Japanese athletes and designers have organized a series of events during the Olympics called "Arigato in London." They aim to show gratitude to the world for the support after last year's earthquake and tsunami.

In the opening ceremony at London's former city hall on Saturday, the recently retired hurdler Dai Tamesue spoke. He said he hopes to forge ties with people around the world.

A Fukushima official spoke about the nuclear accident, accompanied by the prefecture's mascot Kibitan.

Arigato in London includes video shows, exhibitions of photos from the disaster, and a sake bar on the banks of the Thames. Former soccer star Hidetoshi Nakata offered passersby tastes on the bar's opening day.
The events will run until August 11.

Jul. 28, 2012 - Updated 21:42 UTC (06:42 JST)