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“If it seems impossible to go on with the games, they must be definitely cancelled,”

Cancellation -or no crowds- are still an option according to senior Japanese politicians.

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The Tokyo Olympics could still be cancelled according to senior politicians in Japan if the pandemic is not brought under control.

Two officials in Japan’s ruling LDP party on Friday said changes were still an option. One suggested they still could be cancelled, and the other said even if they proceed, it might be without any fans.

The latter would make broadcasters see red, given they have paid millions of dollars for TV rights (an outright cancellation and refund would be preferable).

Toshihiro Nikai, the No. 2 and secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, mentioned the cancellation only a day after Tokyo reached the 100-days-to-go mark on Wednesday.

He made his comments in a show recorded by Japan’s TBS TV.

“If it seems impossible to go on with the games, they must be definitely cancelled,” Nikai said. “If there is a surge in infections because of the Olympics, there will be no meaning to having the Olympics.”

Asked if a cancellation was still an option, Nikai said: “Of course.”

But he also added: “It is important for Japan to have a successful Olympics. It is a big opportunity. I want to make it a success. We will have many issues to resolve and prepare, and it is important to take care of them one by one.”

Prime Minister Toshihide Suga said in a statement there was “no change to the government position to do everything to achieve safe and secure Olympics.”

On Thursday, Osaka recorded 1,208 new cases -the third straight day that new cases surpassed 1,000. Tokyo hit 729, its highest total in more than two months.

This week Seven told advertisers the games were proceeding with some enthusiasm, but conceded it had a back-up plan in case they were averted again.

Source: Nine News,

6 Responses

  2. It might sound a bit harsh but honestly they should never have even considered going ahead with a gathering like this with people from all parts of the globe, while your everyday person in many of those places is in lockdown.
    I had the same feelings about the Australian Open tennis too. Athletes should not be getting special treatment, It’s disrespectful to the human population.

  3. I reckon push it back to 2024 and push back future (Summer) Olympics by 4 years.

    Hopefully Covid 19 is mostly sorted out by Winter Olympics 2022. (although some countries could boycott that one anyway)

  4. The torch relay had to be stopped. Just cancel them. It’s already absurd when they’re talking about ‘social distancing’. “…the Games…will be held without international spectators, have included incorporating social distancing measures and other restrictions”. (Seven News)

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