Japanese Prime Minister Suga Denies Possibility of Canceling Olympic Games Hosting

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is responding to questions related to current issues, including the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, at the House of Councillors Budget Committee held on the afternoon of the 10th.

Yoshihide Suga, Prime Minister of Japan, on the 10th emphasized the "realization of a safe event" regarding the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games and for the time being denied the possibility of cancellation.

Prime Minister Suga appeared at the Budget Committees of the House of Representatives and the House of Councillors held consecutively in the morning and afternoon, repeatedly stating this position to opposition party members who asked, "Do you intend to hold the Olympics despite the spread of COVID-19?"

Regarding the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games, Prime Minister Suga stated, "First of all, it is important to prevent the current spread of infection," and added, "The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has already decided to hold the Games, and the Olympic Committees of each country have confirmed this." He said it is his responsibility to firmly establish infection prevention measures for athletes and event personnel so that they can participate with peace of mind, while protecting the lives and health of the Japanese people.

Prime Minister Suga also mentioned that, through the Japanese government's mediation, Pfizer vaccines can be provided free of charge to athletes from various countries via the IOC, and stated that preparations for the Games will be promoted firmly.

Regarding whether the Tokyo Olympics scheduled for July this year will be held amid the ongoing explosive spread of infections and the state of emergency, Prime Minister Suga said, "I am not saying such a thing," but reiterated, "My basic idea about holding the Olympics is to firmly implement infection prevention measures for athletes and event personnel so that they can participate with peace of mind, while protecting the lives and health of the people."

When asked about the timing to seriously discuss the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics amid growing concerns about an "infection Olympics," Prime Minister Suga avoided a direct answer, saying, "Since September last year, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the organizing committee, and related ministries have been holding coordination meetings," and added, "Please understand that two infectious disease experts participate in every meeting to provide their opinions," giving a non-committal response.

In the afternoon Budget Committee of the House of Councillors, during a question-and-answer session with Renho, acting leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party, who advocated for the cancellation of the Olympics, Prime Minister Suga repeated his response that "the IOC has already decided to hold the Games" and that he will "work to realize a safe and secure event."