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"Back in the old days, traveling abroad was a rare opportunity for Japanese people, so when I first arrived in Squaw Valley, I was just as excited for being in a foreign country as I was a part of the Olympic Games. The city and everything else in sight was so stimulating. I was shocked to see stadium courses being cleared by machines. In Japan, we were still using our stomping feet to level the courses. (Mr. Sato laughs)"
38 years has passed since Mr. Sato's first participation in the Olympics. The 1998 Winter Games will be held in his home town, Nagano. As the advisor of the Nagano Ski Union, Mr. Sato is actively involved in the preparation of the upcoming event. He is currently in charge of setting the courses for Cross-Country Skiing in Hakuba and arranging the Biathlon Stadium in Nozawa Onsen Village.
"We launched drives to bring the Olympic Games to Japan, but I never even dreamed that it would come to my hometown. I am absolutely delighted. Preparations will be perfected to welcome our guests. I would like the foreign athletes to feel the warmth of the people of Nozawa Onsen and the different atmosphere of the city, just the way I felt when I went to my first Olympic Games. I feel the same towards the Japanese visitors as well. Everyone is more than welcome to watch the various sport events, enjoy skiing, and of course, go sightseeing."
