IT HAD REAL APPEAL

After ringing the Zenkoji Temple bell to signal the beginning of the opening ceremony, Motoichi Godo, 69, sounded quite pleased.

“Thanks to good weather, the bell pealed in the clearest tone I ever heard,” he said.

COLD WAR LINGERS

A Russian orthodox priest was asked his impression of the day’s events.

“It was a simple ceremony, and simplicity is the sister of talent,” said Father Vadim Zakharin, who is here as “unofficial priest to the Russian delegation.”

And his impression of Japan?

“I like this country,” Zakharin said. “But I am suffering that they are not Christians. I am a missionary, but I won’t speak about religion with the people here unless they desire it. I’m not like Americans. I don’t force people.”