"At Least Give Us a Call" 30,000 Neglected Tokyo Olympic Volunteers

Volunteers Lose Roles as No-Audience Event Confirmed
Promised New Roles but No News Yet

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] With the Tokyo Olympics just one day away and being held without spectators, about 30,000 volunteers who were supposed to guide visitors have been left idle, Tokyo Shimbun reported on the 22nd.

According to the report, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government promised to inform the volunteers whose roles disappeared about "new activities," but as of the 21st, two days before the opening, they have not contacted them.

Earlier, on the 8th, during a five-party meeting attended by the Japanese government, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee, Tokyo Metropolitan Government, International Olympic Committee (IOC), and International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the decision was made to hold the Tokyo Olympics without spectators, which eliminated the duties of volunteers who were to provide guidance at train stations and other locations.

Large-scale cheering events planned in parks and other venues outside the stadiums were also canceled, making volunteers who were to assist participants unnecessary.

Accordingly, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government sent emails to about 30,000 volunteers informing them that their activities were canceled and notified them that they would be contacted again with new activities such as "promoting Tokyo's attractions."

However, no notification regarding new roles has been made even just before the opening.

Tokyo Shimbun quoted a volunteer saying, "Many volunteers have cleared their schedules. We were prepared for having no role due to the absence of spectators, but at least we want to be contacted," expressing dissatisfaction.

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government explained, "The decision to hold the event without spectators was made at the last minute, so it is taking time to respond."

The Tokyo Metropolitan Government’s Olympic and Paralympic Preparation Bureau stated, "We want to notify (new roles) as soon as possible," but when asked if it would be possible before the Olympics open, they replied, "We do not know."