Shimane Governor Torch Relay Conditionally Apply to Organizing Committee

Governor Maruyama of Shimane Prefecture decided to allow the implementation of the Tokyo Olympic torch relay in the prefecture, which was being considered for cancellation, on the condition that the scale will be reduced, such as the participation of the tournament sponsor's vehicle, and the tournament organization on the 6th. I applied to the committee.

Regarding the torch relay that will start in Shimane Prefecture on the 15th of next month, Governor Maruyama told the government in February that he would have to cancel it unless the government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government could suppress the spread of the infection, and told the government to take measures against the new coronavirus. We have requested the strengthening of the government and support for restaurants.

Under these circumstances, Governor Maruyama visited the Games Organizing Committee in Tokyo on the evening of the 6th and made an offer, and the torch relay in the prefecture on the condition that the scale will be reduced, such as the participation of the event sponsor's vehicle with many staff. I conveyed the idea of ​​accepting the implementation.

According to the offer, the reason for accepting the relay is that "a complete refusal to implement the torch relay may have a negative impact on the implementation of national support for restaurants in the prefecture."

On the other hand, as for the reason for making it conditional, he said, "It is not possible to get the understanding of the citizens of the prefecture to carry out the torch relay, which is mainly promoted by sponsors rather than the torchbearer." It is expected that the details will be discussed between them.

Governor Shimane Maruyama holds a press conference

Governor Maruyama, who finished his application to the Games Organizing Committee, held a press conference in Tokyo from 6:30 pm.

Among them, Governor Maruyama responded that he would like to discuss the improvement items submitted to the Games Organizing Committee in the future with the sponsor companies. The choice to cancel the torch relay from now on is a food and beverage related business in the prefecture. It does not have a positive effect on people and it does not have a positive effect on the citizens of the prefecture. "