Tokyo Olympics skepticism spreads... "Japan secretly discusses another postponement in 2024" report

Japanese Media Cites Remarks from Organizing Committee Executive

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Japanese media reported that the Japanese government secretly discussed postponing the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, originally scheduled for July this year, to 2024, three years later, due to the impact of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), after having postponed it once.

On the 18th, the daily Tokyo Sports reported that an executive of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee said, "Plans B and C exist," and although detailed plans have not been made, it seems they are considering postponing to 2024. As the COVID-19 situation prolongs, voices calling for cancellation or postponement of this year's Olympics are growing, and such discussions are being held in secret.

If this happens, the 2024 Paris Olympics in France and the 2028 Los Angeles (LA) Olympics in the United States would each be postponed by four years to 2028 and 2032, respectively, according to the newspaper report. The executive said, "Currently, the Paris Olympics have no sponsors due to the impact of COVID-19, so postponing by four years is actually advantageous," and added that the situation in Los Angeles is also difficult because of COVID-19.

The executive also mentioned, "The International Olympic Committee (IOC) cannot say to cancel the Olympics, but there is a possibility they will propose holding the Games in 2024 to the organizing committee." Regarding this, the newspaper evaluated, "Although there are many challenges such as re-selecting athletes and responding to ticket purchasers, considering the current COVID-19 situation, this seems to be the most beneficial option."

Within Japan, skepticism about holding the Olympics is spreading as the speed of COVID-19 spread does not decrease. Administrative Reform Minister Taro Kono recently acknowledged the uncertainty of holding the Tokyo Olympics in an interview with foreign media, becoming the first Japanese cabinet member to do so. Various opinion polls showed that over 80% responded that the Games should be canceled or postponed.

Meanwhile, according to Yomiuri Shimbun citing tournament officials on the same day, the IOC is assuming the number of athletes participating in the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony will be about 6,000, half of the number planned before the postponement, in accordance with COVID-19 prevention measures. The Japanese government and the IOC have recently maintained their stance to hold the Tokyo Olympics in July this year despite the spread of COVID-19.