Japan considers barring all fans at Olympic events: Mainichi Newspaper

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A view of the government office building decorated with Tokyo Olympics flags in Tokyo, Japan, July 5, 2021. /CFP

Japan's government is floating proposals that would ban fans from all events at this month's Olympics, the Mainichi Newspaper reported on Wednesday, as officials scramble to address public concerns about the spread of the coronavirus.

Medical experts have said for weeks that no spectators at the global sporting extravaganza that starts on July 23 would be the least risky option.

Tokyo Olympics organizers have already banned overseas spectators and set a cap on domestic spectators at 50 percent of capacity, up to 10,000 people, to contain a lingering outbreak of infections.

The Mainichi, citing sources within government, said such discussions were partly the result of political considerations after Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's ruling party failed to win a majority in an election for the Tokyo's assembly on Sunday.

The report further highlights the steep logistical challenges surrounding the Games, which have been dogged by a year of near daily debate about its possible impact on the spread of COVID-19 in Japan.

In response to the Mainichi story, the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee said restrictions on the number of spectators, including non-spectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at any time after July 12.

On July 8, the government is likely to extend a state of quasi-emergency in Tokyo and three nearby prefectures beyond an original end-date of July 11, government sources have said.

Kyodo News reported the extension would likely last a month, meaning the curbs will be in place throughout the Olympics, which close on August 8.

A wooden board at the Tokyo Olympics surfing venue in Ichinomiya, Japan, July 6, 2021. /CFP

Japan's top health adviser prefers 'no spectators'

The issue of spectators at other Olympic events is due to be decided at five-way talks on July 8 including the Tokyo Olympics organizers and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

IOC President Thomas Bach was scheduled to arrive in Japan on July 8, followed by a mandatory quarantine for a few days starting from Thursday.

Asked about the issue of spectators at a press conference on Tuesday, Japan's top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato said Suga had said holding the Games without spectators was a possibility.

Shigeru Omi, the Japanese government's top health adviser, told a parliamentary health committee on Wednesday it was important to reduce the number of Olympic officials and others attending events as much as possible.

Early July to September, which covers the period of the Olympic Games, represents "one of the most important periods" in combating the virus in Japan, Omi said as quoted by Reuters on July 7.

"We have been saying that it's preferable that the events be held without spectators," said Omi. "We are asking many people to take steps to prevent further spread of the infection."

Japan has not experienced the kind of explosive COVID-19 outbreaks seen elsewhere but has seen more than 800,000 cases and 14,800 deaths. A slow roll-out has meant only a quarter of its population has had at least one COVID-19 vaccination shot.

The Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay in Wako City, Japan, July 6, 2021. /CFP

No spectators at marathons and race walks

Tokyo Olympics organizers announced on Tuesday they would ask the public not to gather on the streets for the Olympics' iconic sports such as marathon and race walks.

Tokyo's metropolitan government has also decided to move most of the torch relay off public roads, which were set to reach the capital on July 9.

"World Athletics is surprised by this new decision about our events in Sapporo, which is seemingly inconsistent with the decision to allow up to 10,000 spectators in venues in Tokyo, many of which are indoor venues," the athletics governing body said in a statement on Tuesday.

"We'll discuss this decision as soon as possible as it would be a great shame not to have spectators for the race walk and marathon in Sapporo given the popularity of both disciplines in Japan and the fact they are being held outdoors."

The race walks will be held on August 5-6 and the marathon races will take place on August 7.

Japan's Tokyo Olympic delegation captain Ryota Yamagata (C), vice-captain Kasumi Ishikawa (R) and flagbearer Yui Susaki (L) attend the inauguration ceremony for Japanese Olympic athletes in Tokyo, Japan, July 6, 2021. /CFP

Japan's largest ever Olympic delegation with 582 athletes

The Japanese Olympic Committee (JOC) announced on July 5 that the host nation's delegation will have a record-high of 582 athletes.

Japanese sprinter Ryota Yamagata, who holds the Japanese national record in the men's 100 meters, was selected as the delegation's captain while table tennis player Kasumi Ishikawa was named as vice-captain.

The country's basketball player Rui Hachimura and wrestler Yui Susaki were named as flagbearers.

Japan's previous largest delegation included 355 athletes in Tokyo 1964 Summer Olympic Games, Kyodo news reported

A launch ceremony with a majority of athletes participating online was held on Tuesday.

"I take pride in being selected to represent Japan for the Tokyo Olympics held in our country, and will head to the games with a sense of awareness and responsibility," said JOC President Yasuhiro Yamashita as Kyodo news reported on July 7.

"With hosting the games under question during the coronavirus pandemic, I've always been thinking about what we can do, and what is the meaning of sport," he added. "What we can do now is to approach our competitions sincerely and give our best. I believe in the power of sport and pledge to fight through with all I have as a member of Team Japan."

(With input from agencies)

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