'Doraemon' roots for equestrian targeting 2020 Olympics

'Doraemon' roots for equestrian targeting 2020 Olympics

OSAKA, Japan - Tomoko Nakamura, a member of Japan's silver-winning dressage team in equestrian at the 2014 Asian Games, poses with a horse at a stall in Nara on Dec. 3, 2014. A poster, featuring the popular Japanese comic character "Doraemon," hung at the stall calls for support for Nakamura who is aiming to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The late author of "Doraemon" is Nakamura's uncle.

'Doraemon' roots for equestrian targeting 2020 Olympics

'Doraemon' roots for equestrian targeting 2020 Olympics

OSAKA, Japan - Tomoko Nakamura, a member of Japan's silver-winning dressage team in equestrian at the 2014 Asian Games, is seen at a stall in Nara on Dec. 3, 2014. A poster, featuring the popular Japanese comic character "Doraemon," hung at the stall calls for support for Nakamura who is aiming to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The late author of "Doraemon" is Nakamura's uncle.

Japan vs Russia in women's hockey at Winter Games

Japan vs Russia in women's hockey at Winter Games

SOCHI, Russia - Japan's forward Ami Nakamura (C) and compatriot Tomoko Sakagami (L) play during the third period of the women's ice hockey classifications round at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia, on Feb. 16, 2014.

Hagiwara sets national record at short-course championships

Hagiwara sets national record at short-course championships

TOKYO, Japan - Versatile swimmer Tomoko Hagiwara waves at spectators in Tokyo after setting a national record in the women's 200-meter backstroke on April 1, the opening day of the national short-course championships. Hagiwara, a Japanese representative at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, coasted to victory with a time of 2 minutes, 5.10 seconds, breaking Mai Nakamura's previous record by 1.32 seconds.

Japan's Olympic team swimmers meets the press

Japan's Olympic team swimmers meets the press

TOKYO, Japan - Members of the Japanese Olympic swimming team meet the press in Tokyo on April 24 following the formal announcement of the 21-member team by the Japan Amateur Swimming Federation. L to R are Masami Tanaka, Mai Nakamura, Tomoko Hagiwara, Yasuko Tajima and Takashi Yamamoto.

'Doraemon' roots for equestrian targeting 2020 Olympics

'Doraemon' roots for equestrian targeting 2020 Olympics

OSAKA, Japan - Tomoko Nakamura, a member of Japan's silver-winning dressage team in equestrian at the 2014 Asian Games, poses with a horse at a stall in Nara on Dec. 3, 2014. A poster, featuring the popular Japanese comic character "Doraemon," hung at the stall calls for support for Nakamura who is aiming to participate in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. The late author of "Doraemon" is Nakamura's uncle. (Kyodo)