As per the Asahi newspaper report on Tuesday, Japan’s government is arranging for the Tokyo Olympics opening ceremony to held with only a reduced number of VIP spectators, ahead of talks with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and other organisers this week. The paper also mentioned that events at large venues and night events after 9 pm would also be held without spectators, while the number of VIPs such as sponsors guests and diplomats at the opening ceremony will be allowed.
The organisers of the Games have already banned spectators from overseas countries and allowed only domestic spectators at 10,000 per venue for the Olympics, or 50% of capacity along with medical experts view that no spectators would be the “least risky” option. The Prime Minister of Japan Yoshihide Suga has said holding the Games without spectators was a “possibility”.
As per the Asahi newspaper, he was also sceptical to allow fans in the stadiums but added some ruling party members favour a complete ban, especially after the ruling coalition failed to win the majority in Sunday’s election for the Tokyo local assembly. Japan has not had the explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen elsewhere but has reached over 800,000 cases and more than 14,800 deaths.
