TOKYO — Japan's 576-member Olympic team — its biggest ever — was treated to a gala send-off ceremony hosted by Crown Prince Naruhito on Monday amid expectation of a strong performance in Beijing.

"We hope to live up to your expectations, and come back here with big smiles," said Senichi Hoshino, manager of Japan's national baseball team.

Japan's flag-bearer at the Aug. 8 opening ceremony will be table tennis star Ai Fukuhara, with judo heavyweight Keiji Suzuki as the team captain.

"We are proud to be part of the team, and hope to win," Suzuki said.

Japan's 31-member swim team was already in China preparing for the Olympic tournament.

Double Olympic champion Kosuke Kitajima, one of Japan's biggest hopes for a gold medal, said he was pleased with the Olympic pool and is looking forward to a good competition.

"I'm not in perfect shape, but I am getting in condition," the breastroker told Japanese reporters in Beijing on Monday. "I'm not worried."

Kitajima, who has qualified for both the 100 and 200-meter breaststroke events in Beijing, also said he is happy with the Chinese preparations for the games, particularly the food.

"It was delicious," he said.

The main body of the Japanese Olympic team now will travel to South Korea to hold its final training before the games. Athletes from several nations are preparing in South Korea and Japan because of concerns over pollution and the summer heat in Beijing.