Japan(Tokyo) The 2020 Olympic flame has traveled on public roads in Tokyo for the first time on the seventh day of the torch relay in the capital.
Runners carried the torch on roads on Miyakejima and Kozushima islands and elsewhere in the Izu island chain south of central Tokyo on Thursday.
The relay had been scheduled to kick off on public roads in Tokyo last Friday. But it was replaced by lighting ceremonies in almost all municipalities due to the spread of the coronavirus. A fourth state of emergency is now in place for the capital.
However, the Tokyo metropolitan government and the organizing committee for the Tokyo Games say the virus has largely been contained in Tokyo’s islands.
They also say they have taken thorough anti-infection measures for the event.
The second runner on Kozushima, 39-year-old Matsumura Keita, left the island to go to high school. He returned to Kozushima with his family seven years ago to run a drug store founded by his great-grandfather.
Matsumura waved to people as he ran with the torch. He said earlier that he wants to encourage people amid the pandemic.
He said after the run that he felt tense, but was happy to see acquaintances along the way and contribute to the Games.
The torch relay on public roads was canceled on Oshima Island, as an infection cluster was confirmed there earlier this month.
About the Author
