A homecoming for Japan's Olympic Games team has "moved" team Nadeshiko's Homare Sawa, who was one of the many medallists to greet fans in Toyko's Ginza district.
The 33-year-old Fifa women's world player of the year expressed her excitement at the sight of 500,000 people lining the streets to welcome home their Games heroes, Kyodo News reported.
"I was moved to see so many people rooting for us. The Games was a fantastic event," she was quoted as saying.
Japan's seven gold medallists were present at the event, which was the first time the country has hosted a celebratory ceremony for its returning Olympians.
Although the nation managed to pick up 37 medals in London - seven gold, 16 silver and 17 bronze - they were one spot short of a top ten placing on the medals table.
The country performed best in wrestling after picking up four gold, while the other three were sealed in boxing, judo and gymnastics.
Nadeshiko, the women's football team and 2011 World Cup champions, picked up silver after losing to the US in the finals of the Games.