Japan PM hails start of Olympic torch relay

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga welcomed the start of the torch relay for Tokyo 2020 Olympics on Thursday as a "great opportunity" for residents to "feel" that the event was "around the corner."

The torch relay for the postponed event began its 121-day journey across Japan earlier in the day and is headed toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23.

Suga said he hoped that momentum for the event "rises in all regions."

The relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors.

The ceremony was closed to the public because of the fear of spreading COVID-19, but was shown on national television.

Fans were told to social-distance along the roadside as the torch passed and they were asked to refrain from loud cheering.

Local organisers and the International Olympic Committee hope the relay will turn public opinion in Japan in favour of the Olympics.

Sentiments expressed in polls in Japan so far are overwhelmingly negative with about 80% suggesting another delay or cancellation.

(Image credit: AP)