Japan Tokyo Olympics Likely to Proceed Without Overseas Spectators

Domestic Spectator Entry at Japanese Stadiums Likely to Be Allowed

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government is reportedly leaning towards not allowing overseas spectators for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games scheduled for July this year, according to a report by Yomiuri Shimbun on the 4th.

According to the report, the government, organizing committee, and Tokyo Metropolitan Government are coordinating opinions that it is difficult to accept overseas arrivals as general spectators.

This judgment is based on concerns that allowing a large number of overseas spectators amid the ongoing spread of COVID-19 could cause public anxiety.

Previously, the Japanese government, organizing committee, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and International Paralympic Committee (IPC) held a five-party video conference the day before and decided to determine whether to accept overseas spectators within this month.

The final decision is expected to be made before the Olympic torch relay on the 25th.

An organizing committee official told Yomiuri in an interview, "If Japan gives up attracting overseas spectators, the IOC and IPC will respect that."

Mainichi Shimbun also reported on the same day, citing government officials, that coordination is underway in the direction of not accepting overseas spectators.

Asahi Shimbun reported, "Among government officials, the view that accepting overseas spectators is difficult given the COVID-19 infection situation is gaining strength."

However, Kyodo News reported that domestic spectators in Japan are expected to be allowed entry to the venues.

During the five-party video conference held the previous day, it was decided that the upper limit on the number of spectators at venues will be determined in April.