OSAKA -- The International Olympic Committee's evaluation committee began their four-day visit to Osaka on Monday by discussing the city's bid for the 2008 Games with Osaka government and business leaders, and by visiting Maishima island in Osaka Bay.

Members of an IOC delegation led by Hein Vergruggen (third from right) are joined by Osaka Mayor Takafumi Isomura (center), education and sports minister Nobutaka Machimura (second from right) and other Japanese officials.

Many of the Games' events would take place on the island should Osaka gain the IOC's nod of approval.

The 17-member group will be looking at the technical aspects of Osaka's bid, including its sports facilities, urban infrastructure, financing and environmental issues.

The day began with a welcome from Nobutaku Machimura, the minister of education, culture, sports and science and technology, who congratulated the IOC on a successful Games in Sydney and said Osaka's advanced urban infrastructure and existing sports facilities make it a very strong candidate.

"We have a serious task ahead of us and we apologize in advance if our questions are pointed and direct," delegation head Hein Verbruggen of the Netherlands said in response to Osaka and Japan Olympic Committee officials.

The IOC is expected to question Osaka rigorously, particularly with regard to finances and the environment.

Many Osaka residents fear that hosting the Olympics will mean additional taxes, given the dire financial conditions in the city and prefecture.

Meanwhile, the presence of methane gas and dioxin on the island where the city plans to build the main stadium has sparked concern among environmental groups.

For its part, the IOC is concerned about financial, organizational, and environmental problems related to the 2004 Games in Athens, and has said it will closely evaluate the cities bidding for the 2008 Games on these areas.