues are far apart. So she'll be posting encouraging messages online to cheer everyone up.

B: That’s so thoughtful! And a big send-off event too?

A: Yup! 6,000 fans showed up! A high school band played and kids gave the athletes good luck!

B: That sounds amazing! When do the games start?

A: February 6th! They finish on the 22nd. It’s going to be a lot of fun! They even have ski mountaineering this year!

B: Ski mountaineering?! That’s cool! Let’s watch together!