Tokyo 2020 Olympics: 10,000 spectator cap mulled for sports events as trial run for Games

Limits of up to 10,000 spectators or 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity to be considered after state of emergency ends on June 20, says local media

Medical staff fear crowds would impact the strict national Covid-19 efforts as only 5 per cent of Japanese population is vaccinated

Reading Time:2 minutes

Security officers guard next to the Olympic Rings monument during an anti-Olympics rally outside the Japan Olympic Committee (JOC) headquarters near the National Stadium in Tokyo in June. Photo: Reuters

Published: 12:58pm, 16 Jun 2021

Japan could allow up to 10,000 fans at sports events ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, media reported on Wednesday, as organisers weigh how many domestic fans can attend the Games.

The measure, intended to come into force after a coronavirus state of emergency ends on June 20, will be discussed by the government’s virus task force on Wednesday, Nikkei and Kyodo said.

The plan would limit spectators to 50 per cent of a venue’s capacity or 10,000 people, whichever is lower.

It could set the boundaries for a decision by Olympic organisers on how many domestic fans, if any, can attend events at the Games. Overseas spectators have already been banned.

Japan’s Covid-19 vaccine minister Taro Kono (centre) visits an inoculation site set up by the Japanese technology company SoftBank Group Corp at a WeWork office in Tokyo in June. Photo: AP

The Olympic decision is expected only after the Covid-19 emergency in Tokyo ends on June 20 and the government clarifies what measures will replace it.

Reports have said the government could introduce “quasi-emergency” measures including restrictions on the sale of alcohol or limited opening hours for bars and restaurants.