Former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has long prided himself as a key figure in securing the Tokyo Olympics, has decided to refrain from attending the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony. This decision reportedly came amid growing criticism as Japan's COVID-19 containment measures collapsed.
According to local public broadcaster NHK on the 21st, former Prime Minister Abe conveyed to officials his intention to refrain from attending the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony scheduled for the 23rd.
Abe had originally planned to attend the opening ceremony, but decided not to participate considering the declaration of a COVID-19 state of emergency in Tokyo and the fact that most events will be held without spectators.
He secured the Games by personally presenting at the International Olympic Committee (IOC) General Assembly in September 2013 while serving as Prime Minister. He also serves as the Honorary Chief Advisor of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee.
In March last year, former Prime Minister Abe agreed with IOC President Thomas Bach to postpone the Games by one year.
Earlier, top-tier sponsors of this Olympics, such as Toyota Motor Corporation and Panasonic, also declared they would not attend the opening ceremony.
The number of heads of state visiting Japan is expected to be fewer than 20, including French President Emmanuel Macron. Most major world leaders, including those from the United States, will not attend.
The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee expects about 950 people to attend the Tokyo Olympic opening ceremony. This is a significant reduction from the original plan to admit about 10,000 people, including spectators and event officials.
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