Fukushima residents welcomed the torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics began its 121-day journey across Japan on Thursday and is headed toward the opening ceremony in Tokyo on 23rd July.

More than 100 residents of Naraha town in Fukushima were seen waiting for the flame to run through their town.

The relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors.

The ceremony was closed to the public because of the fear of spreading COVID-19, but was shown on national television.

Fans were told to social-distance along the roadside as the torch passed and they were asked to refrain from loud cheering.

The relay is a big test for the upcoming Olympics with fear among the public that the event could spread the virus to rural and more isolated parts of the country.