Spectators Barred from Olympic Torch Ceremonies in Japan
The Olympic torch arrived in Japan in Nagano, the site of the 1998 Winter Olympics. As is becoming customary, it was greeted by protesters. Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura called for calm: “I hope this torch relay will take place peacefully in an atmosphere where everyone can celebrate,” he told a news conference.
Sadly, spectators will not be allowed into the opening and closing ceremonies on Saturday in Nagano. While in the country, the torch will be guarded by up to 4,000 police. So far, about 2,000 Chinese students from across Japan planned to travel to Nagano, carrying Chinese and Japanese flags and wearing matching T-shirts to show support for the relay.
Here’s a news report:
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POSTED IN: Beijing 2008, Olympic Torch
2 opinions for Spectators Barred from Olympic Torch Ceremonies in Japan
Beijing Olympics
Apr 25, 2008 at 9:58 pm
So much for the games being for the people.
Jeanne
Apr 28, 2008 at 1:49 am
I know. It’s pretty sad to me that this is happening. I feel really sorry for the athletes even though I sympathize with Tibet.
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