The start of the Tokyo Olympic torch relay on Thursday in Fukushima Prefecture drew mixed reactions from local residents, with some saying the games will offer hope at a time when people around the world have been struggling with difficulties posed by the coronavirus pandemic.
But others said they were concerned about Japan hosting the Summer Games amid the global health crisis or felt discomfort that they have been dubbed the "Reconstruction Olympics," when people in the region are still grappling with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster 10 years ago.
"Being able to see the Summer Olympics staged in Japan is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. We have been living with this unknown virus over the past year, so the Olympics have been something we've looked forward to," said Shoko Watanabe, a torchbearer in the town of Namie.