Suga Praises Olympics as "Possible Because It Was Japan"

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga
[Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed the view that despite the difficulties posed by COVID-19, the Tokyo Olympics were successfully held without problems and received praise from the international community.

Japanese public opinion was also positive about the hosting of the Olympics itself, but due to domestic quarantine failures, the cabinet's approval rating hit a record low.

In a message in a video posted on the Prime Minister's Office Twitter on the 9th, Prime Minister Suga said, "The event was postponed for one year due to COVID-19 and was held under many unprecedented restrictions, but as the host country, we fulfilled our responsibilities and were able to pass the baton to the Paris Games."

He emphasized the significance of the Games, saying, "I believe that delivering dreams, hope, and inspiration to children, young people, and people around the world has become an invaluable asset for the future."

Prime Minister Suga added, "Regarding infection control measures, there were voices overseas saying 'it was too strict,' but there were also voices evaluating that 'it was possible because it was Japan.'"

With Japan securing the largest number of gold medals ever, Japanese voters are generally evaluating the hosting of the Olympics positively.

In a telephone poll conducted by Asahi Shimbun on the 7th and 8th, 56% responded that hosting the Tokyo Olympics was good, which was more than the 32% who responded negatively.

However, 54% responded that it was not a "safe and secure" Games, which was more than the 32% who said it was a "safe and secure" Games, indicating critical voices regarding the operation.

In particular, as the number of COVID-19 cases in Japan surged during the Games, dissatisfaction with domestic quarantine policies has intensified, and the Suga cabinet's approval rating has fallen to 28%, the lowest level since its inception.