Ruling Party 'Power Broker' Nikai Secretary-General Says "Cancellation of Tokyo Olympics Is an Option" (Comprehensive)

Nikai Toshihiro, Secretary-General of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan
Photo by Yonhap News Agency

[Asia Economy Reporter Jeong Hyunjin] Toshihiro Nikai, the influential secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, mentioned the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which are set to open on July 23 this year.

According to NHK and other sources on the 15th, Nikai made the remarks during a pre-recorded broadcast on Japan's private broadcaster TBS CS program. When asked how they would respond to the Tokyo Olympics if COVID-19 spreads further, he said, "We have no choice but to judge based on the situation at that time," adding, "If it becomes absolutely impossible, we must definitely stop it." When asked if such an option exists, he replied, "Of course."

Toshihiro Nikai, who was the top contributor to the launch of the Yoshihide Suga Cabinet, mentioned the possibility of canceling the Olympics with less than 100 days remaining, albeit conditionally. Prior to this statement, Nikai emphasized, "The Tokyo Olympics is a great opportunity for Japan, and we definitely want to make it a success," adding, "It is important to prepare comprehensively and solve the challenges one by one."

Following the controversy over these remarks, Nikai clarified through a separate statement, "While I want the event to be a success, I spoke from a different perspective when asked whether it would definitely be held." He continued, "Originally, the decision to hold the event lies with the parties involved, and preparations are currently underway," adding, "The Liberal Democratic Party’s firm support for a safe and secure event remains unchanged."

Meanwhile, Taro Kono, Japan’s Minister in charge of Administrative Reform, mentioned the possibility of holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without spectators. Appearing on a TV Asahi program that day, Minister Kono said about the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, "We will hold it in a way that it can be held," adding, "It might be without spectators." He predicted that the Olympics held amid the COVID-19 situation "will be different from the usual Olympics."

The Asahi Shimbun reported that the final decision on the spectator cap for the Tokyo Olympics will likely be made after May.

According to the Asahi report, the Japanese government and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics Organizing Committee are expected to tentatively decide on the basic policy regarding the spectator cap within this month, with the condition that "it can be changed depending on the future (COVID-19) infection situation," and coordination is reportedly underway in this direction.