Every tree and every blade of grass appears to be enemy soldiers

April 25, 2008 12:18 PM

A Preview Of Tomorrow’s Olympic Torch Relay. Japan Probe has posted a few computer-generated examples of what the relay should look like, and links to a news report that states 10,000 Chinese will be in Nagano (location) (cuddly mascots) tomorrow to watch the torch relay. Japan had already canceled plans to stage the start of the torch run at Zenkoji Temple in the city; the temple was then mysteriously defaced. Previously on Japan Probe I II. Meanwhile, a tulip vandal who has been terrorizing Japan has been caught on tape.

As torch-bearers rolled into Nagano, hundreds of Falun Gong supporters marched with a loud brass band through the city’s streets to condemn China’s leadership, which considers the spiritual movement an “evil cult.”

“Stop the mass murder by the Chinese Communist Party,” read a banner held by marchers in yellow Falun Gong T-shirts, who were closely watched by dozens of police.

Separately, at least two demonstrators unfurled Tibetan flags as the Chinese torch delegation stopped at a highway rest area on its way to Nagano, 180 kilometres (110 miles) north of Tokyo.

Torch tensions continue to mount in Nagano.

posted by KokuRyu (14 comments total)

Chinese spectators 'attacked Tibet protesters at Canberra torch relay'

WTF?
posted by homunculus at 1:02 PM on April 25

The Olympics^tm are getting to be like the US elections, the best part is the day they're over.
posted by telstar at 1:28 PM on April 25

The tulip vandal is quite a phenomenon. Good luck to the cops looking for a Japanese man in his 40s or 50s, possibly wearing a dark suit.
posted by Faint of Butt at 1:59 PM on April 25 [2 favorites]

I love the poll at the last link.

Have you ever injured a flower?
posted by Poolio at 2:20 PM on April 25 [1 favorite]

草木皆兵
posted by monocot at 2:35 PM on April 25 [1 favorite]

The Chinese need to stop taking these clowns so seriously, go with the flow, and make grabbing the torch an Olympic event.
posted by three blind mice at 2:58 PM on April 25

The Olympicstm are getting to be like the US elections, the best part is the day they're over.

Best part is the day they're over. Here's two words for you: President McCain.

Still the best part?
posted by three blind mice at 3:00 PM on April 25

The Chinese need to stop taking these clowns so seriously, go with the flow, and make grabbing the torch an Olympic event.

Don't just grab it, use it!
posted by homunculus at 6:32 PM on April 25

More about the crowds in Australia: Chinese embassy helped get 'rent-a-crowd' to relay
posted by homunculus at 6:49 PM on April 25

The olympics sure have gone down hill since it left (ancient) Greece.
posted by oxford blue at 8:10 PM on April 25

It's all downhill from Mount Olympus.
posted by StickyCarpet at 10:19 PM on April 25 [1 favorite]

Here's an update with uploaded tv coverage.
posted by KokuRyu at 8:22 AM on April 26

Olympic Torch Run: Not a 'Bright and Colorful Day' in Both Koreas
posted by homunculus at 12:09 PM on April 28

Nepal bans reporting from Everest
posted by homunculus at 4:18 PM on April 28