Tokyo Paralympics Opening D-7... Torch Relay Begins

[Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The torch relay for the Tokyo Paralympics, which will be held from the 24th of this month to the 5th of next month, began on the 17th in Shizuoka Prefecture, Japan.

According to Kyodo News, the Paralympic torch relay will take place over a week from the 17th until the opening ceremony on the 24th, sequentially passing through Shizuoka Prefecture, Chiba Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, and Tokyo Metropolis, where the venues are located.

Due to the spread of COVID-19 within Japan, the traditional torchbearer running on the road will only occur on certain sections in Shizuoka Prefecture.

Instead, the relay events will be held by passing the torch within local event venues or stadiums.

As the first event of the Paralympic torch relay, a "collection ceremony" gathering flames lit in 35 basic local governments within Shizuoka Prefecture was held without spectators at the observation facility called "Nihondaira Yume Terrace" in Shizuoka City on the morning of the day.

The Tokyo Harumi Athlete Village, where athletes participating in the Paralympics will stay, also opened on this day.

For Paralympic athletes and officials, the "bubble system" quarantine measures, which cut off contact with the outside world as was done during the Tokyo Olympics (July 23 to August 8), will be applied.

All Paralympic events held until the 5th of next month will be conducted without general spectators, allowing only limited admission for students.

The areas where the Paralympic events take place will be subject to the COVID-19 state of emergency declared by the Japanese government throughout the duration of the games.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.