The decision is taken in solidarity with Tibetan monks with whom Japanese Buddhist monks share a common faith. Japanese officials ask China not to deploy its “torch guards’ (in white and blue jump suit), members of China’s security forces.

Tokyo (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Officials at a Japanese Buddhist temple decided to pull out of plans to host a ceremony for the Olympic torch relay on 26 April out of solidarity with Tibet. Monks at the Zenkoji Temple in the city of Nagano, host to the 1998 Winter Olympic Games, stated that China’s crackdown in Tibet is the reason for their decision.

The temple area had been due to serve as the starting point for the torch relay. It had already played a role in the 1998 Games and the 1964 Tokyo Games.

“We fondly accepted the plan,” a local official said. “But the situation has changed. Monks here are very concerned.”

“We share a strong feeling that we are the same Buddhists as Tibetans,” an unnamed Zenkoji monk was quoted as saying.

Zenkoji was built in the 7th century and draws 6 million visitors every year.

The city of Nagano has already cancelled another ceremony for security reasons.

The torch relay is expected to be dogged with difficulties in Japan as well after anti-China demonstrations in Europe and the United States.

Japan has also asked that Chinese security agents (officers in white and blue jump suits protecting the torch) not be deployed during the torch relay in the Land of the Rising Sun. Japanese officials have said that they can ensure the torch’s security on their own.

Meanwhile the torch arrived today in Bangkok, Thailand, after a leg in Delhi where many pro-Tibet demonstrations took place and where hundreds of activists and exiled Tibetans were arrested.

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