Past important news
***Zenkoji Temple, Nagano's city symbol, refused torch relay on 18th, The city officials accepted its decision and the relay route will be modified. 80 torchbearers (celebrities, athletes and regular citizens) covering a total of 18.5 kilometers are upset about the unexpected change.
'To be honest, I'm concerned about interruption. But as JOC commissioned me, I would try my best. I hope there will be no interruption.' said torchbearer Sahori Yoshida (25), gold medalist in wrestling at Athens Olympic.
Mizuno, a sponsor of Shingo Suetugu(27), a track-and-field athlete, commented that he had not changed his mind (to run in the torch relay).
Meanwhile, a sponsor office of some celebrity torch runner anonymously expressed a disappointment. 'It's not sure if he(she) will still participate. We should face to the social condition' said the office nervously. Coca- Cola cancelled plans to sponsor a float in torch relay. Coca-Cola Japan has picked out authorized NPO Special Olympics honorary chairperson Kayoko Hosokawa as a torch runner. 'Commenting at this point is unnecessary' said Coca-Cola Japan.
Even some civil runners refused an interview in this situation. 'Zenkoji Temple is symbol of Nagano. I am very disappointed (that the temple refused the torch relay), but I accept its decision. The relay will be strictly guarded, so I would be OK. ' said civil runner Jyunich Takahashi (37), office worker in Nagano City.
Yuko Arimori (41), medalist at both Barcelona and Atlanta Olympics, received an interview as a torch runner. 'I understand that Zenkoji Temple protested over Tibet. The temple has a right to make its own decision and I don't have to interfere in it'. she said ' Tibet issue may be tough to torch runners and athletes. But if the torch relay is contributing to grab the attention to Tibet and giving the chance to call for peace, this is great. I want to run for the world peace. Those chinese guard (in blue track suits) are not necessary. Olympic does not belong only to the host (China), but Olympic is peaceful festivities belonging to everyone. If China thinks the Olympic belongs only to China, it's wrong' (Partly abbreviated)
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20080418-00000981-san-soci
***[Nagano Olympic Torch] Will it be possible to glance at Olympic Flame? 80 riot policemen are to escort the torch.
Japanese security authorities has established the line to beef up the riot policemen to escort the torch up to 80 to make 30-meter-long 'Human Security Barrier' for the Beijing Olympics torch relay on April 26th in Nagano.
The torch will be obscured by people along the route. 'Providing the extra security can't be helped' said the security authorities.
Zenkoji Temple has withdrawn from plans to host the opening stage of the torch relay. The city of Nagano narrowed down the area for alternative starting point to the old public facility site locating on the west by the approach of Zenkoji Temple. The modification of the starting point will be soon announced officially.
About 20 policemen will be deployed on both side of the torch runner, from who the barrier extends about 30 meters. The decision to increase security was made after the protests over Tibet has attempted to disrupt the torch relay in other countries.
City of Nagano Executive Committee accepted the 2 Chinese guard torch team inside of the above-mentioned Human Security Barrier.
Nagano Prefectural Police has sought assistance from neighboring prefectural police headquarters. About 3100 members will be deployed to provide a heavy security(2300 members from Nagano Prefectural Police + 800 assisting members).
Out of 4 alternative starting points of the torch relay, the city of Nagano narrowed down to the old working people's welfare center site. The site is a vacant lot along Prefectural road and a setting for opening ceremony will be easily done. Moreover, by only filling the 3 legs(about 550 meters) that Zenkoji Temple has withdrawn, no more change needs to be made from the original plan.
http://headlines.yahoo.co.jp/hl?a=20080419-00000005-yom-spo
***A blue sacred fire guard member is not welcomed.
The guard member of the blue jersey appearance to do Namisou to the torch relay runner of the Beijing Olympics in British London etc. is told and the relay of the Nagano city the 26th is told the visit to Japan.
Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission was an interview after the Cabinet Council on the 11th, and it was said, "What position it was is not understood well".
"The guard to do a smooth relay of the torch is roles of us who consists of Nagano prefectural police. I do not welcome the idea named Japan in other countries because I ran either. "It spoke.
最終更新：2008年05月14日 05:31
