Torch Runner December 17th 18:30
The details of next year's Tokyo Olympic torch relay were announced. Those who have been chosen as runners connect the torch with their thoughts in their hearts.
A man who lost his family due to the earthquake
Mr. Takayuki Ueno, Minamisoma City, Fukushima Prefecture has been hired as a torch runner running in Fukushima Prefecture and received an email notification last week.
Ueno lost four family members, the parents and the eldest daughter, Kana Nagasaki (8 years old) and the eldest son, Taro Taro (3 years old), in the tsunami caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
It was reported to the deceased family that he had decided to be a torchbearer. “More than eight years have passed since the earthquake. If two children were alive, their daughter was a high school student and their son was an elementary school student. I think the whole family will support you, and I want to run with “smiles” and show a healthy appearance. ”
In Fukushima Prefecture, more than 30 people died in October due to the typhoon and heavy rain. “I felt deeply distressed by the experience of the earthquake that lost many lives. The Torch Relay starts in Fukushima Prefecture, so I want it to be a chance to reaffirm the importance of protecting lives. "
Small 6 boys “I want to show my heavenly father”
Kentaro Kanai, a sixth grader in Maebashi City, who was selected as a torch runner, (12) passed away from his father, Makoto (42 years old), and died in a job accident.
Kentaro is an active captain on the soccer team that his father directed.
Kentaro applied for a runner who wanted to run with his father in his heart because he was talking with his father, "Let's go to see the Tokyo Olympics football together."
Kentaro says, “I wanted to show my running to my dad in heaven. I was happy because I didn't think I was chosen. I want to run while having fun because I think it ’s just once in a lifetime.” It was.
Hiroshima A-bombed man "Runs wishing to continue a peaceful world"
Fumiaki Saiya (80) from Asanan-ku, Hiroshima, who was hired as a torch runner in Hiroshima Prefecture, was exposed at a distance of 1.8 km from the hypocenter when he was six years old.
Worked as a teacher for a long time at an elementary school in Hiroshima City, and now serves as the secretary-general of the association that tells the testimony of A-bomb survivors.
As for the decision to be a torch runner, Ms. Saiya said, “Speaking of running, I remember running away by myself after the atomic bomb was dropped. But 75 years later, I was in peace. I ’m really happy to be able to run with joy, ”he said.
On that basis, “When you run, you will remember the people who died after being bombed at that time, so I think the feeling of comfort comes first. And what I want to tell you is that peace is important, peace I want to run with the hope that the present peaceful world will continue. "
A junior high school student in an area affected by heavy rain "I want to run with gratitude"
Two junior high school students who belonged to the track and field club were decided to be torchbearers from Saka-cho, Hiroshima Prefecture, which suffered great damage, including 19 deaths, including related deaths, due to heavy rain in West Japan last year.
Yuta Yamashita (13), a first-year student who completely destroyed his home during a heavy rain, said, “In the heavy rain in West Japan, my home window was cracked and water and mud were scared. I want to tell people other than Sakamachi that the affected areas are being revived by running, and I have to work hard for Sakamachi as well. I want to help people think I shouldn't. "
Also, Moka Osaki (14), a second grader, said, “Last year's heavy rain disaster lasted a dark and sad period, but now I can see how I can run well. Practice after running after a disaster. I would like to express my gratitude to the people in the Sakamachi area for letting me go, "he said.
Even at the passage of the torch
In addition, we expect various places where the torch relay will take place.
Shuri Castle burned by fire
People who lived nearby said that the starting point of the torch relay in Okinawa Prefecture was Shuri Castle in Naha City, where the fire broke out.
A man in his 30s said, “The fire has depressed the whole area unlike the previous atmosphere, so it would be nice to have a foothold for the torch relay to rise again.”
A woman in her 80s said, “Shuri Castle is a pride of the region, and since I was born and raised here, I ’m really happy that the start of the Torch Relay became Shuri Castle.”
Pleasure boat damaged by typhoon Tochigi
In Tochigi City, Tochigi Prefecture, which was severely damaged by the heavy rain of Typhoon No.19, a large amount of earth and sand accumulated on the riverbed, and the torch was to be carried on a sightseeing tour boat on the Tonami River that was temporarily out of service.
Mr. Yuzo Sato, the boatman, said, “I am very happy to have been selected for the Torch Relay Course. I was only an elementary school student watching the previous Tokyo Olympics, but this time I will be involved in the Torch Relay. I was much more excited. ”
On top of that, he said, “I couldn't operate for about two months due to the heavy rain disaster of Typhoon No.19, but I would like to show you a rejuvenated excursion boat at the time of the Torch Relay.”
In addition, a 49-year-old man who runs a Japanese confectionery shop nearby said, “I'm glad that the symbol of the city has been chosen for the Torch Relay course.
Hansen's disease sanatorium Tokyo Higashimurayama
The Torch Relay will tour the Hansen's disease sanatorium “Tama Zenseien” in Higashimurayama, Tokyo on July 14 next year.
“Tama Zenshoen” is one of 13 national leprosy sanatoriums nationwide, and 149 people, including former patients, are currently living with treatment for sequelae.
After entering the main gate, the torch relay will run about 700 meters in the site, and a ceremony will be held to celebrate the arrival of the torch in the open space.
According to those involved, residents are also considering running as runners.
“I hope that the Torch Relay will spread the correct knowledge about leprosy and restore the honor of patients.”
I would like to work with the residents to make preparations, such as the fire of trees. "
Monument of Kokichi Tsuburaya Fukushima Sukagawa
Sukagawa City, Fukushima Prefecture, was the home of Mr. Kokichi Tsuburaya who won the bronze medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Men's Marathon.
Tsuburaya-san's brother Kikuzo said, “It ’s the best to go in front of a monument with a picture of Kokichi. I think Kokichi will laugh at me.” .
Mr. Tsuburaya's classmate in his 70s said, “I'm glad. Mr. Tsuburaya still misses and remembers. I ca n’t wait for the torch relay.”
A woman in her fifties living near the roadside said, “I am thrilled and happy. The relay route is always a walking path. I want to come to support my children.”