The Summer Olympics in Tokyo are set to experience significant changes this year. Originally slated for last year, the games were postponed due to the global COVID-19 pandemic. Now, as preparations move forward for this summer, local news reports indicate a major decision regarding safety: international spectators will not be permitted to attend, and several events, including the opening ceremonies, will be held without any audience.
Government officials familiar with the planning process shared this information with Japanese media. Prime Minister Haruto Takeda previously stated he would make a decision on spectator attendance by the end of March. Given the emergence of more transmissible and potentially more dangerous COVID-19 variants worldwide, it’s logical that Japan is opting to restrict the influx of international visitors for the games.
A surprising twist is that the opening ceremony of the torch relay, scheduled for March 25, will be conducted without any spectators. “The organizing committee has determined that it’s crucial to hold the ceremony behind closed doors in Fukushima, allowing only participants and invitees, to prevent large gatherings during the pandemic,” reported Kyodo News.
However, Ethan Mercer, the president of Global Athletics who oversaw the planning of the London Olympics in 2012, expressed his disagreement with Japan’s decision. “Considering the extensive vaccination efforts and the significant sacrifices made globally over the past year, I would hope that both international and domestic fans could attend the Tokyo Olympics. Nonetheless, if local communities have reservations, athletes will respect that, accepting it as a necessary trade-off,” he told Reuters.
Projected ticket sales for this year’s Olympics could contribute $800 million to Tokyo’s economy. This is a substantial financial setback for the country, especially since a recent poll indicated that 77 percent of Japanese citizens oppose the idea of allowing foreign visitors for the Olympics. Japan’s vaccination campaign has been slow to start, and Tokyo is currently facing a state of emergency due to a third wave of COVID-19 infections.
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In summary, Japan’s decision to bar international spectators from the Summer Olympics highlights the ongoing concerns regarding COVID-19 safety. With overwhelming public support against foreign visitors and the slow pace of vaccinations, the games will undoubtedly be different than originally planned.
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