At the Tokyo Olympic torch relay, it was found that Masayo Ozeki, who was scheduled to serve as a torchbearer in Kumamoto Prefecture, will decline in consideration of the sumo summer venue to be held in May.
In Kumamoto Prefecture, the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay will be held in 13 cities, towns and villages for two days, May 5th and 6th.
Originally from Uto City, Kumamoto Prefecture, Masayo Ozeki was scheduled to serve as a torchbearer in his hometown of Uto City on the 5th of the first day.
According to the prefecture, on the 24th of last month, the Japan Sumo Association said, "The first day of the sumo wrestling summer place is May 9, and as a measure to prevent infection with the new coronavirus, wrestlers are prohibited from going out for two weeks before the place. I was informed in Uto City that I could not participate in the Holy Fire Relay.
The tourism planning section of the prefecture said, "I think the citizens of the prefecture were looking forward to running Shodai Naoya, who became Ozeki. However, it is an important time in front of the place, so it is unavoidable."