Preparations for the Japanese leg of the Olympic torch relay are right on track. People in Nagano are eagerly waiting the flame.

Preparations for the Japanese leg of the Olympic torch relay are right on track. People in Nagano are eagerly waiting the flame.

In the office of the Nagano torch relay committee, staff members are working hard. Their committee was formed 6 months ago to deal with such issues as figuring out the relay route and selecting the torchbearers.

Takuro Miyashita, director of Nagano torch relay committee, said, "Nagano was the venue of the 1998 Winter Games. People in Nagano deeply understand the splendor and greatness of the Olympics. The Beijing Olympic torch relay is igniting people's enthusiasm again. We must carefully prepare for it to ensure its success."

Meanwhile, Nagano residents also offered their opinions on the Beijing Games.

"We welcome the Olympic torch. I believe the Beijing Olympics will be successful." Said a Nagano resident.

A Nagano resident said, "I'm very proud that the Olympic torch is coming to my city. I hope the Beijing Olympics will be a peaceful event."

To ensure the relay's success, local police and security guards are making last-minute preparations to safeguard the flame during its journey in Nagano.

(CCTV April 25, 2008)