The Olympic flame arrived in Japan today for the next leg of the global torch relay amid tight security, with human rights groups expected to stage protests against China’s crackdown on Tibet.

The blue tracksuit-clad Chinese security guards who have followed the Olympic torch around the world will not be welcome in Japan when the flame arrives here within days, it was reported today.

EIGHT athletes jet off from Ireland to Japan today with high hopes of success at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.

Eight athletes are jetting off from Ireland to Japan tomorrow with high hopes of success at the Special Olympics World Winter Games.