A group of 225 Japanese lawmakers formed a support group for the 2008 Beijing Olympics on Monday, to contribute to the success of the upcoming sports event and boost friendly ties with China.

"The 2008 Beijing Olympics will be the third Olympics in Asia and a gathering for peace," House of Representatives Speaker YoheiKono said at the launch ceremony in Tokyo, "Japan will actively support Beijing Olympics and contribute to its success, for the improvement of bilateral relations."

Kono, who was designated as the group chairman, said that he expected the group members to generate good ideas and support Beijing Olympics with action.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wang Yi said he appreciated and felt grateful that the lawmakers from different parties can form a group to support Beijing Olympics.

"This year marks the development and growth of China-Japan relations," Wang said, noting that Premier Wen Jiabao will launch an "ice-thawing" journey to Japan in April. Wang expected that the establishment of the support group can be a new bridge between peoples of the two nations.

Among the 225 Japanese lawmakers, six are former Olympics players. According to organizers, the Beijing Olympics support group is the largest Japanese lawmaker group. The support group is scheduled to hold a series of activities to make contributions to the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

(Xinhua News Agency March 27, 2007)