Cameron, who is visiting the Japanese capital, along with Hunt and several of Britain's top business leaders, also took the opportunity to offer encouragement to Japan's athletes preparing for the Olympics and Paralympics. 

Cameron's message was viewed on a large outdoor screen in Tokyo's bustling Shibuya district, where thousands upon thousands of people could watch the video while waiting at an iconic intersection famous for huge crowds of pedestrians, and also as the inspiration for the scramble crossing introduced to Oxford Circus in London in 2009.

The personal message from Cameron included the message to the Japanese Olympians: "To all the Olympians of Japan participating in the Olympics, we are looking forward to hosting you in London. And we wish you good luck!"


Meanwhile Hunt launched "The GREAT campaign" in Japan, an initiative to promote British industry, trade, tourism, and culture.

Saori Yoshida, two-time Olympic wrestling champion, took part in the festivities as a guest and received words of encouragement from Hunt, who speaks fluent Japanese, both personally and on behalf of the entire Japanese Olympic and Paralympic team.

"2012 is the year we welcome the greatest show on earth, the Olympic and Paralympic Games, to London, one of the world's greatest cities," said Hunt.

"Saori Yoshida, one of Japan's most successful athletes, exemplifies the Olympic spirit; inspiring others through her achievement at the highest level of her sport.

"She is surely a favourite to win more medals in London and I'm really looking forward to seeing her compete."

Yoshida, the women's freestyle 55kg gold medallist at Athens in 2004 and Beijing 2008, was presented with a souvenier Wenlock and Mandeville, the London 2012 mascots, by Hunt. 

"There's only 100 days left for the London Games, and I've been training every day, preparing myself to win my third consecutive gold medal," she said.

"Through my performance, I look forward to providing the people of Japan with inspiration and courage."

Tsunekazu Takeda, President of the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC), was pleased that Cameron had taken time to send the message.

"It has been a true pleasure and honour to receive words of encouragement from Prime Minister David Cameron and Minister Jeremy Hunt," he said.

"Together with Team Japan and other leaders of the Japanese sport community, I look forward to witnessing the world's greatest spectacle in London this summer."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]