Pictured above: Left to right: Professor Shirley Pearce, Vice Chancellor, Loughborough University; Chris Earle, Director of Sport, Loughborough University; His Excellency Mr Shin Ebihara, Ambassador; Jeff Moore, Chief Executive of emda; Mr Tsunekazu Takeda, Japanese Olympic Committee President, Mr Ichiro Kono, Japanese Olympic Committee, Executive Board Member.

Loughborough University and the Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that will see both organisations working together until the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda and Loughborough University Vice Chancellor Professor Shirley Pearce officially agreed the document at a signing ceremony at the Japanese Embassy in London.

As well as basing themselves at Loughborough in the weeks immediately prior to the London Games, Japan's Olympic teams will also use the University's world class facilities for training camps and final preparations before competitions in Europe over the next three years, starting with the IAAF Athletics World Championships taking place in Berlin in August.

Japan have initially indicated that 15 sports, including athletics, hockey, tennis, triathlon, badminton, basketball and weightlifting, will use Loughborough University and selected regional facilities between now and the 2012 Games.

This MoU comes following a rigorous process undertaken by the University and regional partners including the East Midlands Development Agency (emda). The wide ranging agreement will also benefit the University's academic research activity and teaching programmes, improve the student experience, develop cultural and business links in the region and help raise Loughborough's international profile.

Loughborough University's Professor Pearce said: "We are delighted to be able to announce Japan as the major nation basing themselves at Loughborough in the run up to the London Games. This is a very significant partnership that adds to our growing portfolio of relationships with major sports organisations and helps further our internationalisation strategy. 

"There will be major cultural, academic and economic  benefits arising from working with Japan. We are already in discussions to ensure University staff and students, the local Charnwood community and the wider East Midlands all gain from this new relationship."

Jeff Moore, Chief Executive of East Midlands Development Agency (emda) said: "I am extremely pleased that the Japanese Olympic Committee has chosen Loughborough University as its training base in Europe.   

"emda has supported Loughborough in its efforts to attract a major team to use its outstanding facilities, and this success is testament to excellent partnership working. Having a team such as Japan based in Loughborough will also result in additional economic benefits to the East Midlands. Athletes and their support staff will enjoy their time in the region as they discover our visitor attractions, shops and restaurants beyond Loughborough's superb campus."

Sebastian Coe, Chairman of the London 2012 Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, said:

"Loughborough University has world class training facilities and it is excellent news that the Japanese National Olympic Committee have chosen to base themselves there in the run-up to the London 2012 Games. Hosting visiting teams is a great way for towns to get involved in our plans.

"There are many facilities available for National Olympic and Paralympic teams to chose from throughout the UK, offering an excellent selection. As someone who has studied and trained at Loughborough University, I know the Japanese team will have the best preparation possible for the London Games."

Japan has a proud Olympic history and has competed in all but two of the Summer Olympics since 1912. At last year's Beijing Games Japan finished eighth overall, winning nine gold, six silver and 10 bronze medals.

Under the terms of the agreement, the University will continue its extensive work with a wide range of sports governing bodies and will still play its unique part in the preparations of British competitors for London 2012.