Japanese Government: "Tokyo Olympics Cancellation Rumors? Not True"

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japan denied foreign media reports claiming that the Tokyo Olympics have been effectively canceled due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, stating "there is no such fact."

Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai said this during a press conference held at the Prime Minister's Official Residence on the morning of the 22nd.

Earlier, the British newspaper The Times reported, citing an anonymous senior official from Japan's ruling coalition, that the Japanese government had internally decided not to suspend the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July.

Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakai stated, "The Japanese government is currently united in preparing for the Games," adding, "At some point, we will decide whether to actually hold the event, but until then, we will proceed properly."

Japan postponed the Olympics by one year last year due to the spread of COVID-19. Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Sakai also denied reports suggesting that instead of canceling the Olympics for two consecutive years, Japan aims to host the 2032 Olympics.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also emphasized on the same day that the Tokyo Olympics will be held as scheduled. Prime Minister Suga said, "We are consulting with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to hold a safe event and are reviewing specific infection control measures."

Recently, as COVID-19 cases have surged again in Japan, opinions have emerged suggesting that the Olympics should be postponed or held without spectators. The decision on whether to hold the Tokyo Olympics will be made at the IOC General Assembly in Athens, Greece, on March 10.