For many Japanese celebrities, the risks of taking part in the Tokyo Olympic torch relay appear to be outweighing the benefits, with many pouring cold water on the traditional pre-Olympics celebration.
Many have politely declined, citing scheduling conflicts, while others have said they want to avoid crowds, but it may just be that the Tokyo Olympics' brand has been irreparably tainted by sexism and budget scandals as well as its possible coronavirus downsides.
Japanese comedian Atsushi Tamura withdrew last month after then-organizing committee president Yoshiro Mori suggested the games be held regardless of the pandemic and that celebrities should run through rice paddies to avoid spectators — gaffes that came even before he was forced to resign amid a storm of criticism over his sexist remarks.