Shimane Prefecture OKs Olympic torch relay after initial opposition

*“CASH” is* more important to Shimane than the Olympics. However, to get paid ‘a share of the Olympic pie’ and continued Central Government funding, they must ‘play ball’ and participate “without questions’.

*- “ The Shimane Governor, Maruyama decided to allow the relay to go through Shimane because he understands the central government may also extend financial aid to restaurants in areas that have seen a smaller number of COVID-19 cases, which he had requested.” -*

Nice political move for re-election IF the money eventually eventually comes to Shimane.

Life can go on! Great News! So Happy!

So a better title for this story should be. - Government ties Covid Aid to Shimane Prefecture allowing the Olympic Relay - because that is what it clearly says.

During a press conference on Tuesday evening, Maruyama said he had decided to allow the relay to go through Shimane because he understands the central government may also extend financial aid to restaurants in areas that have seen a smaller number of COVID-19 cases, which he had requested.

Governor Maruyama getting in the true Olympic spirit here. One wonders if other prefectural governors on the planned route will jump on this Pork For Torch bandwagon.

“ adjust the sound levels of the sponsors truck” great. Everyone is safe now.

he understands the central government may also extend financial aid to restaurants in areas that have seen a smaller number of COVID-19 cases, which he had requested.

So free money for restaurants in areas with no State of Emergency and no reduced opening hours? Can't other people who've actually lost their income have some?

the reasoning doesn't make sense

Traitor to all old people who live there. They are a majority. I often go there. Shame money is more important than lives, for America television rights.

virus so far kills old people.

great traitor.

Watching Channel 4 news this morning - they were full-on Politpureau propaganda mode. "2020 plus one!", complete with authorised gestures was being rammed down our throats.

Full-throated applause, cute waves, joyous throngs of grateful citizens dutifully applauding the torch as it brought its healing rays through their grateful streets.

Real 1984 stuff. Doubleplus good.

Outdoor fresh-air (and domed) events take place daily in the form of baseball/soccer in Japan. A torch relay winding through a prefecture is not going to be any more of an issue.

Somebody got some brown envelopes!

That decision between shortened virus loads or shortened funds for the prefecture was finally an easy one...lol