On September 12, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced at a press conference during the 9th IOC Project Review in Tokyo that it had agreed with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Hellenic Olympic Committee (HOC) on the schedule for the Olympic Flame lighting ceremony and handover ceremony in Greece.
The Olympic Flame lighting ceremony at Ancient Olympia (Temple of Hera) will take place on March 12, 2020. Following this, the Greek torch relay will run for eight days until the 19th. On the final day, the handover ceremony will be held at the Panathenaic Stadium in Athens.
The flame, handed over to the Organizing Committee, will arrive at the Matsushima Air Base of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force in Miyagi Prefecture on the 20th.
Following this, it will be displayed as the "Flame of Recovery" for two days each in Miyagi, Iwate, and Fukushima Prefectures, the areas affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. The nationwide torch relay will then commence from Fukushima Prefecture on the 26th.
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John Coates, Chairman of the IOC Coordination Commission, stated, "The lighting of the Olympic flame signals to the world that the next Games are approaching and symbolizes the connection between the birthplace of the Olympics and the host nation.
The IOC fully supports displaying the flame in the disaster-affected areas, hoping it will be an opportunity to show the world the progress of recovery and how the Olympics are encouraging children. We also hope the torch relay will help people across Japan feel closer to the Games and their values."
HOC President Spyros Kapralos commented, "Our committee will deliver the flame to as many places as possible so its charm and warmth can illuminate people throughout Greece. We are deeply pleased by the passion the Japanese people hold for the Olympics. That passion will undoubtedly be reflected in the flame's journey."
Tokyo Organizing Committee Chairman Yoshiro Mori commented, "This finalizes the schedule for the Tokyo Olympic Torch Relay. We are currently requesting each prefecture to propose relay routes and select runners. We look forward to the torch's arrival in Japan and will work diligently to prepare for a wonderful torch relay."
