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Hundreds gather to protest Olympics ahead of opening ceremony

Yahoo Sports
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  • <p>Protesters stage a rally outside the National Stadium, before the opening ceremony starts at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)</p>
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    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Protesters stage a rally outside the National Stadium, before the opening ceremony starts at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)

  • <p>People protest against the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrates the finale of the Olympic Torch Relay at its final destination after 15 days of its journey around Tokyo city a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
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    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrates the finale of the Olympic Torch Relay at its final destination after 15 days of its journey around Tokyo city a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

  • <p>Protesters against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are seen from a taxi as they march in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, July 23, 2021, (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p>
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    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Protesters against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are seen from a taxi as they march in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, July 23, 2021, (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

  • <p>Police officers stand in front of protestors protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games outside the Olympic Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
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    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Police officers stand in front of protestors protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games outside the Olympic Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games outside the National Stadium. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympics from 24 July to 9 August 2020, however because of the COVID-19 pandemic the games have been postponed for a year and are due to take place from 23 July to 8 August 2021. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images)</p>
    5/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games outside the National Stadium. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympics from 24 July to 9 August 2020, however because of the COVID-19 pandemic the games have been postponed for a year and are due to take place from 23 July to 8 August 2021. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
    6/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrates the finale of the Olympic Torch Relay at its final destination after 15 days of its journey around Tokyo city a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
    7/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrates the finale of the Olympic Torch Relay at its final destination after 15 days of its journey around Tokyo city a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

  • <p>A man attends a protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
    8/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    A man attends a protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

  • <p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    9/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>Security guards stand in front of a gate of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event venue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    10/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Security guards stand in front of a gate of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event venue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
    11/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
    12/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
    13/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

  • <p>An anti-Olympics protester and a pro-Olympics man argue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    14/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    An anti-Olympics protester and a pro-Olympics man argue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>Police officers stand in front of a gate of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event venue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    15/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Police officers stand in front of a gate of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event venue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
    16/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

  • <p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
    17/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

  • <p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates against the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    18/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates against the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>Anti-Olympics protesters demonstrate against the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    19/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Anti-Olympics protesters demonstrate against the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>Police officers escort a protester protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after he got into an argument with a supporter of the Olympic Games near the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on July 23, 2021, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
    20/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Police officers escort a protester protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after he got into an argument with a supporter of the Olympic Games near the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on July 23, 2021, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

  • <p>Activists hold an anti-Olympics rally. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 24-August 9, 2020. Earlier postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games are now scheduled to take place on July 23-August 8, 2021. Alexei Zavrachayev/TASS (Photo by Alexei Zavrachayev\TASS via Getty Images)</p>
    21/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Activists hold an anti-Olympics rally. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 24-August 9, 2020. Earlier postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games are now scheduled to take place on July 23-August 8, 2021. Alexei Zavrachayev/TASS (Photo by Alexei Zavrachayev\TASS via Getty Images)

  • <p>Anti-Olympics activists rally outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 24-August 9, 2020. Earlier postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games are now scheduled to take place on July 23-August 8, 2021. Alexei Zavrachayev/TASS (Photo by Alexei Zavrachayev\TASS via Getty Images)</p>
    22/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Anti-Olympics activists rally outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 24-August 9, 2020. Earlier postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games are now scheduled to take place on July 23-August 8, 2021. Alexei Zavrachayev/TASS (Photo by Alexei Zavrachayev\TASS via Getty Images)

  • <p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    23/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    24/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

  • <p>Anti-Olympics protesters demonstrate during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
    25/25

    Anti-Olympics protests in Tokyo

    Anti-Olympics protesters demonstrate during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)

<p>Protesters stage a rally outside the National Stadium, before the opening ceremony starts at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 23, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Shuji Kajiyama)</p>
<p>People protest against the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrates the finale of the Olympic Torch Relay at its final destination after 15 days of its journey around Tokyo city a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
<p>Protesters against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are seen from a taxi as they march in Tokyo, Japan, Friday, July 23, 2021, (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)</p>
<p>Police officers stand in front of protestors protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games outside the Olympic Stadium ahead of the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, in Tokyo, on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Behrouz MEHRI / AFP) (Photo by BEHROUZ MEHRI/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic Games outside the National Stadium. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympics from 24 July to 9 August 2020, however because of the COVID-19 pandemic the games have been postponed for a year and are due to take place from 23 July to 8 August 2021. Valery Sharifulin/TASS (Photo by Valery Sharifulin\TASS via Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as Tokyo Metropolitan Government celebrates the finale of the Olympic Torch Relay at its final destination after 15 days of its journey around Tokyo city a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
<p>A man attends a protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
<p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Security guards stand in front of a gate of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event venue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the hosting of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo on July 23, 2021. (Photo by Philip FONG / AFP) (Photo by PHILIP FONG/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
<p>An anti-Olympics protester and a pro-Olympics man argue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Police officers stand in front of a gate of the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event venue during a protest against Tokyo 2020 Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
<p>People protest against the Opening ceremony of 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympic Games on July 23, 2020 in Tokyo, Japan, as they ask for the cancel of the Games a few hours ahead of the Opening ceremony of the Tokyo Games. (Photo by David MAREUIL/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)</p>
<p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates against the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Anti-Olympics protesters demonstrate against the Tokyo Olympics on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Police officers escort a protester protesting against the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games after he got into an argument with a supporter of the Olympic Games near the Olympic Stadium in Tokyo on July 23, 2021, ahead of the opening ceremony of the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)</p>
<p>Activists hold an anti-Olympics rally. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 24-August 9, 2020. Earlier postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games are now scheduled to take place on July 23-August 8, 2021. Alexei Zavrachayev/TASS (Photo by Alexei Zavrachayev\TASS via Getty Images)</p>
<p>Anti-Olympics activists rally outside the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building. Tokyo was to host the 2020 Summer Olympic Games on July 24-August 9, 2020. Earlier postponed for a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the games are now scheduled to take place on July 23-August 8, 2021. Alexei Zavrachayev/TASS (Photo by Alexei Zavrachayev\TASS via Getty Images)</p>
<p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>An anti-Olympics protester demonstrates during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>
<p>Anti-Olympics protesters demonstrate during the Olympic Torch Relay Celebration event on July 23, 2021 in Tokyo, Japan. Protesters gathered to demonstrate against the Olympic Games amid concern over the safety of holding the event during the global coronavirus pandemic as well as the cost incurred. (Photo by Yuichi Yamazaki/Getty Images)</p>

Hundreds of people gathered outside Japan’s National Stadium on Friday night, some to protest the holding of the Olympics in the nation’s capital.

The protest grew as the Opening Ceremony was set to commence a couple hundred yards away. On a street corner, surrounded by police, a core group of protesters chanted and yelled.

The gist of the main chant, according to a Japanese man who translated the message into English: “We don’t want to have the Olympic Games in this country!”

- Henry Bushnell, Yahoo Sports