The torch relay for the postponed Tokyo Olympics has begun its 121-day journey across Japan

The relay began in northeastern Fukushima prefecture, the area that was devastated by the 2011 earthquake, tsunami and the meltdown of three nuclear reactors.

The first runner with the torch was Azusa Iwashimizu, a key player in the Japan team that won the Women's World Cup in 2011.

The ceremony was closed to the public because of the fear of spreading Covid-19 but was streamed live.