Olympic Torch Relay

BY NINIAN CARTER

March 25, 2021 – July 23, 2021 – After being delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Olympic flame, which has been held in Tokyo for a year, is set to be carried around all 47 of Japan’s prefectures in a lengthy 121-day long Torch Relay.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay will run from March 25-July 23, 2021 – following a 12-month delay caused by the global coronavirus pandemic.

During its travels the torch will visit all 47 prefecture capitals, plus hundreds of towns and villages along the way – giving people from all walks of life a chance to share in the celebration.

The Olympic torch was designed by Tokujin Yoshioka and is inspired by traditional cherry blossoms. Five petal-shaped columns surround the tip of a rose gold aluminium beacon, which produces five separate flames.

Around 30% of the aluminium metal used in the torch’s construction is recycled from emergency prefabricated housing units built in the aftermath of the devastating 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami.