Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay Considered to Proceed Without Spectators...Concerns Over COVID-19 Spread

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hyunwoo Lee] In Japan, due to the spread of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), it has been reported that the torch relay events related to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled to be held next month are also being considered to be held without spectators.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 27th, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games Organizing Committee plans to consider holding the torch relay events without spectators in early next month. Taking into account the COVID-19 infection situation in Japan, it is known that plans will be made so that each local government can respond accordingly. The Tokyo Olympic torch will arrive by air from Greece to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Matsushima Base in Miyagi Prefecture on the 20th of next month, and then the torch relay schedule will begin.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan is expected to attend the torch arrival ceremony and the torch departure ceremony held on the 26th of next month at J-Village, a soccer facility in Fukushima Prefecture. On the previous day, Prime Minister Abe requested the postponement, suspension, or reduction of nationwide sports and cultural events with large gatherings for the next two weeks during a COVID-19 countermeasure meeting. Although the torch-related events will be held after the period of requesting restraint on sports and cultural events, the organizing committee plans to prioritize preventing the spread of the infection.

Starting from Fukushima Prefecture on the 26th of next month, the torch will travel through all 47 regions of Japan and will be lit at the flame cauldron in the National Stadium in Tokyo during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on July 24th.