Fears over foreign fans at Games sway govt

Japan had decided to keep foreign spectators away from this summer's Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, a national news agency said as a study showed that daily COVID-19 cases may surpass 1,000 in Tokyo in May.

"The government has concluded that welcoming fans from abroad is not possible given concerns among the Japanese public over the coronavirus and the fact that more contagious variants have been detected in many countries," officials with knowledge of the matter were quoted by Kyodo news agency as saying on Tuesday.

Kyodo said the opening ceremony of the torch relay, which is scheduled on March 25, would also be held without any spectators.

"The organizing committee has decided it is essential to hold the ceremony in the northeastern prefecture of Fukushima behind closed doors, only permitting participants and invitees to take part in the event, to avoid large crowds forming amid the pandemic," Kyodo said, quoting the officials.

Final decision to be made

In a response to China Daily, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee said a final decision on whether to accept overseas visitors will be made by the end of this month.

The response is in line with the consensus reached last week during an online meeting among five parties involved in the event. They are the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, and Japan's national government.

"The decision regarding allowing spectators from overseas to attend the Tokyo 2020 Games will be made by the end of March based on factors including the state of infections in Japan and other countries, possible epidemic-prevention measures, and expert scientific advice will be considered," the organizing committee said.

Katsunobu Kato, Japan's chief cabinet secretary, said on Wednesday nothing concrete has been decided whether to allow people related to the Games to enter Japan, including individuals working for overseas sponsors.

As cases in Japan and outside the country rise, there is a growing belief among the public that a large influx of visitors could spark a resurgence in new coronavirus infections.

Japan reported on Wednesday 1,084 new cases, bringing the total number of infections in the country to 443,498, with 8,407 deaths.

The University of Tokyo estimated the daily increase in Tokyo may surpass 1,000 in May if the current state of emergency is lifted. The emergency covering the Tokyo metropolitan area is set to expire on March 21.

The latest Yomiuri newspaper poll showed 77 percent of Japanese respondents were against allowing foreign fans to attend the Games, compared to just 18 percent in favor.