Gono Mentions Possibility of Tokyo Olympics Cancellation... First Among Japanese Cabinet Members

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Taro Kono, Japan's Minister for Administrative Reform, has sparked controversy in Japan by being the first Japanese cabinet member to mention the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.

According to Japan's Kyodo News, Minister Kono mentioned the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics in an interview with a foreign media outlet on the 16th (local time), marking the first time a Japanese cabinet member has done so.

In the interview, Minister Kono reportedly said, "At this point, we need to do our best to prepare for the Games, but this (Tokyo Olympics) could go either way."

The Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) have recently maintained their stance to hold the Tokyo Olympics in July this year despite the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

Kyodo News reported that the controversy is spreading as foreign media outlets highlight that Minister Kono is the first Japanese cabinet member to acknowledge the uncertainty surrounding the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics.

Originally, the Tokyo Olympics were scheduled to be held in July last year but were postponed by one year due to the global spread of COVID-19.