Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara highly praised the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics and lauded young Chinese volunteers of the games during a recent interview with Japanese media.

"I felt the power of the population of 1.3 billion at the opening ceremony," Ishihara was quoted by Japan's major Asahi Shimbun as saying.

The governor said that he was especially moved by the Olympic volunteers because of their kindness and good manner, saying they all have fine qualities and let people feel the freshness of the youth.

Comparing Chinese youth with Japanese youth, Ishihara said Chinese youth are enthusiastic and are full of initiative.

"Chinese young people have dreams...They deserve our expectation and admiration," he added.

(Xinhua News Agency August 13, 2008)