The torch relay for the upcoming Winter Asian Games got underway Sunday, six days before the eight-day regional version of the Winter Olympics begins in Aomori Prefecture.
Seven Japanese runners started the relay at Hachinohe municipal gymnasium and will carry the torch to Misawa, where the second leg of the relay covering six municipalities will take place Monday.
The torch will then pass through Owani, Iwaki and Ajigasawa before 14-year-old table tennis player Ai Fukuhara carries the torch to the city of Aomori, which will host the opening ceremony next Saturday.