Miyagi Governor Wants Spectators At Soccer Stadium
The governor of Miyagi Prefecture in northern Japan has emphasized that his plan to allow Olympic soccer spectators into a local stadium remains unchanged.
Murai Yoshihiro told reporters on Tuesday that the heads of local municipalities other than Sendai City as well as business groups have suggested that Olympic soccer matches should be held with spectators.
The Tokyo Olympics' soccer matches will be held at Miyagi Stadium in the town of Rifu.
The mayor of neighboring Sendai City, Kohri Kazuko, sent a letter to the Tokyo Games organizing committee chief Hashimoto Seiko on Tuesday evening asking that spectators be banned from the event.
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Kohri expressed concern that many of the spectators will likely travel via Sendai, and that movement of people, including those from areas where a state of emergency is in place, could lead to a resurgence in infections.
The prefectural medical association, along with the Sendai Medical Association and Tohoku University Hospital, submitted a letter to the prefectural government on Monday asking that spectators be banned from the soccer stadium.
Governor Murai said large-scale events with spectators have already been held at the stadium in compliance with rules. He said there should be no problem accepting spectators for Olympic soccer matches as long as the rules are observed. He added there are pros and cons, and his role is to make an overall judgment.