The event in the Tohoku region was organised by the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) and follows an event organised earlier this month in Tokyo held to mark the first anniversary of the disaster which left more than 15,000 people dead. 

The "Olympic Day Festa" in Kurihara, Miyagi Prefecture, was part of JOC's on-going series of events designed to encourage and support children from the earthquake-affected region.

Sponsorship is provided through the support of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) under the name of the "Tsubasa" IOC Support Project.

Shibata, one of the seven participating Olympians, became Japan's first-ever female freestyle gold medallist when she won the 800 metres at Athens. 

She spoke movingly of her involvement in this project, which officials hope will also help show the potential of hosting the Olympics and Paralympics in Tokyo in 2020 could do in helping unite the nation.

"It is my second time to participate in this programme," said Shibata (pictured).


"Even if I wish to make a difference alone, at times it is difficult.

"Sports has the power to allow people to forget any problems they're facing and to fully concentrate on one thing, while having fun simultaneously.

"Therefore, it is extremely important for events such as these to continue, providing a platform for athletes and children to interact as much as possible.

"I definitely plan on participating in such events as often as I can."

But it was Pikachu's presence that really delighted the children.

"On behalf of the Japanese sports community, I sincerely appreciate the heartwarming support from our friends in the Olympic Movement," said Tsunekazu Takeda, the President of the JOC, who is leading Tokyo's bid to host the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. 

"Seeing these happy children interact with world-class athletes makes me proud of Japanese sports community.

"It is our duty to support the people in Tohoku by organising these events one after another.

"That's why there will be another Olympic Day Festa soon, and many more to follow.

"By sharing the Olympic values of respect, excellence and friendship, we hope to bring and contribute to a positive and forward-looking impact on efforts for recovery in Tohoku and wish for continuous development the young generation in the years to come."

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