Japanese comic superhero drawn to Tokyo bid

TOKYO: Japanese comic strip football superhero Captain Tsubasa is facing the most challenging match of his story book career by trying to capture the 2016 Olympic Games for Tokyo.

Bid rivals are Chicago, who have been backed by President Barack Obama, Brazilian football legend Pele has thrown his weight behind Rio while Real Madrid skipper Raul supports the Spanish capital in the race to be host city.

"I'm happy if this can help," said Yoichi Takahashi, the Captain Tsubasa creator, as he drew the comic's main characters in the centre of a huge flag of the Tokyo 2016 Olympic bid committee.