'Anti-Tokyo Olympic' Petition Surpasses 200,000 Signatures in Two Days

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] In Japan, more than 200,000 people signed a petition demanding the suspension of the Tokyo Olympics within two days.

Major foreign media reported on the 7th that the online petition campaign titled "Stop the Tokyo Olympics" was close to reaching its goal just two days after its launch.

As of 1:58 PM on the same day, 201,975 people had participated in the petition led by Kenji Utsunomiya, former chairman of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations. The target is 300,000 signatures.

The Tokyo Olympics are scheduled to be held on July 23. Foreign media explained, "Survey results show that the majority of the public opposes holding the Olympics."

Former chairman Utsunomiya emphasized, "The Olympics must be suspended to prevent the spread of the virus and to protect lives and livelihoods." He is a figure who has run several times for the Tokyo gubernatorial election.

Meanwhile, the Japanese government announced that it will extend the deadline for lifting the state of emergency declared in four metropolitan areas from the 11th to the end of this month, a three-week extension.

Particular attention is focused on whether Tokyo Metropolis, the host city of the Olympics, will be included. The Kansai region’s three metropolitan governments?Osaka Prefecture, Kyoto Prefecture, and Hyogo Prefecture?where the healthcare system is under severe pressure, are likely to have their state of emergency extended.