According to Kyodo News, city officials say the Flame would symbolise Sagamihara's aim to eliminate all forms of discrimination, in line with the Paralympic Movement's values.

Organisers will consult with the families of victims of a stabbing attack which took place in July 2016 at Tsukui Yamayuri En.

Nineteen residents were killed and 26 were injured by a former employee of the facility.

Their input will be taken into account for how to light the Flame.

Nobuyuki Hirota, the head of Sagamihara's Olympic and Paralympic promotion section, said he remains committed to honouring the victims and survivors of the massacre.

"As five years have passed, we want to stop the incident fading from memory and create a harmonious society without prejudice or discrimination," said Hirota.

"We want to make a public vow by holding the ceremony at Yamayuri En."

In March 2020, Satoshi Uematsu was convicted and sentenced to death for the mass murder at the facility, which is now undergoing construction following the demolition of the building where the incident took place.

Residents are expected to move into the new building in August.

The Sagamihara massacre was the fourth deadliest in Japanese history with a sole perpetrator. 

The Tokyo 2020 Paralympics are scheduled to take place from August 24 to September 5, after being pushed back a year due to COVID-19.

The Tokyo Paralympic Torch Relay is scheduled to start on August 12, following the conclusion of the Olympics.