[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Despite the imminent re-declaration of a COVID-19 state of emergency, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has expressed his determination to proceed with the Olympics as scheduled.
According to the Sankei Shimbun on the 23rd, Prime Minister Suga stated that he "wants to proceed as planned" with the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which were postponed by one year to this summer.
The Japanese government is scheduled to hold a COVID-19 task force meeting in the afternoon to finalize plans to declare a state of emergency in four metropolitan areas, including Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture. Nevertheless, Prime Minister Suga emphasized his intention to push forward with the Olympics as planned.
Suga added, "Thomas Bach, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) President, also said it does not matter." This reflects the perception that even if a state of emergency is declared about three months before the opening of the Olympics, it will not affect the event.
He further stated, "To ensure a safe and secure event, the government is currently working with Tokyo and the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee to establish a proper system."
Meanwhile, the state of emergency will be declared for the third time, following last April and this January, based on Tokyo, with the period set from the 25th to the 11th of next month.
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