Tokyo Shimbun Estimates... May Decide to Allow Spectators After Lifting State of Emergency
[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Suhwan] It has been reported that even if a COVID-19 state of emergency is declared during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics opening on July 23, the total possible spectator capacity will reach 3.1 million.
On the 7th, the Tokyo Shimbun reported that applying the spectator restriction standards for sports events during a COVID-19 state of emergency, the total possible spectator capacity at the Tokyo Olympics is estimated to be 3.1 million.
Currently, a state of emergency to curb the spread of COVID-19 is in effect in 10 metropolitan local governments including Tokyo Metropolis and Osaka Prefecture.
In areas under the state of emergency, spectators at large-scale sports events such as professional baseball are limited to either half of the stadium capacity or 5,000 people, whichever is smaller.
Applying this standard to all Tokyo Olympic events held over 19 days, the Tokyo Shimbun estimated the total number of spectators to be 3.1 million.
For venues with a capacity of 10,000 or more, such as the National Stadium, the limit was set at 5,000 spectators, and for venues with less than 10,000 capacity, half the capacity was used for calculation.
The Japanese government and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) decided in March not to allow overseas spectators at the Tokyo Olympics considering the COVID-19 spread, but have not yet reached a conclusion on whether to allow domestic spectators.
Originally, the decision on whether to allow spectators or set a spectator cap was scheduled for April, but as the state of emergency declared in Tokyo and other areas was extended twice, the decision has been postponed.
The state of emergency declared in the 10 metropolitan local governments is set to expire on the 20th of this month.
Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga hinted at the possibility of allowing spectators at the Tokyo Olympics during a press conference in late last month, citing professional baseball as an example and saying, "I think we can respond."
This is interpreted as an intention to announce that about half the spectators will be allowed once the COVID-19 situation stabilizes.
An official from the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee told the Tokyo Shimbun, "Isn't this the Prime Minister's Office's intention to create the appearance of a successful event?"
Some Olympic sponsors are also reportedly hoping for spectator attendance rather than no spectators, considering advertising effects.
However, unlike professional leagues held dispersed nationwide, the Olympics are concentrated in the host city of Tokyo, raising concerns among experts about a higher risk of COVID-19 infection spread.
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