Olympics Torch Relay

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Osaka officials want torch relay to skip city over COVID-19 concerns

"We think it falls into the category of unnecessary outings and we need to avoid crowds in Osaka city," local media quoted Osaka governor.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: 121-day torch relay kicks off countdown to delayed Summer Games

The first runner with the Olympic torch was Azusa Iwashimizu, a key player in the Japan team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2011.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: 121 days, 10,000 torchbearers, 47 regions, torch relay by the numbers

The nationwide celebration, a massive undertaking, will be key to building momentum for the Games.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: World Cup-winning Japanese footballer to skip torch relay amid COVID-19 concerns

World Cup-winning Japanese footballer Nahomi Kawasumi confirmed she will not take part in the coronavirus-delayed Tokyo Olympics torch relay, after originally pulling out last year because of concerns over the pandemic.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Spectators barred from torch relay start, confirm organisers

The torch relay will begin in Fukushima prefecture, which last week marked the 10th anniversary of the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster that left 18,500 dead or missing.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Torch relay among final hurdles for postponed Summer Games

The start of the torch relay on 25 March is also likely to be held without fans, according to local reports. The Olympics open on 23 July followed by the Paralympics on 24 August.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Fans allowed to attend torch relay with masks, social distancing, and no cheering

Despite persistent concerns about the safety of holding the Games this summer, organisers say the massive event can go ahead and the torch relay will kick off as planned on 25 March.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Fans left disappointed after cancellation of Games' torch relay due to COVID-19

It was meant to be the start of a triumphant march to the Tokyo 2020 Games: the torch relay would begin on Thursday in Fukushima, battered by the 2011 earthquake and nuclear disaster, as a poignant symbol of the “Recovery Olympics.”