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United States President Barack Obama could give Chicago the edge in the race to host the 2016 Olympics, fears former Japanese Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori.

Tokyo faces competition from Chicago, Rio de Janeiro and Madrid for the right to stage the Games but Mori admitted the 'Obama factor' was a concern for the Japanese bid.

"You wonder if they can have two straight Olympics in Europe after London in 2012," Mori, a Japanese Olympic Committee board member, said.

"It's hard to imagine. You also have to ask if the Games will come back to Asia (so soon) after Beijing last year. The threat could come from America.

"Chicago could be the biggest rival, helped by Obama's popularity. Like many people I thought Paris was almost certain to win the vote to host 2012.

"Then Tony Blair got involved at the end, and people say that tipped it and London won."

Mori, Japan's leader between 2000 and 2001, added: "Obama could be a factor of course. I don't think (Japanese PM) Taro Aso would have much impact. I do wonder how many times the United States needs to host the Olympics though!"

The International Olympic Committee names the host city for the 2016 Summer Games on October 2.

Reuters