One year late, Tokyo Olympics torch relay to get up and running

FUKUSHIMA: The Tokyo Olympics torch relay sets off from disaster-hit Fukushima Thursday, a year later than originally planned and with organisers hoping it will sweep away persistent doubts about the pandemic-postponed Games.

The nationwide relay, like the Olympics themselves, will be vastly different from previous editions, with spectators banned from cheering and kept away from the launch ceremony and first leg over coronavirus concerns.

Fans will be able to line the route and clap as the flame traverses the country, borne by 10,000 runners and passing through all 47 prefectures before arriving at Tokyo’s National Stadium for the July 23 opening ceremony.

But parts of the relay could be suspended if too many spectators…