Zenko temple declined to be the starting place of the torch relay.

The Olympic torch came to Japan and the torch relay was held in Nagano city yesterday.
There were a few skirmishes, 6 people were arrested and 4 people were injured. Then the torch has left for Korea.

At first, Zenko temple was scheduled to be the start place of the torch relay, but it declined that.
The reason is safety for cultural assets and believers, and consideration for Tibetan problem as same Buddhists. Personally, I applaud their behavior.

Of course, it was a big blow to Nagano city because Zenko temple is the most famous spot in Nagano city.

Then the new starting place was... a city-owned empty lot. Mere empty lot.
It was changed from Zenko temple which is a symbol of Nagano city to the mere empty lot?!