Japan's hosting of the Rugby World Cup was hailed ©Getty Images

The New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) has celebrated the country’s sporting ties with Japan at a gala celebrating the Rugby World Cup and looking forward to the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

The NZOC organised the New Zealand Olympic Gala in collaboration with charity partner ISPS Handa, an organisation founded by Haruhisa Handa which supports various sporting activities.

The gala paid tribute to Japan’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup and included a panel featuring former New Zealand rugby captain Richie McCaw and Dan Carter.

McCaw and Carter won the Rugby World Cup in both 2011 and 2015, with the latter now playing club rugby in Japan at the end of his career.

The duo were joined in the panel discussion by England’s 2003 Rugby World Cup winner Mike Tindall, with discussion led by former New Zealand Prime Minister Sir John Key.

Carter said Japan’s hosting of the Rugby World Cup and the upcoming Olympic Games had factored into his decision to move to Japan.

"With the Rugby World Cup happening here in Japan and then the Olympic Games happening next year, there’s no better country to be living and playing sport in at the moment," he said.

"I’m really grateful that my body is just holding together and I’m still able to play.”

Attention then turned to the Olympic Games as the NZOC looked back on the country’s achievements at Tokyo 1964.

New Zealand won three gold and two bronze medals at the Games, including Sir Peter Snell’s triumph in the men’s 800 metres and 1,500m.

Rob Waddell, New Zealand’s Chef de Mission, praised Tokyo 2020's preparations ©Getty Images
Rob Waddell, New Zealand’s Chef de Mission, praised Tokyo 2020's preparations ©Getty Images

The NZOC expects to send its biggest ever Olympic team to the Tokyo 2020, with around 220 athletes set to represent the country.

Rob Waddell, New Zealand’s Chef de Mission, said he had been impressed with Tokyo 2020’s preparations to date with test events continuing for the Games.

"We continue to see a lot of progress across venue and operational delivery,” he said.

"The recent test events have been successful for the New Zealand Team and provided a real opportunity to get into the performance planning detail.

"The fantastic delivery and level of support here in Tokyo around New Zealand and the Rugby World Cup has confirmed what a wonderful host nation Japan is.”

A mix of New Zealand and Japanese culture was showcased during the event, with performances from a traditional shamisen orchestra.

New Zealand acts O Sol3 Mio and the Modern Maori Quartet showcased the country’s music.