Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee Chair Suggests Possibility of Holding Games Without Spectators

Mori Yoshiro, Chairman of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee (TOGOC) [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Mori Yoshiro, Chairman of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, made remarks suggesting that the Olympics might be held without spectators.

Chairman Mori stated at a press conference following a video meeting with Thomas Bach, President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), that "We do not want to hold the Games without spectators, but we are conducting various simulations."

The Japanese government maintains its position to hold the Tokyo Olympics as scheduled in July this year. In particular, Japanese media recently reported that three options are being considered: no limit on spectators, a 50% reduction in spectators, and no spectators at all.

Chairman Mori also announced that next month, a meeting will be held with himself, President Bach, Seiko Hashimoto, Japan’s Minister in charge of the Olympics, and Yuriko Koike, Governor of Tokyo, with all four participating.