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.
“I hope that it will be stamped out as soon as possible,” he added.
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Others have also expressed growing concern that the outbreak of the virus – which has so far infected 45 people in Japan – will not be brought under control by the July 24 opening ceremony for the Games.
“I truly hope that the infectious disease will die down somehow, so that we will be able to operate the Paralympics and Olympics smoothly,” said Saburo Kawabuchi, the mayor of the athletes’ village, where 11,000 competitors will stay for the duration of the games.
Seiko Hashimoto, the minister with responsibility for the Olympics, echoed the government’s position that there were no plans to cancel or postpone the Games, adding that ministers and local government officials were due to meet next week to discuss possible precautions.
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Muto’s concerns about public safety were also echoed – and amplified – on Japanese social media sites.
“He has a right to be worried,” said one poster on the Japan Today website. “This virus in less than a month has seen more cases than Sars in eight months. And it doesn’t seem to be ebbing.”
“This situation is a nightmare for all,” added another. “I personally think the Games should be put on hold until they get the coronavirus under control.”
Additional reporting by Bloomberg
