The Tokyo Olympic torch relay is touring the world heritage site, Nikko Toshogu, on the 29th, the second day in Tochigi prefecture, while infection control measures are being taken in various places.
The torch relay in Tochigi Prefecture will depart with the torch of Takuro Masuko, a comedian from Tochigi Prefecture, after the departure ceremony was held in Nasu Town on the 29th of the second day. did.
The Organizing Committee has a policy of cramming a lot of spectators along the road on the 28th and taking thorough measures against infections, saying that some of them are crowded. Was distributed, and the visitors shook the fan to support the runners.
After that, in Mibu-cho, I ran in front of the university hospital where a female trainee who was hurriedly selected as a runner was working instead of the decliner.
A hospital-related woman who watched along the road said, "I would like to continue to do my best as a regional hospital so that the Olympic Games can be held safely."
In Nikko City, runners ran in the precincts of Nikko Toshogu, which is registered as a World Heritage Site, and the torch was handed over in front of the national treasure, Yomei Gate.
If all goes well after this, the torch relay will reach the goal at the Tochigi Prefectural Office in Utsunomiya City around 8 pm, and all the dates in the prefecture will be completed.
Resident selected as a runner in a hurry
Haruka Watanabe (29), who ran in Mibu Town, Tochigi Prefecture, is a trainee working at the emergency life center of Dokkyo Medical University Hospital in the town.
I wasn't selected when I applied for the torchbearer last year, but I was hurriedly selected as a substitute runner because some runners who were planning to run in the prefecture declined in February.
In the medical field where Mr. Watanabe works, it is said that the spread of infection with the new coronavirus is affecting normal medical care, but Mr. Watanabe often succeeds in the torch relay and competitions in difficult situations. I think it will be the hope of others.
On the 29th, Mr. Watanabe ran on the route in front of the university hospital, waving his hand with a smile while the hospital staff cheered.
A woman who watched along the road said, "I am very proud to have run as a representative of the hospital. I felt like trying my best as a local hospital so that the Olympics could be held safely."
Mr. Watanabe, who finished running, said, "There are many people in the area along the road, and everyone seemed to have fun watching the torch, so I think it was one of my hopes. I will continue to do my best as a doctor without forgetting my gratitude. I want to go. "