On leaving the start point, the torch procession won loud cheers from crowds, mainly Chinese students and scholars, who had been waiting along the street outside the launch ceremony. Chinese national flags formed a sea of red color over their heads.

Over five thousands Chinese students and emigrants in Japan flocked to Nagano early in the morning to support the torch relay, according to Li Guangzhe, chairman of the Chinese Students and Scholars Association in Japan.

"Perhaps this will be the closest distance for us to feel the Beijing Olympics. We will cherish the opportunity and show our biggest fervor," said Han Bing, a doctor degree candidate and vice chairman of the association.

Chinese flags, held by groups of young Chinese, decorated the streets of Nagano since early this morning. The energetic youngsters managed through narrow alleys around the torch relay route, trying to have more glance at the torch.

"I never expected myself to be so excited. Maybe it's because this is the first time for me to see so many Chinese red flags," said Junko Koizumi, an old lady living beside the location of the launching ceremony.

The torch procession is scheduled to make a 30-minute break from 10:20 a.m. at the M-Wave speed-skating gymnasium and reach the terminal at a park south of the Nagano central railway station at about 12:15 p.m.

Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cui Tiankai (Front) raises the torch during the 16th leg torch relay of the Beijing Olympic flame started at 8:30 a.m. local time Saturday, April 26, 2008, in Nagano city of central Japan.

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