Shinzo Abe says Tokyo Olympics will go on after Japan’s Games chief expresses worries about coronavirus impact
- Toshiro Muto is among those voicing concerns about the Games, which are expected to commence in less than six months
- Prime Minister Shinzo Abe however has played down concerns, telling parliament the Olympics will not be cancelled or postponed
The Olympic torch is set to arrive in northern Miyagi prefecture in six weeks, heralding the start of the Games four months later, on July 24. But travel restrictions have already begun to affect some of the qualifying events.
“I want to make it clear that the Organising Committee and the International Olympic Committee are not holding any discussions whatsoever about whether or not to hold the Tokyo Games,” Abe told parliament Thursday.
Abe threw his weight behind the capital’s bid to stage the Summer Games for the second time, and Japan is relying on the Olympics to help bolster the economy. Those financial benefits are being thrown into doubt amid restrictions on travel from China, and calls for a further clampdown.
“I am seriously worried that the spread of the infectious disease could throw cold water on the momentum towards the Games,” Toshiro Muto said in a meeting with officials of the International Paralympic Committee. Tokyo will host the Paralympic Games immediately after the Olympics.