Hope to light the way for Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay

On its journey through Japan, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Torch Relay will promote “Hope Lights Our Way” as its slogan. The concept is designed to bring the Japanese people together around messages of support, acceptance and encouragement of one another, while also reflecting the Olympic flame’s ability to promote peace and hope to the world.

Tokyo 2020 has also announced that, upon its arrival in Japan, the Olympic flame will go on display at various locations in the Tohoku region, bringing its message of hope to the areas worst hit by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

The Olympic Torch Relay will then begin its journey around Japan, taking in all 47 of its prefectures. Along the way it will spend three days in each of the three prefectures that were highly affected by the 2011 disaster: Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi.

It will also enjoy three-day stays in each of the four prefectures hosting multiple competitions during the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 (Chiba, Kanagawa, Saitama and Shizuoka), 15 days in the Tokyo Metropolitan area, and two days in each of the other 39 prefectures of Japan.

Tokyo 2020 will announce the starting point and route of the Olympic Torch Relay at a later stage. The route will be chosen to allow as many people as possible to see the Olympic Torch Relay and will take in landmarks of regional and national importance. It will also showcase the recovery of the areas affected by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami and highlight the indomitable spirit of their inhabitants.

The flame will be carried to Tokyo by many thousands of torchbearers. Guidelines for their selection will be finalised at a later date.