Smooth Implementation of Competitions and Torch Relay in Affected Areas

Athletes and spectators from around the world will gather in Japan for the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020, and Japan will receive global attention through overseas media coverage. Using this opportunity, we will continue to raise awareness of the progress of reconstruction and collaborate with the affected areas to realize initiatives so that the Tokyo 2020 Games will serve as a major boost to the reconstruction of the regions affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake as the “Recovery Olympics”.

Affected Areas to Host Competitions

At the Tokyo 2020 Games, we plan to hold some of the following competitions in the disaster-affected areas based on the “Recovery Olympics” philosophy.

The Olympic Torch Relay in the Affected Areas

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay started at the National Training Center J Village in Fukushima Prefecture on Thursday, March 25, 2021.
At the opening performance prior to the start, traditional performing arts from Fukushima Prefecture and hula dance by Hula Girls at Spa Resort Hawaiians were performed.
The first bearers were the members of Nadeshiko Japan, the Japan Women's Soccer Team, who won the 2011 FIFA Women's World Cup.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay in the affected areas will start from March 25 to 27, 2021 in Fukushima Prefecture, June 16 to 18 in Iwate Prefecture, and June 19 to 21 in Miyagi Prefecture. Connect the torch.

The Olympic Torch Relay schedule in the Affected Areas
Fukushima Prefecture March 25-27, 2021 more detail
Iwate Prefecture June 16-18, 2021 more detail
Miyagi Prefecture June 19-21, 2021 more detail

Exhibition of “Flame of Recovery”

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch was lit in Greece on March 12 (Thu.), 2020, and brought to the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Matsushima Base in Higashimatsushima-shi, Miyagi Prefecture, on March 20 (Fri.). (*Further details)

Dates and locations of “Flame of Recovery” exhibition
March 20, 2020 (Friday, public holiday) Ishinomaki Minamihama Tsunami Recovery Memorial Park, Ishinomaki-shi, Miyagi Prefecture
March 21, 2020 (Saturday) Sendai Station East Exit, Sendai-shi, Miyagi Prefecture
March 22, 2020 (Sunday) Onboard the Sanriku Railway and the SL Ginga Steam Locomotive Express (between Miyako, Kamaishi, and Hanamaki stations), Iwate Prefecture
March 23, 2020 (Monday) Kyassen Ofunato retail and entertainment complex, Ofunato-shi, Iwate Prefecture
March 24, 2020 (Tuesday) Fukushima Station East Exit, Fukushima-shi, Fukushima Prefecture
March 25, 2020 (Wednesday) Aquamarine Park, Iwaki-shi, Fukushima Prefecture

Prior to the torch relay, the Olympic torch was exhibited as the “Flame of Recovery” in various locations in Miyagi, Iwate and Fukushima prefectures for people in the disaster-affected areas working hard toward reconstruction.

Projects for Raising Awareness about Affected Areas ~the “Flame of Recovery”~

The Reconstruction Agency is planning initiatives to raise awareness of the reconstruction progress and local attractions such as food and tourism destinations of the Tohoku disaster-affected areas through media outlets that have been invited to the “Flame of Recovery” exhibition and the grand start of the torch relay.

*Initially, these initiatives were to be implemented to coincide with the “Flame of Recovery” exhibition, but they have been postponed to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Details of the rescheduled events are under consideration.

Tokyo 2020 Recovery Monuments

Prior to Tokyo 2020 to be held in the 10th year after the Great East Japan Earthquake, we are supposed to recognize the concept of the “Recovery Olympics” and disseminate information on reconstruction in Japan and overseas by creating and publishing a video which includes messages to convey our gratitude for the reconstruction support and the current status of the reconstruction in the disaster-affected areas, obtained in the process of “Tokyo 2020 Recovery Monuments.”

Tokyo 2020 NIPPON Festival “Rediscover Tohoku— MOCCO’s journey that brings happiness to Tokyo from Tohoku where reconstruction is under way”