The Tokyo 2020 Olympics are finally approaching, and the Olympic Torch Relay will be coming to Nishinomiya as well.
According to the current schedule, the torch relay will come to Nishinomiya City next year on Monday, May 25. The starting point is “Koshien Station Front Plaza,” and the finish point is “Hama-Koshien Sports Park East Parking Lot.” It looks like the route will go around the outside of Koshien, then head toward Hama-Koshien.
Since this is such a special opportunity, we’d love to witness a piece of history ourselves.
What will the day look like when the torch relay comes to Nishinomiya?
How the Torch Relay Works
We’d like to introduce the official website’s “Let’s Take Part in the Torch Relay!” content, applied to Nishinomiya.
First, Check the Torch Relay Route!
As mentioned above, the route in Nishinomiya City starts at Koshien Station Front Plaza, runs around the outside of Koshien Stadium, heads south along Koshien-suji, and continues toward Hama-Koshien Sports Park East Parking Lot.
Here it is↓
Cheering from along the roadside is of course encouraged, so it’s a good idea to think in advance about where you’d like to watch from.
Post Photos on Social Media and Help Build Excitement for the Torch Relay!
Post on social media such as Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag “#みんなの聖火リレー”.
Apparently, there’s also a campaign where people who post great photos can receive original goods.
Since it’s this location, you’ll definitely want to get Koshien Stadium in the background!
The Torch Arrives! …But There’s Plenty to Enjoy Before That Too!
Before the torchbearers arrive, escort vehicles will come through first, with cheering goods handed out and performances taking place.
We don’t yet know around what time the torch relay will take place, but it seems like heading there as early as possible will let you enjoy more of the event.
For more details, please see the official website below↓
Tokyo 2020 Olympic Official Website
Who Will Run?
Some of the torchbearers running in Hyogo Prefecture have been announced: 41 people so far.
Among them, people connected to Nishinomiya include rakugo performer Shofukutei Tsurube and former professional tennis player Naoko Sawamatsu, but it’s not yet known whether they will run in Nishinomiya.
In the end, 180 torchbearers will run across Hyogo Prefecture as a whole, so we’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available.
By the way, Hyogo Prefecture apparently had the highest application倍率 in the country for the public recruitment.
Let’s get Nishinomiya excited as we head toward the Olympics.
