[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Tokyo Olympics, which earned the notorious nickname "cursed Olympics" due to COVID-19 and the successive resignations of officials, has now encountered another obstacle in the form of a typhoon. The Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee announced that, except for some events like archery, the games will proceed as scheduled. However, since most of the events on the 27th, when the typhoon is expected to make landfall, are outdoor competitions, there is a possibility of interruptions due to the typhoon.
According to major foreign media such as Asahi and Nihon Keizai on the 27th, the Japan Meteorological Agency forecasted that Typhoon No. 8, "Nepartak," is expected to make landfall in the southeastern sea area of Japan on that day. The Japan Meteorological Agency stated at 3 p.m. the previous day, "The typhoon is approaching from the east of Japan toward the northwest at a speed of 30 km/h," adding, "Therefore, it is expected to make landfall in the Kanto region, including Chiba, on the 27th."
Due to the influence of Typhoon Nepartak, the Tokyo Olympics have also come within the typhoon's range.
The Japan Meteorological Agency predicted, "From early morning to evening on the 27th, heavy rain accompanied by thunder and lightning is expected in Tokyo and nearby areas," and "Chiba Prefecture, where the Tokyo Olympic surfing venue is located, is expected to experience heavy rain of 30 mm per hour on the 27th."
In particular, most outdoor events are expected to be affected by the rain and wind brought by Typhoon Nepartak. Although the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee has stated that, except for some events, competitions will proceed as scheduled despite the typhoon, most of the events scheduled on the 27th are outdoor events, making suspension of competitions inevitable. Events scheduled for the 27th include archery, soccer, equestrian, softball, 3x3 basketball, beach volleyball, and mountain biking. In the eastern part of Kanagawa Prefecture, where the softball finals and sailing events are held, rainfall of 30 mm per hour is expected, and in Tokyo, where the triathlon is scheduled, hourly precipitation is expected to reach 40 mm.
In the case of archery, where the Korean team is challenging to sweep all events, the games on the 27th have not been postponed but only rescheduled. Taekwondo and fencing, held indoors in Chiba, which is within the typhoon's range, are expected to proceed as planned.
Confusion among Olympic participants due to flight cancellations and delays is also anticipated. Taekwondo, softball, mountain biking, and other events on the 27th are the final competitions, with participants scheduled to complete all Tokyo Olympic events and depart afterward.
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