The Olympic torch relay will soon arrive in Tokyo, host of the delayed 2020 Games, but will have a low-key presence when it goes through most of the Japanese capital.
With the exception of small island areas, the relay from July 9 to July 16 will take place on streets that are closed, amid rising coronavirus cases.
The Olympic flame will have passed through Japan’s 46 prefectures since beginning its journey in March, before arriving in Tokyo ahead of the Games which begin July 23.
Tokyo is in a quasi state of emergency, until at least July 11, after the previous full state of emergency was lifted on June 20.
But since then the city has seen an increase in infections and many people fear the Games could turn out to be a super-spreading event.
Organisers, however, insist the Games can go on safely and fans —- up to 10,000 Japanese residents —- can even attend venues according to current plans, though this could change.(dpa/NAN)
