The book, written by APA chief executive Toshio Motoya under the name Seiji Fuji, reportedly disputes Chinese claims that the Japanese imperial army killed 300,000 people after it invaded Nanjing in December 1937.

It also denies the forced recruitment of "comfort women" - women and girls who were ordered into sexual slavery by the Japanese during World War Two.

The book has provoked anger among Chinese and South Koreans, who demanded their athletes not be placed in the hotel for the Games in the Japanese city.

According to Chinese news agency Xinhua, the Chinese Olympic Committee have slammed the hotel chain, claiming the books violate the Olympic Charter which stresses that athletes should compete "without being drawn into political controversies".

They also claim it goes against the Charter’s statement that a competition should "provide a Games environment that lets athletes compete without distractions from divisive and emotional issues outside the world of sport".

Sapporo 2017 have agreed not to place Chinese or South Korean athletes in the APA Hotel, according to Xinhua.

The hotel is one two being used for the Games.

Chinese and South Korean delegations will now reside in the Sapporo Prince Hotel.

Yesterday, it was confirmed that a seven-strong North Korean team is expected to participate at the Games after special permission was given by the Japanese Government.

North Korean citizens are usually banned from entering Japan as part of sanctions introduced in response to a series of nuclear weapons tests and rocket launches.

Five sports, 11 disciplines and 64 events are due to be contested at the Games, which are due to take place from Sunday (February 19) to February 26.

Athletes from Australia and New Zealand are due to compete alongside Asian countries for the first time, although they will not be eligible to win medals.