Editorial | An Olympic-sized dilemma for Tokyo
- Japan faces a tough choice as the coronavirus spreads around the world: should the 2020 Games go ahead as scheduled?
There remains an exception, however, that is the subject of increasing speculation – an event that attracts more participants and spectators than any other, the Summer Olympic Games. It still sits in isolation on the calender, to be hosted by Tokyo in July-August.
This was despite Japan’s Olympic minister having claimed only the previous day the Summer Games could be postponed until later in the year amid fears over the epidemic. The government appeared to rule out this scenario last Wednesday, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga declaring that preparations were continuing.
It is not hard to find a reason the government is putting on a brave face. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has invested a huge amount of financial and political capital in the Games, with the prospect of a windfall in new infrastructure, tens of thousands of foreign tourists and national pride. The loss of face in a cancellation at this late stage would come as a blow ahead of elections due by October next year.
The organisers have a window of two to three months to decide whether to go ahead. Postponement or relocation are not practical options in organisational terms. The welfare of all concerned is paramount, otherwise the organisers risk participating countries or athletes staying home. They must pray for the likelihood that Covid-19 is brought under control by May. Tokyo is swelling with pride and anticipation at being one of the very few cities to host the Summer Olympics twice. But it may be better to wake from the dream sooner or later than to leave anything to chance.