COLUMN: Olympic mania is peeking in Japan

NAGANO, Japan -- This morning I arrived by the shinkansen (bullet train), and from the moment I stepped off the platform at Nagano Station, I could feel the rush of excitement hit me. Right in front of me, a group of Japanese camera crews and onlookers were awaiting one of the many VIPs who are rapidly appearing all over town. As I walked further, a Mexican-style mariachi group was welcoming the arriving Canadian Olympic Team. It's madness. It's exciting. Why are mariachi troops greeting Canadians? Where else would you see Japanese boy scouts serenading groups from Slovakia? Why are middle-aged men covered in hundreds of pins accosting everyone who walks by to barter for more pins? All this madness is because the Winter Olympics is starting today and the town of Nagano is primed to host the largest Winter Olympics ever. The most countries in history are bringing the most athletes in history to compete in the most events. Yes, in history. I've been here for ten days and have watched this city transform itself into the meeting place of the world and the stage which millions of people will be watching for the next two weeks. I cannot help noticing an enormous number of things, and I've taken note of a few of them. I cannot help noticing that there are people here from over 70 countries and over 2,000 people who have worked all their lives to compete in these next two weeks. I cannot help but wish I was one of the best in my country at something and have the spotlight on myself like these athletes do. These are the best of the best and I look forward to enjoying their hard work and living through them. I cannot help noticing that there are thousands of Japanese people who have come together to welcome the athletes, spectators and viewers and show them that Japan is still a thriving nation, despite all the recent problems with their economy. I've watched school children sing to athletes and drum troops play for large audiences. Even the workers at McDonalds seem thrilled to be a part of the whole atmosphere surrounding the games. Japan has put its best face forth, and I wonder if it'll be enough to reverse gloomy predictions for their future. I cannot help noticing that thousands of tourists have come here from all over the world to take part in the festivities.