Despite Tokyo's assurances that it will not pose a threat to people or the environment, the decision has been criticized by the local fishing community, environmental groups and Japan's neighbors.
The torch relay shows the organizers' determination to proceed with the Games, despite public skepticism. It is set to crisscross the country and arrive at the opening ceremony in Tokyo on July 23.
Tokyo organizers on Saturday announced that foreign spectators will be barred from attending this year's Olympic and Paralympic Games due to concerns over COVID-19.
Advocates hope the decision will set a precedent for marriage equality lawsuits now pending across the country, and help pave the way for same-sex marriage in Japan — the only G-7 nation without it.
The first Cabinet-level trip abroad of the Biden administration is squarely focused on the challenge presented by China to U.S. primacy. Blinken will also meet with his Chinese counterpart in Alaska.
The president was joined virtually by the leaders of Japan, India and Australia, in his first multilateral leaders' meeting. They launched a plan to boost vaccine production and distribution in Asia.
The father and son arrived in Tokyo after fighting extradition. They're accused of helping former Nissan Motors Chairman Carlos Ghosn flee Japan as he awaited trial.
The Tokyo Organizing Committee are urging spectators to only clap, not cheer, when the Olympic torchbearers make their way through Japan starting March 25.
The Tokyo Olympic committee head plans to resign Friday amid a firestorm of criticism about his comments disparaging women's participation in organizing the Tokyo Games, say Japanese outlets.
Despite the efforts of Japanese and Olympic officials to quash the debate, pressure on the Games' organizing chief is mounting over his recent comments that women talk too much in board meetings.
Yoshiro Mori, Japan's former prime minister and head of the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee, said on Wednesday that women who talk too much should have their speaking time at meetings restricted.
Japan is extending the state of emergency for one more month. The move comes despite a mounting toll on the economy and the threat of bumping up against the country's Summer Olympics preparations.