Tokyo Olympics 2020 Torch Relay

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Third Japan area scraps public torch relay over coronavirus

It comes after the Osaka region and Matsuyama city in western Japan scrapped the public torch relay over rising virus cases.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: With 100 days to go, a turbulent timeline of the pandemic-postponed Games

With 100 days to go until the opening ceremony on 23 July, AFP chronicles Tokyo's troubled journey to the Games.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Torch relay barred from public roads across Japan's Osaka

The Olympic flame began its nationwide relay on 25 March in Fukushima and is due to pass through the Osaka region on 13 and 14 April.

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: Torch relay not just a sideshow in time of COVID-19

Social distancing, mask-wearing and limited crowds that are prohibited from loud cheering will be the order when the relay starts from Fukushima prefecture.

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 games

The torch relay, which starts in two weeks, is yet another hurdle for the postponed Tokyo Games. Any stumble could sow more doubts about the risk of holding the Olympics in a pandemic.

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: Torch relay poignant for Japan tsunami victim's dad

The relay will start 25 March from Fukushima prefecture, the heart of the area that was hit by the disaster.