The relay had already been disrupted many times, including by a woman who attempted to douse the flame by using a water pistol. The relay will end on July 23, the date of the Opening Ceremonies.

A Japanese newspaper reported that those ceremonies might have a crowd much smaller than anticipated. The National Stadium can seat 68,000 people; however, the newspaper reported that the opening ceremonies might be closed to all but VIP guests. Organizers had recently set a cap of 10,000 people on larger events.

Already, the International Olympic Committee has restricted spectators to people who live in Japan; more recently, Games organizers have said that they might limit the number of those spectators. Athletes and their support staff will be able to enter competition areas but will be restricted in access to other areas.

Many events will be broadcast on television. The Games are set to end on August 9.

Across the country, the number of people who have tested positive for the coronavirus has been increasing. Fewer than one-quarter of the population have been fully vaccinated. The government has only recently lifted a state of emergency.

Non-Japanese athletes have begun to enter the country, starting with the arrival of the Australian softball team three weeks ago.