By Stephen Wade, AP — Thursday 25 March 2021
The torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day journey across Japan, starting in Fukushima prefecture — the area devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear meltdown. The first runner was Azusa Iwashimizu, a key player in the Japan women’s team that won the 2011 Women’s World Cup. The relay is headed toward the opening ceremony on 23 July. Overseas spectators have been banned from the Games, organizers have said. About 9,000 COVID-19 deaths have been recorded in Japan, and vaccinations have not yet been rolled out to the general public. About 80% of Japanese surveyed suggested another delay or cancellation of the Games.