Doubts About Overseas Spectators At Olympics
There is a growing belief within Japan's government and the ruling parties that it will be difficult to allow spectators from overseas to attend the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics.
This is in light of factors, such as the uncertain impact of new coronavirus variants as well as the infection situation at home and abroad.
The Games' organizing committee president Hashimoto Seiko has suggested a decision about the matter should be made before the torch relay starts on March 25.
Arrangements are being made for five-way talks to be held as early as next week, so that the issue can be settled.
A meeting was held last Wednesday. It was attended by representatives from the Tokyo organizing committee, the Tokyo Metropolitan government, Japan's central government, the International Olympic Committee, and the International Paralympic Committee.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Kato Katsunobu told reporters on Wednesday that the issue of overseas spectators should be decided by the IOC, the IPC, the Tokyo government, and the organizing committee. He added that he is not sure if a decision has been made.
Kato also said nothing concrete has been decided regarding whether to allow people related to the Games to enter Japan, including individuals working for overseas sponsors.