NHK reported that Prime Minister Suga will not attend the opening ceremony for the Olympic torch relay to be held in Fukushima on Thursday in light of the Diet schedule. The premier reportedly revealed his decision in a written response to a follow-up question from media outlets after his press conference on March 18. The prime minister also reportedly said: “I hope that the journey of the Olympic torch around the nation will be a valuable opportunity for people throughout Japan to feel that the Games are drawing closer day by day.”