Torch Relay
IWAKI, JAPAN - MARCH 25: The Olympic flame is preserved in the lantern during the 'Flame of Recovery' special exhibition at Aquamarine Park in Iwaki, Fukushima, Japan.
Clive Rose/Getty Images
The Olympic Torch Relay for Tokyo 2020 began with the kindling of the Olympic flame by the rays of the sun in Olympia, Greece, on 12 March, before it was transported by a special “Tokyo 2020 Go” jet to Miyagi Prefecture, Japan. A Torch Relay will be conducted before the Opening Ceremony, starting 21 March 2021.
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay concept
*The schedule and dates in the footage are based on the original schedule of the Olympic Torch Relay prior to its postponement. Following the postponement, the scheduled dates will be one day earlier than those in the previous schedule (the days of the week will match the previous schedule).
The concept for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay across Japan will be "Hope Lights Our Way", uniting the Japanese people around messages about supporting, accepting and encouraging one another.
The Olympic flame is often associated with a message of peace and hope, as it is carried around the host nation, and as such has become one of the most powerful symbols of the Olympic Movement. In 2020, the Olympic flame will not only symbolise the sunrise of a new era spreading the hope that will light our way, but will also serve to spread the joy and passion of the Japanese around the Olympic Movement as the Games approach.
Upon its arrival in Japan, the Olympic flame will initially be put on display at various locations in the Tohoku region, to help underscore this message of hope in the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
A route that enables people all over Japan to see the Torch Relay
- The Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay, which will be held across all 47 prefectures of Japan, will start its journey on 25 March 2021 from the J-Village National Training Center in Fukushima Prefecture. The Olympic flame will serve as a symbol of the Olympic Games and will traverse the length and breadth of Japan for a period of 121 days.
- The Torch Relay will cover some 98% of the population of Japan
Along with the relays being held in the various local municipalities, some 98% of the population of Japan will be within an hour's journey by vehicle or train from the Torch Relay. The route has been designed to ensure large numbers of people across Japan can line the route, cheer on the torchbearers and create a festival-like atmosphere.
Featured Torchbearers
In the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay, torchbearers selected from 47 prefectures in Japan, who come from a variety of backgrounds and play different roles in society, will carry the torch, enjoying the invaluable experience in their own way.
We feature the torchbearers - the leading players of the Torch Relay - to learn what they expect from this exciting experience.
A Torch Relay designed to showcase Japan’s charming destinations
The Torch Relay will be held in areas that pass by World Heritage Sites, famous locations, historic remains and sites that are the favourites of the local population — all locations that lend themselves to outstanding domestic and international promotional opportunities, as the charm of each destination is showcased during the 121-day Torch Relay journey.
See the Route of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay
Japan's 47 Prefectures - JNTO website
Japan's prefectures and regions: See a map and list of Japan's 47 prefectures and eight geographical regions with major towns and cities in each prefecture. ＊This page does not match the Torch Relay's routes
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay brand design
We are pleased to introduce the torch and emblem to be used for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay.
Tokyo 2020 Ambassadors
In order to get people in Japan more excited about the Torch Relay, Olympian Tadahiro Nomura, Paralympian Aki Taguchi, actress Satomi Ishihara and comedic duo Sandwichman have been appointed as Official Ambassadors of the Tokyo 2020 Torch Relay.
