The Tokyo Olympic torch relay began on the 17th in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection in Hiroshima Prefecture, relays were not held on public roads, and an ignition ceremony was held at Peace Park in Hiroshima City.
In Hiroshima Prefecture, about 170 runners were scheduled to connect 12 cities and towns in two days, but due to the spread of the new coronavirus infection, implementation on public roads was canceled.
On the 17th, an ignition ceremony was held at the Peace Park in Hiroshima City from noon, and a runner performed a "torch kiss" in front of the atomic bomb memorial to transfer the torch to the next runner.
The ceremony began with Takayuki Sakai (74), the younger brother of the late Yoshinori Sakai from Miyoshi City, who was the final runner of the torch relay at the last Tokyo Olympics, and was a professional baseball player from Hiroshima City who was the final runner. About 80 people, including Takahiro Arai, who played an active part in the event, connected the torch.
Mr. Sakai said, "Although the format of the torch relay has changed, my thoughts on world peace and disaster recovery have not changed. I was happy to have it done."
Mr. Arai said, "Hiroshima as a symbol of peace, I ran with a lot of gratitude. I want to support the athletes who represent Japan at the Olympics desperately doing their best." Was there.
On the second day, the 18th, there will be no relay on public roads, and an ignition ceremony will be held at Fukuyama City General Park.