Interest in the Games was among the highest anywhere in the world with daily prime coverage on nationwide television networks, despite Japan suffering their worst performance for 40 years. 

Shingo Kunieda, the men's single wheelchair tennis gold medallist, predicted that if Tokyo's bid is successful and they beat rivals Istanbul and Madrid then it would lead to positive changes in the Japanese capital. 

"As an athlete, it really felt great to be out there [London 2012] since the atmosphere was simply amazing throughout the competition," said Kunieda, the first player to win consecutive gold medals in the men's singles wheelchair tennis.  

"The Paralympics is gradually gaining more popularity in Japan, and I'm positive excitement will permeate our entire country if we were to host the Games in the future.

"If Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympics, it will be great as the city will become more barrier-free and the awareness level of the sports for the disabled will increase dramatically.

"Hosting the Games will be beneficial for everyone."

Japan's Shingo Kunieda became the player to retain the Paralympic wheelchair tennis singles title at London 2012

Japanese Paralympians passed several milestones during the London 2012 Paralympic Games, including the country's first-ever team gold, in the women's goalball.

But, overall, Japan's total of 16 medals, five of which were gold, was their worst performance since Heidelberg in 1972, when they won only four golds. 

The team's overall position of 24th in the medals table was their lowest ever. 

Masato Mizuno, the Tokyo 2020 chief executive, was still full of enthusiasm for the Paralympics, however.

"The 12-day London Paralympic Games were a huge success and we enjoyed every moment," he said.

"The level of competition that our athletes displayed was truly inspiring.

"We are more enthusiastic than ever about bringing the Games to Tokyo in 2020.

"The London Games have raised the bar for the Olympic Movement, so Tokyo will spare no effort in reaching for an even higher level of achievement."

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