His journey to London began at the age of seven, when he started training for competition under his father. “I think it was largely because my father could not become an Olympian,” he admits.

Sato senior, 61, paired the disparate worlds of Buddhism and equestrianism after growing up around horses in the mountains of Nagano, where they were still the main mode of transport when he was a child.

He practised horsemanship while attending a Buddhist university in Tokyo and opened an equestrian park next to the temple in 1979. The facility's clubhouse overlooks the riding ground from a hillside dotted with tombstones.

When his children were young, he would carry them around on horseback.

Asked about his disappointment of 1980, when Japan joined a boycott over the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, the elder Sato is philosophical.

“I don't dwell on the past,” he says softly. “It was all due to the circumstances of the times.”His son, who stands just 163cm (5ft 4in) tall, has been training with reigning world and European eventing champion Michael Jung at a stable near Stuttgart.

But a vital part of his preparation is meditation, especially at home before competition. “When I cross my legs, it somewhat calms me and makes me feel like going all over again,” he says.

However, Sato does not rely on the power of prayer alone. “In principle, my sect doesn't recommend reliance on others,” he smiles.

“But for a moment when the competition is over, I think it is very important to give thanks to my horse, groom and family.''