Japanese sports fans are defying government calls to watch Tokyo 2020 Games at home by lining the streets to cheer on the athletes and posing with Olympic symbols.
Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts came out to watch the Men’s and Women’s Road Race event around the Japanese capital – creating the first crowd atmosphere of the competition by banging on barriers and whooping with encouragement.
Scores of others surrounded the iconic Olympic Torch stand at Tokyo waterfront throughout the weekend in defiance of government guidance not to gather in groups because of the Games.
The torch – the ultimate Olympic symbol – was moved to the picturesque harbour from the Japanese National Stadium following the Opening Ceremony.
Security guards have had to be called in to stop crowds building up around the stand and urge well-wishers to ‘keep moving’.
However sports fans appear to refuse to be put off, as residents of the Olympic city finally get behind the controversial Games.
Japanese sports fans are defying government calls to watch Tokyo 2020 Games at home by lining the streets to cheer on the athletes and posing with Olympic symbols. Pictured: Fans watch the Men’s road race at the Fuji International Speedway on Saturday
Hundreds of cycling enthusiasts came out to watch the Men’s and Women’s Road Race event around the Japanese capital. Pictured: Fans at the Women’s Road Race as it leaves Musashinonomori Park in Tokyo on Sunday
Fans created the first crowd atmosphere of the competition by banging on barriers and whooping with encouragement. Pictured: Fans at the Men’s cycling road race in Oyama, Japan on Saturday
Pictured: Fans line up to cheer on athletes and snap photos during the Women’s Road Race in Tokyo on Sunday
Pictured: Fans at the Women’s Road Race as it leaves Musashinonomori Park in Tokyo on Sunday
University lecturer Seki, told MailOnline: ‘Naturally I came here to see the sacred flame.
‘It’s a good place to take pictures for family members.
‘It’s natural that the authorities should express concerns, but I think that if people follow the on-site guidance and take appropriate measures, then it’s okay to come here.
‘Personally, I think it would have been a much better idea to delay the Olympics until next year when people could enjoy the event more freely, but the government had different ideas.’
Teacher Tsukano, 24, said: ‘I was at a nearby place today, so I came here to see it.
‘The safety measures that they are taking seem sufficient to me.
‘I’ve wanted to see some matches that have athletes from my university, so I think the Olympics should be held.’
Scores of people surrounded the iconic Olympic Torch stand at Tokyo waterfront throughout the weekend in defiance of government guidance not to gather in groups because of the Games. Pictured: People take photos of the Olympic Torch as a security guard stands by urging physical distancing
University lecturer Seki (pictured) went to see the Olympic Torch. He said: ‘It’s natural that the authorities should express concerns, but I think that if people follow the on-site guidance and take appropriate measures, then it’s okay to come here’
The torch – the ultimate Olympic symbol – was moved to the picturesque harbour from the Japanese National Stadium following the Opening Ceremony. Pictured: A family visit the Olympic Torch
Security guards have had to be called in to stop crowds building up around the stand and urge well-wishers to ‘keep moving’
‘The safety measures that they are taking seem sufficient to me’: Teacher Tsukano (pictured) said he was nearby so went to see the Olympic Torch
Businesswoman Mori, 30, said: ‘I saw on television news that this was the place that had the strongest image of the Olympics, so I thought I’d come and see it.
‘After all, we cannot go to the competition venues.
‘I did a little research and found that not too many people were coming here, so I figured that if I kept my distance it would be okay.
‘The Olympics are an event with such a long history, so I think it’s okay that they are being held.’
Gas worker Noguchi, 50, added: ‘Of course, as the main symbol of the Olympics, I came here together with my wife to see the sacred flame.
‘Politicians say the kinds of things you expect politicians to say, but as an individual citizen I wanted to come here.
‘Although there is the pandemic, I agree that the Olympics should be held.’
Meanwhile, 10 more coronavirus cases linked to the Olympics have been confirmed including two athletes, bringing the total to 132 infections, the Tokyo Olympic organising committee has revealed.
A Dutch rower and a Czech cyclist are among the latest positive cases.
Ten more coronavirus cases linked to the Olympics have been confirmed including two athletes, bringing the total to 132 infections, the Tokyo Olympic organising committee has revealed