Tokyo Olympics: 121-Day Torch Relay Begins Across Japan, Opening Ceremony On July 23

Torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day journey across Japan on March 25 & is headed toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23. Relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami & the meltdown of three nuclear reactors. About 18,000 died in the tragedy. First runner with the torch was Azusa Iwashimizu, a key player in the Japan team that won the Women’s World Cup in 2011.  Ceremony was closed to the public because of the fear of spreading Covid-19 but was streamed live. Homare Sawa, the biggest star on the 2011 team, missed the ceremony. Local organisers & the International Olympic Committee hope the relay will turn public opinion in Japan in favour of the Olympics. Relay & the Olympics both stir fear that the events could spread the virus to rural & more isolated parts of the country. Watch the video to know more.