Kyodo news agency says the Japanese government has decided that it would not be possible to welcome fans from abroad; a formal decision expected before the end of the month; Games set for 23 July to 8 August; opening ceremony to be held behind closed doors
Last updated: 09/03/21 2:30 pm
The Japanese government has decided to hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without spectators from foreign countries, says Kyodo news agency
The Japanese government has decided to hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without an overseas audience due to concerns among Japanese people about Covid-19, Kyodo news agency said Tuesday.
Kyodo the government said it had decided that it would not be possible to welcome visitors from abroad to attend to public concern about the coronavirus and to find more contagious changes in many countries.
The opening ceremony will be held without spectators.
“The organizing committee has decided that it is necessary to hold the ceremony in the prefecture of the northeast of Fukushima behind closed doors, simply allowing participants and invitees to take part in the event, to avoid large crowds becoming infected with the pandemic, “Kyodo said, raising officials.
A formal decision on overseas audiences is expected before the end of the month. The Olympics are set for 23 July to 8 August, with the Paralympics to run from 24 August to 5 September.
Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said last week that she would like to have a decision made by March 25, when the torch relay is expected to begin.
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A decision on the number of Japanese spectators allowed in venues is expected to be made by the end of April.
Most Japanese do not want international visitors to attend the Games amid fears that many visitors could encourage a resurgence of diseases, which Yomiuri a newspaper poll showed.
The survey showed that 77 percent of respondents were against allowing foreign fans to attend, compared to 18 percent for favoritism.
Sky Sports News has contacted both the organizers of Tokyo 2020 and the International Olympic Committee to respond to the Kyodo report and if a decision can be made earlier than previously stated.