Torch Relay Route Unveiled for Tokyo 2020

(ATR) Organizers for Tokyo 2020 have released uniforms to be worn by 100,000 volunteer runners during the torch relay for the Olympic Games next year. Olympic gold medalist judoka Tadahiro Nomura unveiled the runners uniform designed by Daisuke Obana.

The uniforms are produced partly with recycled plastic bottles, and the design incorporates a red sash similar to relay events in Ekiden, Japan. "The torch bearer uniform is eco-friendly. Coca Cola collected plastic bottles in their company and recycled them to use them in the uniform material" said Nomura.

The torch will make its way through all 47 of Japan’s prefectures from Hokkaido in the north to the southern island of Okinawa.

The majority of Japanese will have the opportunity to view the torch, with 98 percent of the population residing an hour from the route.

The relay will run for 121 days, beginning on March 16 at the J-Village in Fukushima. Japan’s training center is the symbol of resilience during the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that killed 16,000 people.

Organizers have emphasized Tokyo 2020 as the ‘reconstruction Olympics’ with this being reflected based on choice of route passing through Okuma and past Kumamoto Castle which suffered earthquake damage in 2016.

"It is not just about places where people can come or around landmarks, but the torch will also visit areas affected by the Great Japan Earthquake and Kumamoto Castle, recovering from the Kumamoto earthquake," said Miho Takeda, a Tokyo 2020 committee member and five-time Olympic medalist in synchronized swimming.

The torch will also make stops at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Mount Fuji before arriving at the National Stadium July 24 for the opening ceremony for Tokyo 2020.

Written by Greer Wilson.

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