Japan's Suga Reaffirms Commitment to Hosting Tokyo Olympics as an Opportunity to Showcase Post-Great East Japan Earthquake Recovery

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Koo Chae-eun] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga reaffirmed his determination on the 17th to hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics as a safe and secure event despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

At a press conference held after deciding to lift the COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo and other areas, Prime Minister Suga said, "Now, when we are facing the great challenge of COVID-19, we want to show the world from Japan how humanity, united globally, overcomes this crisis through effort and wisdom" through the Tokyo Games.

He emphasized that it is important to hold a safe and secure event and to prevent the spread of infections within Japan during the Games.

Prime Minister Suga stated that about 4 billion people worldwide will watch the Olympics via TV and other media, and argued that for Japan, it is an opportunity to showcase to the world the recovery achieved after the Great East Japan Earthquake.

He also shared his views regarding the issue of domestic spectator attendance. He said, "Wearing masks at all times inside the stadium and banning cheering are mandatory. It is also important to go directly to and from the stadium without stopping elsewhere."