Japanese lawmakers reject petition to cancel Tokyo Olympics

A petition requesting the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics has been rejected by the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly, broadcaster NHK reported on Monday.

The bill to cancel the Games was voted on on the final day of the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly's regular meeting.

Residents of the Saitama Prefecture have asked for the events to be canceled and the expenses to be used to help people in need amid the COVID-19 pandemic, NHK said.