Osaka leg of Olympic torch relay to be canceled on COVID surge

Japan tightens restrictions in three prefectures to slow infections

20210401N Osaka Dotonburi

People stroll down the usually bustling Dotonbori amusement district of Osaka. The city has been hit by a spike in coronavirus infections. © Reuters

Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- The section of the Tokyo Olympic torch relay through the city of Osaka is set to be canceled over a resurgence in coronavirus infections in Japan's second largest urban center.

"My understanding is that the Osaka leg was scrapped as a result of discussions between the Tokyo Olympics' organizing committee and the city organizers for the relay," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said Thursday.

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