Thursday, 19 Sep 2024

Tokyo Olympic Games Torch Relay

With the much-anticipated delay of the Tokyo Olympics and the uncertainty surrounding its eventual start, the commencement of the Olympic torch relay in March 2021 brought a sense of relief and excitement. This relay serves as the prelude to the much-awaited XXXII Olympiad in July 2021.

The 2020 Tokyo Torch

The torch for the Tokyo Olympic Games showcases a remarkable design by Tokujin Yoshioka. Drawing inspiration from the elegance of cherry blossoms, the torch features five petal-shaped columns adorning its tip, with a captivating rose-gold “sakura gold” color finish. Furthermore, the torch construction incorporates 30 percent recycled aluminum from the prefabricated housing units utilized in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

The Lighting Ceremony

On 12 March 2020, the traditional torch lighting ceremony took place in Olympia, Greece. This historic event, unfortunately, occurred without spectators for the first time since 1984. The torch was then passed on to the first torchbearer, Anna Korakaki, who made history as the first female to carry the torch.

Originally, the torch was scheduled to visit 31 cities and 15 landmarks across Greece, but due to the unprecedented circumstances brought about by the coronavirus pandemic, the Greek leg of the relay was regrettably canceled.

Torch Route

Initially slated to begin on 25 March 2020, the Japanese leg of the torch relay faced a temporary suspension, merely a day before its intended start. The torch was subsequently transported to Tokyo, where it was put on exhibition until the relay resumed almost exactly a year later.

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The torch relay embarked from Fukushima and continued through Iwate and Miyagi, which were amongst the prefectures most severely affected by the devastating earthquake and tsunami in 2011. The journey then proceeded to encompass every corner of Japan. Despite the ongoing impact of the coronavirus, which led to the cancellation of the Olympic Torch Relay leg in Osaka due to newly imposed restrictions, the torch will persevere on its 120-day expedition, spanning an impressive 859 locations. The relay will culminate in the grand lighting of the cauldron at the New National Stadium in Tokyo on 23 July 2021.

FAQs

  • What inspired the design of the Tokyo torch?
    The torch’s design draws inspiration from the grace and beauty of cherry blossoms, incorporating five petal-shaped columns at its tip and a captivating rose-gold finish. Additionally, the torch’s construction includes recycled aluminum from housing units utilized after the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011.

  • When and where was the torch lighting ceremony held?
    The traditional torch lighting ceremony took place on 12 March 2020 in Olympia, Greece. Regrettably, it occurred without spectators for the first time since 1984.

  • What impact did the coronavirus have on the torch relay?
    The coronavirus pandemic had a significant impact on the torch relay, resulting in the cancellation of the Greek leg of the relay and the temporary suspension of the Japanese leg. Furthermore, the relay in Osaka was canceled due to new restrictions implemented by the government to control the rising number of coronavirus cases.

  • When does the torch relay conclude?
    The torch relay will conclude with the lighting of the cauldron at the New National Stadium in Tokyo on 23 July 2021, marking the commencement of the highly anticipated Tokyo Olympic Games.

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The Tokyo Olympic Games Torch Relay showcases the determination and resilience of a nation eagerly anticipating the long-awaited Olympic Games. From its striking design to its symbolic journey through Japan, the torch relay serves as an embodiment of hope, unity, and the indomitable spirit of the athletes and host country alike. As the torch makes its way across the country, it ignites excitement and anticipation among the Japanese people, signaling the imminent arrival of an extraordinary sporting event.

For more information about the Tokyo Olympic Games Torch Relay, visit Auralpressure.