Tokyo Electric Power Company, managers of the stricken Fukushima plant, admitted to the discovery of four radioactive "hot-spots" close to water storage tanks as well as a slow leak of material from a pipe connecting two of these tanks.

The leak has now been hastily fixed by patching with plastic tape and absorption material.

This news mark a further escalation to a problem first revealed last week by the admission that vast quantities of radioactive water has been leaking from the plant into the Pacific Ocean and these radiation levels are now considered 18 times higher than originally thought.  

However, with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe promising that the Japanese Government will play a "greater role" in solving the crisis, sources within Tokyo 2020 told insidethegames that they will leave the remedying to the experts and that their focus remains "totally committed" on their Olympic and Paralympic bid. 

The vote between Tokyo, Madrid and Istanbul is due to take place as part of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Session here on Saturday (September 7).

Japanese Economy Trade and Industry minister Toshimitsu Motegi inspecting the Fukushima Nuclear Plant as part of greater government involvement in solving the crisis


Masa Takaya, a spokesman for Tokyo 2020, insisted experts are "acting quickly and efficiently and that Japanese Government officials are taking "all necessary steps to manage the situation."

He added: "Radiation levels in Tokyo in the air and water are safe.

"They are comparable with levels is London, New York and Paris and everyday life carries on as normal for the 35 million people in the city.

"We are totally focused on our plans to deliver superb and safe Games in 2020."

While behind the scenes impressions are less obvious, it is clear here just how focused Tokyo indeed is and the fact that around 1,600 Japanese journalists are expected here is another indicator of public interest and support.

An endorsement from one of football's most respected names in Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger is a another welcome distraction particularly as it follows the announcement that football superstar Lionel Messi turned down an opportunity to support the rival bid from Madrid.

Support from Arsene Wenger - manager of English Premier League club Arsenal - is one way Tokyo 2020 have continued their momentum despite the Fukushima crisis


Wenger is a former boss of the Japanese J League team Nagoya Grampus Eight and he answered "of course" to the question of whether Japan had the quality to organise the Games.

"I was here when the World Cup was voted in 1995 for 2002 and Japan was ready six years before the World Cup and has a great environment for sport," he said during an interview with Nagoya TV.

"I am confident that everyone will be inspired should Tokyo host the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games," he added.

The challenge for the bid one week ahead of the decision being made here is that the momentum provided by comments such as these is not lost by the escalation of events at Fukushima.