InsideJapan News Network

Japanese table tennis star Ai Fukuhara has reportedly been mobbed by enthusiastic fans on her arrival in Beijing for this year's Olympics.

Around 100 fans turned up to greet Ms Fukuhara who had to be escorted from the lobby of Beijing Capital International Airport by security officials and police officers, reports Japan Today.

Following her arrival at the athletes' village, she told reporters: "I was very surprised but I didn’t feel scared because I knew no serious trouble would happen and I felt safe because those security people were protecting me."

Ms Fukuhara has experience of playing in China's Super League and is speaks Chinese fluently.

A goodwill sports ambassador between the two countries, Ms Fukuhara was chosen to lead the Japanese delegation as its flag bearer at today's (July 8th) opening ceremony.