Akiyo Noguchi was one of the climbers at the event ©Getty Images

Three Japanese climbers have attended a publicity event as the sport continues its bid for exposure ahead of possible inclusion at Tokyo 2020. 

The press meeting, organised by the Japanese Mountaineering Association, was attended by international climbers Akiyo Noguchi, Rei Sugimoto and Yuka Kobayashi and came at a key time for the sport.

In September, sport climbing was recommended for inclusion at Tokyo 2020 alongside baseball/softball, karate, skateboarding and surfing by the Additional Events Panel in Japan's capital.

A final decision will be made by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) at their Session in Rio de Janeiro this year and positive coverage of the sports vying for a spot is seen as crucial.

Rei Sugimoto was another climber to attend the event
Rei Sugimoto was another climber to attend ©Getty Images

"I feel that sport climbing is gathering much more attention than before," Noguchi, a two-time world champion, said.

"I hope that people will know more about the joy and excitement sport climbing brings thanks to the Tokyo 2020 bid."

If climbing is selected by the IOC, bouldering and lead and speed combined will be the two disciplines contested.

Forty climbers would take part in Tokyo in all.

Several press articles were produced in Japan following the publicity event.