Nagano, which was hit hard by a typhoon in autumn 2019, means a lot to speed skating star Nao Kodaira, who hails from the prefecture.
Kodaira, 35, developed relationships with apple farmers in the region after participating in disaster relief efforts as a volunteer. With support from local farmers and residents, the 2018 Pyeongchang gold medalist is aiming for back-to-back victories in the women's 500 meters at the Beijing Winter Olympics on Sunday.
