Fukushima residents welcomed the torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day journey across Japan on Thursday and is headed toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo on 23rd July.<br /><br />More than 100 residents of Naraha town in Fukushima were seen waiting for the flame to run through their town.<br /><br />The relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors.<br /><br />The ceremony was closed to the public because of the fear of spreading COVID-19, but was shown on national television.<br /><br />Fans were told to social-distance along the roadside as the torch passed and they were asked to refrain from loud cheering.<br /><br />The relay is a big test for the upcoming Olympics with fear among the public that the event could spread the virus to rural and more isolated parts of the country.
