New Delhi: Four people were injured in Nagano Japan as the Olympic Torch passed through the city.
There were scuffles between pro-China and anti-China demonstrators. Eggs were thrown and slogans shouted.
Police anticipating trouble had assembled in force. A cordon of policemen in tracksuits surrounded the runners carrying the torch. Hundred more policemen ran alongside and the entire route was closed to the public.
Local reports say the exercise would help police prepare for Chinese President Hu Jintao's visit to Japan next month. The torch now moves to South Korea.
At the end of the relay at a Nagano park, Noguchi was greeted by a throng of Chinese supporters, far outnumbering the pro-Tibet demonstrators who were ushered to a hillside away from the celebrations.
"I'm so glad that I could safely light up the cauldron," said Noguchi. "I ran as I wished for the success of the Beijing Olympics and peace."
China's supporters waved Chinese flags and wore T-shirts that read "Welcome to Beijing." About 2,000 Chinese exchange students swarmed Nagano to show their support. Minor scuffling and protests broke out during the relay, but the event went ahead without any major interruptions.
Five men - four Japanese and a pro-Tibetan resident of Taiwan - were arrested.
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