Osaka Governor Ruffles the Olympic Torch Amid Rising Covid‑Hotspots
In a surprise twist that could set the tone for the Games, Osaka’s chief executive, Hirofumi Yoshimura, has called for the cancelled torch relay in the city’s largest metropolis. The move comes as Covid‑19 cases are climbing faster than a sumo wrestler’s frame after a 10‑minute meal.
Key Points
- Osaka’s governor wants the torch relay scrapped for the city.
- He’s ready to chat with the Tokyo organising committee.
- No official decision yet – the Tokyo organisers are still on the fence.
- The relay, starting in Fukushima, will cover 47 prefectures over 121 days.
- 10,000 runners will pass the flame, and the organisers are tightening the dress‑code: masks, distance, no loud cheer.
The Tokyo Organisers’ Take
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, speaking to reporters, implied that Osaka’s cancellation had already been decided. He said, “I understand Osaka has been canceled as a result of talks between Tokyo Olympic organisers and the torch relay committee in Osaka.” However, the organizers emphatically denied any consensus:
“We will continue to hold close discussions with the Osaka prefectural authorities regarding the implementation of the Olympic Torch Relay, and strive to announce the outcome as soon as possible,” the Tokyo organisers wrote in an email.
Why It Matters
Given that the relay is a low‑risk test run of the Games’ health protocols, this decision is more than a logistical shuffle; it’s an early indicator of how the event will handle crowds, safety, and the inevitable “what‑if” scenarios. If the torch discipline is found too risky, it could spark a domino effect on other large‑scale events.
Takeaway
The torch relay is about to get a bit of fluff – literally. With Covid’s tempers rising faster than Tokyo’s karaoke crowd, the stakes are high. Whether the flame will ignite Osaka’s streets remains a cliff‑hanger we’ll all be watching with both fondness and a slightly apprehensive laugh.
Emergency measures
Osaka’s COVID‑19 Surge Sparks Emergency Measures
Osaka is tightening its belt as new COVID‑19 cases climb. The Japanese government rolled out a one‑month emergency package on Thursday, limiting business hours, urging residents to work from home and pulling the plug on a big‑time summit‑busting torch relay.
What’s Happening in Osaka?
- Shorter hours: Stores and offices will shut earlier than usual.
- Remote work: Employees are asked to stay home, keeping crowds sparse.
- Torch relay pause: The relay—planned to swoop through Osaka on April 13‑14—has been postponed and may be cancelled altogether, according to Governor Yoshimura.
Why the Toughening of Rules?
Osaka’s case numbers have seen a recent spike, and authorities are acting fast to keep them from snowballing. The emergency hold‑on is set to last until May 5, a perfect gap before the Olympic games kickoff.
Regional Responses Across Japan
- Nagano: The prefecture banned spectators from all torch relay stops within its bounds, fearing still‑growing infections.
- Vaccination pace: Compared to the U.S. and Europe, Japan’s jab rollout has taken a slower hit, making the situation more precarious for spots in the global sporting arena.
- Public opinion: Young surveys suggest most Japanese people would rather skip the Games altogether rather than tackle the pandemic head‑on.
Olympic & Paralympic Countdown
Despite the setbacks, the Olympic schedule remains on track: the Summer Games run from July 23 to August 8, followed by the Paralympics until September 5.
Organisers have already vetoed international spectators and are now deciding on venue caps. Whether or not the Games go ahead hinges on how well Japan can pull its safety cards without bruising its sporting ambitions.
