Torrential&nbsp;rain&nbsp;lashed much of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on Sunday, flooding roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while&nbsp;three&nbsp;people were&nbsp;feared&nbsp;dead&nbsp;after&nbsp;a&nbsp;landslide&nbsp;in central Nagano prefecture.

Large parts of&nbsp;Japan, particularly the southernmost main island of Kyushu, have seen record levels of rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and triggering&nbsp;landslides.

While the rain had stopped in much of Kyushu as of Sunday morning, Tokyo and other parts of the country were pounded by the downpour.

Japan&nbsp;"will continue to face conditions in which a large-scale disaster could occur at anytime, anywhere," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a ministerial meeting on Sunday. He called on local municipalities and relevant organisations to cooperate and act with speed on rescue missions and aid.

"We must be on high alert even in areas where the rain has tapered off," Suga added.

In Takeo, a city in Saga prefecture in Kyushu, entire roads were submerged as rescue workers in wetsuits dragged inflatable boats and surveyed the damage. Local residents carried broomsticks and buckets and waded knee-deep in water.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russias-water-bomber-plane-crashes-in-turkey-8-declared-dead-405419">Also read |&nbsp;Russia's water bomber plane crashes in Turkey; 8 declared dead</a>

"I've experienced&nbsp;three&nbsp;floods like this so far, but this is the worst," said Toshimi Kusumoto, a 68-year-old doctor whose clinic was flooded.

Kusumoto waited out the rain with his family on the second floor of his house, he said, located just behind the clinic.

The water reached his house, too, meaning most of the appliances on the ground floor would have to be replaced. His garage was bent out of shape, presumably from the pressure of the water.

His son Daigo said their family was prepared for the flooding but was concerned over the frequency at which&nbsp;torrential&nbsp;downpours were pummelling the area, and was considering re-building his house to raise the ground level.

He had re-built the house only four years ago and it had seen two floods already.

"It's a bit much if it happens this frequently," Daigo said, as he hosed down the mud in front of the house.

In 2019, Takeo city was hit by a record downpour that killed&nbsp;three&nbsp;people. The government at the time estimated that such a deluge would only happen once every few decades.

"But what can you do?" said Toshimi, with a slight shrug.

Takayuki Haraguchi, 68, who works as a caretaker at a local sports centre, had come to survey the damage briefly when it was raining on Saturday.

"It looked no different from the sea," he said as he recalled what he saw on Saturday morning.

Hitomi Fuchino, 41, evacuated on a boat to a local middle school in Takeo city on Saturday morning&nbsp;after&nbsp;her house and second-hand clothes shop were immersed in water.

Her children lounged on a makeshift cardboard bed at the evacuation centre, while a pair of shorts were hung to dry in front of a fan.

Fuchino was not sure when she would return to her house given that more rain was being forecast.

"We can't really move at this point," she said wearily.

Elsewhere in Saga, 113 patients at a local hospital and 69 nursing home residents at the same site were evacuated to higher floors&nbsp;after&nbsp;flooding, public broadcaster NHK said. On Saturday, rescue workers in the prefecture had airlifted four residents using a helicopter in areas where the flooding was intense.

After&nbsp;a&nbsp;landslide&nbsp;hit a house in Okaya city in central Nagano,&nbsp;three&nbsp;people including a boy aged under 10 were found without vital signs while two others were injured, NHK said.

Separate to the Okaya case, NHK reported that as of midday on Sunday&nbsp;three&nbsp;people were confirmed&nbsp;dead&nbsp;nationwide due to the&nbsp;rains&nbsp;and four others were missing.

Torrential rain lashed much of Japan on Sunday, flooding roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while three people were feared dead after a landslide in central Nagano prefecture.

Torrential rain lashed much of Japan on Sunday, flooding roads and buildings in the western part of the country, while three people were feared dead after a landslide in central Nagano prefecture. Large parts of Japan, particularly the southernmost main island of Kyushu, have seen record levels of rainfall, causing rivers to overflow and triggering landslides. While the rain had stopped in much of Kyushu as of Sunday morning, Tokyo and other parts of the country were pounded by the downpour. Japan "will continue to face conditions in which a large-scale disaster could occur at anytime, anywhere," Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at a ministerial meeting on Sunday. He called on local municipalities and relevant organisations to cooperate and act with speed on rescue missions and aid. "We must be on high alert even in areas where the rain has tapered off," Suga added. In Takeo, a city in Saga prefecture in Kyushu, entire roads were submerged as rescue workers in wetsuits dragged inflatable boats and surveyed the damage. Local residents carried broomsticks and buckets and waded knee-deep in water. Also read | Russia's water bomber plane crashes in Turkey; 8 declared dead "I've experienced three floods like this so far, but this is the worst," said Toshimi Kusumoto, a 68-year-old doctor whose clinic was flooded. Kusumoto waited out the rain with his family on the second floor of his house, he said, located just behind the clinic. The water reached his house, too, meaning most of the appliances on the ground floor would have to be replaced. His garage was bent out of shape, presumably from the pressure of the water. His son Daigo said their family was prepared for the flooding but was concerned over the frequency at which torrential downpours were pummelling the area, and was considering re-building his house to raise the ground level. He had re-built the house only four years ago and it had seen two floods already. "It's a bit much if it happens this frequently," Daigo said, as he hosed down the mud in front of the house. In 2019, Takeo city was hit by a record downpour that killed three people. The government at the time estimated that such a deluge would only happen once every few decades. "But what can you do?" said Toshimi, with a slight shrug. Takayuki Haraguchi, 68, who works as a caretaker at a local sports centre, had come to survey the damage briefly when it was raining on Saturday. "It looked no different from the sea," he said as he recalled what he saw on Saturday morning. Hitomi Fuchino, 41, evacuated on a boat to a local middle school in Takeo city on Saturday morning after her house and second-hand clothes shop were immersed in water. Her children lounged on a makeshift cardboard bed at the evacuation centre, while a pair of shorts were hung to dry in front of a fan. Fuchino was not sure when she would return to her house given that more rain was being forecast. "We can't really move at this point," she said wearily. Elsewhere in Saga, 113 patients at a local hospital and 69 nursing home residents at the same site were evacuated to higher floors after flooding, public broadcaster NHK said. On Saturday, rescue workers in the prefecture had airlifted four residents using a helicopter in areas where the flooding was intense. After a landslide hit a house in Okaya city in central Nagano, three people including a boy aged under 10 were found without vital signs while two others were injured, NHK said. Separate to the Okaya case, NHK reported that as of midday on Sunday three people were confirmed dead nationwide due to the rains and four others were missing.

Torrential rains lash wide areas of Japan, three feared dead after landslide

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.<o:p></o:p>

In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing.<o:p></o:p>

Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-pm-suga-urges-travel-curbs-as-covid-19-cases-surge-before-paralympics-405197">Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics</a>

<o:p></o:p>

While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki.<o:p></o:p>

"More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations,"&nbsp;Takumi Kumasaki&nbsp;told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues."

<o:p></o:p>

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-39-910-tonne-ship-splits-in-two-and-spills-oil-off-japans-coast-405004">Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast</a>

The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water.<o:p></o:p>

"It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred,"&nbsp;Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high."<o:p></o:p>

Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.<o:p></o:p>

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger.

Japan has asked locals to seek shelter and prepare for emergency evacuations as torrential rain triggered floods and landslides have put nearly two million lives in danger. In the western region of Japan, landslides and floods led to the death of at least one local and three people who have been reported missing. Seven regions have issued the highest level of evacuation orders as the level of rains are expected to increase in the near future. The order has mainly been issued for residents of the Kyushu island. Also read | Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics While rescue operations have already begun, a 59-year-old woman has been declared dead and two of her family members are reported missing after a landslide razed two houses in the Unzen and Nagasaki. "More than 150 troops, police and firefighters were dispatched to the site for rescue operations," Takumi Kumasaki told news agency AFP. "They are carefully searching for the missing residents while watching out for further mudslides as the heavy rain continues." Also read | Watch: 39, 910-tonne ship splits in two and spills oil off Japan's coast The reason behind 14 rivers bursting their banks and 14 landslides is climate change, scientists have claimed. Experts believe climate change is increasing the risk of heavy rainfalls in the area as a warmer temperature holds more water. "It's highly likely that some kind of disaster has already occurred," Yushi Adachi, a meteorological agency official told local reporters. "The maximum alert is needed even in areas where risks of landslides and flooding are usually not so high." Local news reports have shown rescue officials going in boats to evacuate and save the locals from the affected areas.

Several areas in Japan issue evacuation alert after floods and landslides

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday.

Substitute goalkeeper&nbsp;Pyae&nbsp;Lyan&nbsp;Aung&nbsp;raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against Japan in May.

He then said he had decided to seek asylum in Japan because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to Myanmar.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group.

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The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations.

Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status.

The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the asylum claim, adding that his client was due to report to Osaka immigration office on August 20.

Public broadcaster NHK said Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment.

Japan accepts just dozens of asylum applications each year.

But in May, the justice ministry said Myanmar residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure.

Also in May, two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup.

The embassy told Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday.

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday. Substitute goalkeeper Pyae Lyan Aung raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against Japan in May. He then said he had decided to seek asylum in Japan because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to Myanmar. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group. ALSO READ | Out of touch: North Korea's state TV airs Tokyo Olympics match days after closing ceremony The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations. Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status. The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the asylum claim, adding that his client was due to report to Osaka immigration office on August 20. Public broadcaster NHK said Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment. Japan accepts just dozens of asylum applications each year. But in May, the justice ministry said Myanmar residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure. Also in May, two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup. The embassy told Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Myanmar goalkeeper to be granted asylum in Japan: Reports

Japan&nbsp;will grant&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;to a footballer from&nbsp;Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home,&nbsp;reports&nbsp;said Friday.

Substitute&nbsp;goalkeeper&nbsp;Pyae Lyan Aung raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;in May.

He then said he had decided to seek&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to&nbsp;Myanmar.

The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group.

The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations.

Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-protesters-clash-with-pak-forces-after-man-dies-waiting-to-enter-spin-boldak-405191">Also read |&nbsp;Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak</a>

The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;claim, adding that his client was due to&nbsp;report&nbsp;to Osaka immigration office on August 20.

Public broadcaster NHK said&nbsp;Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment.

Japan&nbsp;accepts just dozens of&nbsp;asylum&nbsp;applications each year.

But in May, the justice ministry said&nbsp;Myanmar&nbsp;residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure.

Also in May, two officials at&nbsp;Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup.

The embassy told&nbsp;Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Japan will grant asylum to a footballer from Myanmar's national team who raised an anti-coup salute during a match outside Tokyo and refused to fly home, reports said Friday. Substitute goalkeeper Pyae Lyan Aung raised the three-finger salute as the national anthem played before a World Cup qualifier against Japan in May. He then said he had decided to seek asylum in Japan because his life would be "in danger" if he returned to Myanmar. The Southeast Asian country has been in turmoil since the military's February coup, with over 900 killed and more than 7,000 arrested in a bloody crackdown, according to a local monitoring group. The three-finger salute has frequently been used as a show of resistance by protesters during demonstrations. Multiple major Japanese media outlets, citing anonymous sources, said the government had decided to grant the player refugee status. Also read | Afghan protesters clash with Pak forces after man dies waiting to enter Spin Boldak The footballer's lawyer told AFP he was not aware of the outcome of the asylum claim, adding that his client was due to report to Osaka immigration office on August 20. Public broadcaster NHK said Japan's immigration agency planned to certify the player's refugee status next week. The agency was not immediately reachable for comment. Japan accepts just dozens of asylum applications each year. But in May, the justice ministry said Myanmar residents already in the country would be able to extend their stays as an emergency measure. Also in May, two officials at Myanmar's embassy in Tokyo were dismissed as the junta sacked diplomatic staff around the world who had opposed the coup. The embassy told Japan's foreign ministry that diplomatic visas for the pair would no longer be valid -- but no action has been taken to revoke their visas, a ministry official told AFP on Friday.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;on Friday urged people to refrain from&nbsp;travelling as&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases&nbsp;spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system.

His comments follow health expert recommendations to strengthen states of emergency now in place in the capital and other hot spots.

Days after the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympic organisers decided to hold the event mostly without spectators to limit infection risks, local media reported.

Suga&nbsp;said the government will strive to restrain the flow of people in commercial areas, and he urged residents to avoid&nbsp;travelling during&nbsp;Japan's traditional Obon holidays.

"I would like to ask citizens to avoid going back to their home towns or&nbsp;travelling, and to refrain from going out unnecessarily,"&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;told reporters.

Japan&nbsp;is experiencing a fifth wave of&nbsp;COVID-19, driven by the highly infectious delta variant. A woman related to the Olympics was identified as&nbsp;Japan's first case of the lambda variant of the virus, first identified in Peru, Kyodo reported on Friday, citing government sources.

Planners of the Paralympic Games, due to start on Aug. 24, agreed on Thursday to limit spectators, following in the footsteps of their Olympics counterparts, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing Games sources. The organiser's office told Reuters that no decision on spectators has been made.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-9000-anti-asian-incidents-reported-in-us-since-start-of-covid-19-pandemic-405162">Also read |&nbsp;Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic</a>

The Tokyo government reported a record 5,773 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as well as an all-time high 227 patients with serious symptoms. New daily&nbsp;cases&nbsp;nationwide exceeded 20,000 for the first time, public broadcaster NHK said.

Tokyo is already under a state of emergency, the fourth so far in the pandemic, though some experts have said it should be expanded to cover the whole country.

Paralympic venues in Shizuoka, central&nbsp;Japan, will limit spectators to under 5,000 people, the Yomiuri said. Organisers are still considering inviting school children to events, it said. Officials previously said they planned to make a decision after the Olympics, which ended on August 8.

The Paralympic competitions include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, with over 4,000 athletes with various impairments such as paraplegia.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday urged people to refrain from travelling as COVID-19 cases spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday urged people to refrain from travelling as COVID-19 cases spiked to new records in Tokyo and nationwide, heaping pressure on the medical system. His comments follow health expert recommendations to strengthen states of emergency now in place in the capital and other hot spots. Days after the end of the Tokyo Olympics, Paralympic organisers decided to hold the event mostly without spectators to limit infection risks, local media reported. Suga said the government will strive to restrain the flow of people in commercial areas, and he urged residents to avoid travelling during Japan's traditional Obon holidays. "I would like to ask citizens to avoid going back to their home towns or travelling, and to refrain from going out unnecessarily," Suga told reporters. Japan is experiencing a fifth wave of COVID-19, driven by the highly infectious delta variant. A woman related to the Olympics was identified as Japan's first case of the lambda variant of the virus, first identified in Peru, Kyodo reported on Friday, citing government sources. Planners of the Paralympic Games, due to start on Aug. 24, agreed on Thursday to limit spectators, following in the footsteps of their Olympics counterparts, the Yomiuri newspaper reported, citing Games sources. The organiser's office told Reuters that no decision on spectators has been made. Also read | Over 9,000 anti-Asian incidents reported in US since start of COVID-19 pandemic The Tokyo government reported a record 5,773 new coronavirus infections on Friday, as well as an all-time high 227 patients with serious symptoms. New daily cases nationwide exceeded 20,000 for the first time, public broadcaster NHK said. Tokyo is already under a state of emergency, the fourth so far in the pandemic, though some experts have said it should be expanded to cover the whole country. Paralympic venues in Shizuoka, central Japan, will limit spectators to under 5,000 people, the Yomiuri said. Organisers are still considering inviting school children to events, it said. Officials previously said they planned to make a decision after the Olympics, which ended on August 8. The Paralympic competitions include swimming, table tennis, wheelchair fencing and basketball, with over 4,000 athletes with various impairments such as paraplegia.

Japan PM Suga urges travel curbs as COVID-19 cases surge before Paralympics

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end.

Olympic officials have been predictably bullish, saying the Games offered hope and uplifting moments, and went off without any major coronavirus outbreaks.

"These Olympic Games have been a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at his closing press conference.

But it will take longer for&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;to reckon with a Games that were highly controversial and unfolded as virus cases exploded in Tokyo and elsewhere.

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The Asahi Shimbun daily, which had called for cancellation despite being a sponsor of the Games, said the nearly $15 billion event was a "gamble" with people's lives.

"This gamble went ahead, making the situation worse," it said on Monday.

A poll conducted by the paper over the last two days of the Games found 56 percent of Japanese supported holding the event, with 32 percent opposed. Just 32 percent said they felt the Games were "safe and secure", with 54 percent unconvinced.

Tokyo's 2020 Olympics were unlike any other, starting with last year's historic postponement that upturned years of planning for athletes.

Restrictions at the Games themselves meant masks for all, cheering for none, and fans banned from almost all venues for the first time.

'High praise'

Despite everything, as the Games opened there were signs that&nbsp;Japan's public might be having a change of heart.

Thousands flocked to the Olympic Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony fireworks and a chance to take their photo in front of the Olympic rings.

When the sport got under way, people defied requests to stay away from events held on public roads, and snapped up Olympic merchandise in stores across&nbsp;Japan.

"If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," Hirochika Tadeda told AFP along the route of the triathlon, which passed in front of his home.

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Tributes to the athletes were a key theme of editorials in&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;on Monday, with the Yomiuri Shimbun offering "high praise for competitions into which they poured all their efforts."

There had been concerns about what the pandemic and the postponement would mean for sport at the Games.

But despite some high-profile disappointments, performances remained impressive, with world records broken and the successful introduction of several new sports including skateboarding and surfing.

The coronavirus cast a long shadow over the Games from the start, and several athletes' Olympic dreams were shattered by the results of a PCR test.

Most though were just happy the Games went ahead at all.

"Mid-pandemic they successfully held an amazing Olympics. Always greeting us with a smile and so much kindness. Thank you," wrote Australian footballer Alanna Kennedy on Twitter.

'Brightened the world'

"The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled," added Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association.

The Olympics were also a triumph for Japanese sport, with a record 27 gold medals in everything from baseball to skateboarding.

Japanese Olympic officials said they felt the gold rush drove public support for the Games, pointing to the families who brought children to venues to cheer outside or hung flags in their windows.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-bhavani-devis-efforts-to-neeraj-chopras-gold-historic-firsts-and-some-shining-moments-of-india-at-tokyo-olympics-404251">Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics</a>

But behind the cheering, there is a looming sense of crisis over the sharp rise in virus cases during the Games.

Tokyo and many other parts of the country are under virus state of emergency, and only around a third of the country is fully vaccinated as the Delta variant fuels surging infections.

The issue could weigh on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's political future, as he faces a leadership race and then a general election by October.

For some though, the sporting highlights swept away concerns about the pandemic.

"It's true that I was a little worried," 21-year-old university student Reita Goto told AFP.

"But in the end the Olympics has brightened up not only&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;but also the world."

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end.

Tokyo awoke to a huge bill and soaring coronavirus cases on Monday after pulling off a mid-pandemic Olympics that at times looked impossible and had a mixed reception to the end. Olympic officials have been predictably bullish, saying the Games offered hope and uplifting moments, and went off without any major coronavirus outbreaks. "These Olympic Games have been a powerful demonstration of the unifying power of sport," International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said at his closing press conference. But it will take longer for Japan to reckon with a Games that were highly controversial and unfolded as virus cases exploded in Tokyo and elsewhere. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list The Asahi Shimbun daily, which had called for cancellation despite being a sponsor of the Games, said the nearly $15 billion event was a "gamble" with people's lives. "This gamble went ahead, making the situation worse," it said on Monday. A poll conducted by the paper over the last two days of the Games found 56 percent of Japanese supported holding the event, with 32 percent opposed. Just 32 percent said they felt the Games were "safe and secure", with 54 percent unconvinced. Tokyo's 2020 Olympics were unlike any other, starting with last year's historic postponement that upturned years of planning for athletes. Restrictions at the Games themselves meant masks for all, cheering for none, and fans banned from almost all venues for the first time. 'High praise' Despite everything, as the Games opened there were signs that Japan's public might be having a change of heart. Thousands flocked to the Olympic Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony fireworks and a chance to take their photo in front of the Olympic rings. When the sport got under way, people defied requests to stay away from events held on public roads, and snapped up Olympic merchandise in stores across Japan. "If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," Hirochika Tadeda told AFP along the route of the triathlon, which passed in front of his home. ALSO READ | Sustainable development report ranks Australia last on climate action Tributes to the athletes were a key theme of editorials in Japan on Monday, with the Yomiuri Shimbun offering "high praise for competitions into which they poured all their efforts." There had been concerns about what the pandemic and the postponement would mean for sport at the Games. But despite some high-profile disappointments, performances remained impressive, with world records broken and the successful introduction of several new sports including skateboarding and surfing. The coronavirus cast a long shadow over the Games from the start, and several athletes' Olympic dreams were shattered by the results of a PCR test. Most though were just happy the Games went ahead at all. "Mid-pandemic they successfully held an amazing Olympics. Always greeting us with a smile and so much kindness. Thank you," wrote Australian footballer Alanna Kennedy on Twitter. 'Brightened the world' "The Games have been held in the most challenging circumstances imaginable and the organisers have excelled," added Hugh Robertson, chairman of the British Olympic Association. The Olympics were also a triumph for Japanese sport, with a record 27 gold medals in everything from baseball to skateboarding. Japanese Olympic officials said they felt the gold rush drove public support for the Games, pointing to the families who brought children to venues to cheer outside or hung flags in their windows. IN PICS | Historic firsts and some shining moments of India at Tokyo Olympics But behind the cheering, there is a looming sense of crisis over the sharp rise in virus cases during the Games. Tokyo and many other parts of the country are under virus state of emergency, and only around a third of the country is fully vaccinated as the Delta variant fuels surging infections. The issue could weigh on Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's political future, as he faces a leadership race and then a general election by October. For some though, the sporting highlights swept away concerns about the pandemic. "It's true that I was a little worried," 21-year-old university student Reita Goto told AFP. "But in the end the Olympics has brightened up not only Japan but also the world."

Tokyo counts cost of $15 billion pandemic Olympics 'gamble'

On the fateful day of&nbsp;August&nbsp;9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.&nbsp;

Today's anniversary

76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty.

With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons.

The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year.

"World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction,"&nbsp;Nagasaki&nbsp;mayor Tomihisa Taue said.

<img alt="Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="55145c04-63df-4aa5-9d08-155d3ab2fdd9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163231.004.jpg" />

Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

"As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the&nbsp;international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So, what exactly happened that day?

Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands.&nbsp;

On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated&nbsp;some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am,&nbsp;another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki.&nbsp;

<img alt="This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a &quot;Mitsubishi&quot; steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. " data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0ebc9bed-014e-41b1-b656-d5a9f85741f0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163648.829.jpg" />

This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force.&nbsp;(Source:AFP)

Why did the US resort to atomic bombs?&nbsp;

Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies.&nbsp;

It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Why was Nagasaki targeted?

During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II.

How many people actually died in this "massacre"?&nbsp;

<img alt="This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0eb4d708-d7c9-4f87-86e4-7152c85de918" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202021-08-09T163637.586.jpg" />

This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP)

Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months.

(With inputs from agencies)

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War.

On the fateful day of August 9, 1945, the Japanese city of Nagasaki, a major port for trade faced unfathomable devastation at the hands of the US, thus putting an end to Japan's participation in the Second World War. Today's anniversary 76 years ago today, the Japanese city of Nagasaki was destroyed by an atomic bomb, and today, its mayor called on the global community to build on the new nuclear ban treaty. With the rebuilding of Nagasaki post World War II, the city has become a spiritual centre for movements for the ban of nuclear weapons. The ceremony is the first since an international treaty banning nuclear weapons went into effect last year. "World leaders must commit to nuclear arms reductions and build trust through dialogue, and civil society must push them in this direction," Nagasaki mayor Tomihisa Taue said. Doves fly during a memorial service for victims of the US atomic bombing at the Nagasaki Peace Park in Nagasaki on August 9, 2021, as the city marks the 76th anniversary of the bombing. (Source:AFP) "As the only country that has suffered atomic bombings during the war, it is our unchanging mission to steadily advance the efforts of the international community, step by step, towards realisation of a world free of nuclear weapons," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said at the ceremony. So, what exactly happened that day? Just three days earlier the city of Hiroshima had faced destruction, an atomic bomb code-named "Little boy" had brought devastation to the picturesque city resulting in the death of thousands. On June 9th 1945, the city of Nagasaki faced the same fate, situated some 185 miles southwest of Hiroshima, at 11:02 am, another American bomber dropped its payload over Nagasaki. Between 60,000 and 80,000 people died in the bombing. Codenamed 'Fat Man'; it obliterated more than 30 per cent of Nagasaki. This file photo taken in 1945 next to the Urakami river in Nagasaki shows a wrecked brick wall and a "Mitsubishi" steel factory after a bombing by the US Air Force. (Source:AFP) Why did the US resort to atomic bombs? Japan's surrender was America's immediate objective, followed by ending World War II and avoiding further casualties for the Allies. It is also believed that the superpower wanted to demonstrate its new technology's incredibly destructive capabilities to the world, and in particular to the Soviet Union. Why was Nagasaki targeted? During the early 20th century, Nagasaki developed into a major shipbuilding city, which led the United States to target the city as a target for the atomic bomb dropped on Japan during World War II. How many people actually died in this "massacre"? This filed photo dated 1945 shows the devastated city of Nagasaki after an atomic bomb was dropped by a US Air Force B-29 on August 9, 1945. (Source:AFP) Unfortunately, it is extremely difficult to calculate exact figures, as many records were destroyed by the bomb, and the destruction of the area prevented accurate counts of casualties. Nonetheless, they estimate some 40,000 people died within seconds of the attack, with many more dying from radiation exposure, burns, or injuries within months. (With inputs from agencies)

Explainer: Nagasaki bombing, the history, and significance of "Fat Man"

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Russia plans to build 51 more pieces of military infrastructure on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-fumes-as-russia-talks-of-free-trade-zone-on-kuril-islands-400782">Kuril islands</a>.

Russia has reportedly erected more than 30 buildings on the islands even as it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan.

Last month Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had visited the Kuril islands and had declared that the country wanted to open free trade zone(FRZ) leading to protests in Japan.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russian-prez-putin-warns-to-knock-out-teeth-of-adversaries-386586/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mishustin was on a tour to Russia’s Far East and Siberia with the Kuril Islands being his first stop.

The islands were seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War II. The two countries haven't signed a peace treaty since then calling an end to hostilities.

The Russian prime minister during his visit had proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/are-japan-and-russia-ready-to-resolve-the-kuril-islands-dispute-190414">Japanese</a> foreign ministry protested against Mishustin's visit.

However, &nbsp;Kremlin said PM Mishustin visits regions "as he sees fit". Three years ago President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Russia and Japan should sign a peace treaty but it wasn't welcomed by Japanese&nbsp;officials who said the two countries should resolve the dispute first.

Japan claims the islands naming it as northern territory which includes four southernmost islands including other islands&nbsp;Iturup and Kunashir.

According to Japanese media, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were in favour of an early meeting between President Putin and PM Yoshihide Suga after Mishustin’s recent trip.

"It is necessary to declare to the Russian side that we not only protest but are overwhelmed with fury, as well as to clearly point to the inadmissibility of what happened," the head of the party’s Committee on Territories Yoshitaka Shindo said as Japan's foreign ministry summoned Russian ambassador Mikhail Galuzin.

(With inputs from Agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Russia plans to build 51 more pieces of military infrastructure on the Kuril islands. Russia has reportedly erected more than 30 buildings on the islands even as it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan.

According to Russia's TASS news agency, Russia plans to build 51 more pieces of military infrastructure on the Kuril islands. Russia has reportedly erected more than 30 buildings on the islands even as it is locked in a territorial dispute with Japan. Last month Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin had visited the Kuril islands and had declared that the country wanted to open free trade zone(FRZ) leading to protests in Japan. Watch: Mishustin was on a tour to Russia’s Far East and Siberia with the Kuril Islands being his first stop. The islands were seized by Soviet troops at the end of World War II. The two countries haven't signed a peace treaty since then calling an end to hostilities. The Russian prime minister during his visit had proposed exempting the islands from customs duty and reducing taxes for businesses as the Japanese foreign ministry protested against Mishustin's visit. However, Kremlin said PM Mishustin visits regions "as he sees fit". Three years ago President Vladimir Putin had suggested that Russia and Japan should sign a peace treaty but it wasn't welcomed by Japanese officials who said the two countries should resolve the dispute first. Japan claims the islands naming it as northern territory which includes four southernmost islands including other islands Iturup and Kunashir. According to Japanese media, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party were in favour of an early meeting between President Putin and PM Yoshihide Suga after Mishustin’s recent trip. "It is necessary to declare to the Russian side that we not only protest but are overwhelmed with fury, as well as to clearly point to the inadmissibility of what happened," the head of the party’s Committee on Territories Yoshitaka Shindo said as Japan's foreign ministry summoned Russian ambassador Mikhail Galuzin. (With inputs from Agencies)

Russia plans to build more military infrastructure on Kuril islands: Report

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga slid below 30% for the first time since he took office, a survey showed on Monday, a sign the Tokyo Olympic Games failed to boost his ratings amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections. 
 
Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper, darkening his ruling party's prospects in general elections to be held later this year.

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In the poll conducted over the weekend, Suga's support slid to 28%, the lowest since he became prime minister in September last year.

Of those polled, 56% of those who replied said it was good to hold the Tokyo Games, while 32% thought it was a bad idea.

IN PICS |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/from-ravi-kumar-to-pv-sindhu-indian-athletes-with-mind-boggling-cash-rewards-after-winning-medals-in-tokyo-olympics-india-403367">From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic</a>

Japan's slow vaccination rollouts have hurt Suga's popularity and a spike in new infections, caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant, has overshadowed the Olympic Games with cases hitting a milestone of one million on Friday. 
 
Suga and Olympics organisers have said there was no link between the Games and the spike in cases.

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga slid below 30% for the first time since he took office, a survey showed on Monday, a sign the Tokyo Olympic Games failed to boost his ratings amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections.

Support for Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga slid below 30% for the first time since he took office, a survey showed on Monday, a sign the Tokyo Olympic Games failed to boost his ratings amid a resurgence of coronavirus infections. Roughly a third disapproved of holding the Games which closed on Sunday and 60% said they did not want Suga to stay on as premier, according to the poll conducted by Asahi newspaper, darkening his ruling party's prospects in general elections to be held later this year. IN PICS | India among countries with highest cash-rewards for Olympic medalists - Check out the complete list In the poll conducted over the weekend, Suga's support slid to 28%, the lowest since he became prime minister in September last year. Of those polled, 56% of those who replied said it was good to hold the Tokyo Games, while 32% thought it was a bad idea. IN PICS | From Ravi Kumar to PV Sindhu: Indian Athletes get mind-boggling cash rewards after winning medals in Tokyo Olympic Japan's slow vaccination rollouts have hurt Suga's popularity and a spike in new infections, caused by the rapid spread of the Delta variant, has overshadowed the Olympic Games with cases hitting a milestone of one million on Friday. Suga and Olympics organisers have said there was no link between the Games and the spike in cases.

Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul.

New Zealand claimed seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes to finish 13th on the medal table, edging countries including South Korea (16) and Spain (22).

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/japan-pm-yoshihide-sugas-support-slides-to-record-low-as-olympic-games-close-survey-reveals-404103" hreflang="en">Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals</a>

"There were some incredible performances," New Zealand chef de mission Robert Waddell told TVNZ on Monday.

"We have really enjoyed how the team has come together.

"I think partly because of the fact that we haven't had family and friends ... over here with us, it has been a really tight-knit team feeling and we've all drawn a lot of inspiration from each other's success."

New Zealand's tally was boosted by canoe sprint sensation https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/canoe-sprint-hungarys-csizmadia-briton-heath-ease-into-final-2021-08-05 Lisa Carrington, who became the country's most decorated Olympian with a three-gold haul at Tokyo, while claiming her third successive kayak single 200 metres title after Rio and London.

New Zealand's traditional strengths delivered, with rowing producing three golds and two silvers, the women's rugby sevens team dominating to win gold and the men taking silver.

But Waddell was thrilled by unexpected minor medals in boxing and trampoline.

"All those medals were across 11 different sports which is a great thing for New Zealand because it's not just one sport that's delivering," he said.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-british-team-hail-miracle-of-tokyo-after-big-medals-haul-404031" hreflang="en">Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul</a>

"What Dylan Schmidt did in trampolining, what David Nyika did in boxing, those show a pathway for other young kids in New Zealand who might be able to follow in those footsteps and achieve at the same sort of level."

Following on from victory over cricket powerhouse India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in June, the Olympic haul continues New Zealand's track record of doing more with less.

"We're very collaborative," said Waddell. "We work together well and we're big enough that we can do that but not so big that we're clumsy."

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul.

New Zealand has hailed its athletes for an "incredible" Tokyo Games as the country of five million burnished its reputation for punching above its weight with a record medals haul. New Zealand claimed seven golds, six silvers and seven bronzes to finish 13th on the medal table, edging countries including South Korea (16) and Spain (22). ALSO READ: Japan PM Yoshihide Suga's support slides to record low as Olympic Games close, survey reveals "There were some incredible performances," New Zealand chef de mission Robert Waddell told TVNZ on Monday. "We have really enjoyed how the team has come together. "I think partly because of the fact that we haven't had family and friends ... over here with us, it has been a really tight-knit team feeling and we've all drawn a lot of inspiration from each other's success." New Zealand's tally was boosted by canoe sprint sensation https://www.reuters.com/lifestyle/sports/canoe-sprint-hungarys-csizmadia-briton-heath-ease-into-final-2021-08-05 Lisa Carrington, who became the country's most decorated Olympian with a three-gold haul at Tokyo, while claiming her third successive kayak single 200 metres title after Rio and London. New Zealand's traditional strengths delivered, with rowing producing three golds and two silvers, the women's rugby sevens team dominating to win gold and the men taking silver. But Waddell was thrilled by unexpected minor medals in boxing and trampoline. "All those medals were across 11 different sports which is a great thing for New Zealand because it's not just one sport that's delivering," he said. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: British team hail 'miracle of Tokyo' after big medals haul "What Dylan Schmidt did in trampolining, what David Nyika did in boxing, those show a pathway for other young kids in New Zealand who might be able to follow in those footsteps and achieve at the same sort of level." Following on from victory over cricket powerhouse India in the inaugural World Test Championship final in June, the Olympic haul continues New Zealand's track record of doing more with less. "We're very collaborative," said Waddell. "We work together well and we're big enough that we can do that but not so big that we're clumsy."

Tokyo Olympics: New Zealand hails 'incredible' Games after record medals haul

As the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;nears its close, here is a look at how it played out under strict restrictions to ensure a "safe and secure" Tokyo 2020 amid a COVID-19 pandemic.

VIRUS CASES

Inside the Olympic "bubble" where athletes and others involved in the Games have spent the past two weeks, a total of 430 COVID-19 cases had been reported as of Sunday.

While organizers have touted the low infection rate among what they call the world's "most tested community", the Games have coincided with a surge in cases&nbsp;in the host city.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-ceremony-when-and-where-to-watch-ist-time-theme-venue-indian-flag-bearers-403843" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch; IST time, theme, venue, Indian flag bearers</a>

Tokyo has reported record daily case numbers in the past week and the number of infections in Japan has increased by more than 140,000 since the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;began on July 23. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Games organizers have reiterated that the event had not contributed to rising infections.

But senior medical adviser Shigeru Omi told parliament&nbsp;that hosting the Games may have affected public sentiment and eroded the impact of government requests for people to stay home.

MEDICAL SITUATION

Outside of the Olympic bubble, Japan has defended a new policy of asking patients with milder symptoms to isolate themselves at home rather than going to the hospital.

The number of serious cases have continued to increase in Tokyo, with the number of seriously ill patients rising to 150 as of Saturday.

Prime Minister Suga has said only patients who were seriously ill https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-covid-cases-hit-1-million-infections-spread-beyond-tokyo-2021-08-06 and those at risk of becoming so would be hospitalized, while others should isolate at home, a shift in policy some fear may lead to an increase in deaths.

SPECTATORS

Both foreign and domestic spectators were mostly absent from the Games, a decision was taken by organizers to reduce the potential risks of virus transmission.

At some events, noisy delegations&nbsp;made up for the lack of spectators, while announcers at other events tried to hype what little crowd they did have to cheer on the athletes.

Since most athletes were unable to bring their families to Tokyo, organizers set up special screens where athletes could see live feeds of their cheering family members after completing their competitions.

Isolation and the absence of family and friends, however, took a toll on athletes' mental health, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country's hopes on the global sports stage.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-closing-day-live-updates-final-events-underway-followed-by-ceremony-403835" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony</a>

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the lack of spectators did not dent any excitement over the Games and that many viewers were still able to enjoy the event through TV and other platforms.

Though most venues did not allow spectators, crowds gathered outside the National Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony and many lined the streets&nbsp;to watch the triathlon.

PUBLIC OPINION

While most of the public remained opposed to the Games leading up to its opening, there have not been more recent polls since the start of the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;to compare public sentiment.

Voter support, however, for the government slid to 34%, the lowest since Prime Minister Suga took office last September.

The IOC has touted the high TV viewership of the Games to show the Japanese public's support of the event. The IOC has said that 113.5 million Japanese watched some coverage of the Games as of Aug. 1.

There were intermittent protests at the Games, including outside the National Stadium during the opening ceremony, but none large enough to significantly disrupt any of the events.

As the Olympics nears its close, here is a look at how it played out under strict restrictions to ensure a "safe and secure" Tokyo 2020 amid a COVID-19 pandemic.

As the Olympics nears its close, here is a look at how it played out under strict restrictions to ensure a "safe and secure" Tokyo 2020 amid a COVID-19 pandemic. VIRUS CASES Inside the Olympic "bubble" where athletes and others involved in the Games have spent the past two weeks, a total of 430 COVID-19 cases had been reported as of Sunday. While organizers have touted the low infection rate among what they call the world's "most tested community", the Games have coincided with a surge in cases in the host city. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing ceremony: When and where to watch; IST time, theme, venue, Indian flag bearers Tokyo has reported record daily case numbers in the past week and the number of infections in Japan has increased by more than 140,000 since the Olympics began on July 23. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and Games organizers have reiterated that the event had not contributed to rising infections. But senior medical adviser Shigeru Omi told parliament that hosting the Games may have affected public sentiment and eroded the impact of government requests for people to stay home. MEDICAL SITUATION Outside of the Olympic bubble, Japan has defended a new policy of asking patients with milder symptoms to isolate themselves at home rather than going to the hospital. The number of serious cases have continued to increase in Tokyo, with the number of seriously ill patients rising to 150 as of Saturday. Prime Minister Suga has said only patients who were seriously ill https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/japan-covid-cases-hit-1-million-infections-spread-beyond-tokyo-2021-08-06 and those at risk of becoming so would be hospitalized, while others should isolate at home, a shift in policy some fear may lead to an increase in deaths. SPECTATORS Both foreign and domestic spectators were mostly absent from the Games, a decision was taken by organizers to reduce the potential risks of virus transmission. At some events, noisy delegations made up for the lack of spectators, while announcers at other events tried to hype what little crowd they did have to cheer on the athletes. Since most athletes were unable to bring their families to Tokyo, organizers set up special screens where athletes could see live feeds of their cheering family members after completing their competitions. Isolation and the absence of family and friends, however, took a toll on athletes' mental health, with some struggling to cope with the challenges posed by the pandemic while carrying their country's hopes on the global sports stage. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics 2020 closing day, LIVE UPDATES: Final events underway followed by ceremony The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said the lack of spectators did not dent any excitement over the Games and that many viewers were still able to enjoy the event through TV and other platforms. Though most venues did not allow spectators, crowds gathered outside the National Stadium for a glimpse of the opening ceremony and many lined the streets to watch the triathlon. PUBLIC OPINION While most of the public remained opposed to the Games leading up to its opening, there have not been more recent polls since the start of the Olympics to compare public sentiment. Voter support, however, for the government slid to 34%, the lowest since Prime Minister Suga took office last September. The IOC has touted the high TV viewership of the Games to show the Japanese public's support of the event. The IOC has said that 113.5 million Japanese watched some coverage of the Games as of Aug. 1. There were intermittent protests at the Games, including outside the National Stadium during the opening ceremony, but none large enough to significantly disrupt any of the events.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Tokyo Games in the shadow of the pandemic

Japan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-india-end-41-year-medal-wait-in-mens-hockey-as-they-win-bronze-402994">Olympic</a> city Tokyo reported 4,166 new coronavirus cases as authorities sought to expand COVID-19 emergency restrictions in the country.

Reports say eight more prefectures will be included in the emergency restrictions as the country battles the virus amid the high profile Olympic mega-event.

Watch:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/japan-to-expand-state-of-emergency-as-covid-19-cases-spike-in-country-402068/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The total number of coronavirus cases have surged to nearly 1 million with the Delta variant surging in the country.

Japan's economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the situation in the hospital was "extremely severe" as new infections were growing at an unprecedented pace.

Hospitals in Tokyo are reportedly facing a crunch amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

Authorities had imposed a state of emergency ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo as cases continued to surge along with six prefectures. Olympic organisers on Wednesday had reported 31 new COVID-19 cases taking the number of cases linked to the Games to 353.

The vaccination drive in the country has continued at a slow pace with just 31 per cent of people vaccinated. Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura had said earlier that some expert panel members had suggested imposing nationwide state of emergency as the Delta variant continues to spread in the country.

Japan has reported 14,200 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year with 15,221 fatalities.

Health minister Norihisa Tamura had earlier urged citizens to isolate at home who had mild symptoms with hospitals under pressure with COVID-19 patients, although the move was criticised by experts who said it would put people at risk.

"I would like to ask you to please understand that this policy is to ensure that we have enough hospital beds so that those who have to be hospitalised can be. If it doesn't work out, we will draw it back," Tamura said.

On Wednesday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/photos/with-a-medal-at-tokyo-olympics-re-live-the-glory-days-of-indian-mens-hockey-dhyan-chand-403033">Olympic</a> organisers had informed four members of the Greek artistic swimming team were infected with the virus.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Agencies)

Japan's Olympic city Tokyo reported 4,166 new coronavirus cases as authorities sought to expand COVID-19 emergency restrictions in the country. Reports say eight more prefectures will be included in the emergency restrictions as the country battles the virus amid the high profile Olympic mega-event.

Japan's Olympic city Tokyo reported 4,166 new coronavirus cases as authorities sought to expand COVID-19 emergency restrictions in the country. Reports say eight more prefectures will be included in the emergency restrictions as the country battles the virus amid the high profile Olympic mega-event. Watch: The total number of coronavirus cases have surged to nearly 1 million with the Delta variant surging in the country. Japan's economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said the situation in the hospital was "extremely severe" as new infections were growing at an unprecedented pace. Hospitals in Tokyo are reportedly facing a crunch amid the rising number of COVID-19 cases. Authorities had imposed a state of emergency ahead of the Olympics in Tokyo as cases continued to surge along with six prefectures. Olympic organisers on Wednesday had reported 31 new COVID-19 cases taking the number of cases linked to the Games to 353. The vaccination drive in the country has continued at a slow pace with just 31 per cent of people vaccinated. Economy minister Yasutoshi Nishimura had said earlier that some expert panel members had suggested imposing nationwide state of emergency as the Delta variant continues to spread in the country. Japan has reported 14,200 coronavirus cases since the pandemic began last year with 15,221 fatalities. Health minister Norihisa Tamura had earlier urged citizens to isolate at home who had mild symptoms with hospitals under pressure with COVID-19 patients, although the move was criticised by experts who said it would put people at risk. "I would like to ask you to please understand that this policy is to ensure that we have enough hospital beds so that those who have to be hospitalised can be. If it doesn't work out, we will draw it back," Tamura said. On Wednesday, Olympic organisers had informed four members of the Greek artistic swimming team were infected with the virus. (With inputs from Agencies)

Japan set to expand coroanvirus emergency restrictions amid surge in hospitalisations

In a rare incident at a nature reserve on the island of Kyushu in Japan, a nine-year-old female known as Yakei has become the boss of a 677-strong troop of Japanese macaque monkeys.

It all started in April when she beat up her mother to become the alpha female of the troop at the Takasakiyama natural zoological garden in Oita city.&nbsp;

Yakei also threw her 10kg weight around among the males.

In June, she challenged the 31-year-old alpha male, Sanchu, who had been the leader of “troop B” at the reserve for five years.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/twitter-partners-with-ap-reuters-to-battle-misinformation-on-its-site-402672">Also read |&nbsp;Twitter partners with AP, Reuters to battle misinformation on its site</a>

The wardens at the zoological garden then carried out a “peanut test” as they put out nuts for the group, seeing who ate first.&nbsp;

Satoshi Kimoto, a guide at Takasakiyama, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Since then, Yakei has been climbing trees and shaking them, which is an expression of power and a very rare behaviour in females".

Kimoto further added, "She has been walking around with her tail up, which is also very unusual for a female".

In a rare incident at a nature reserve on the island of Kyushu in Japan, a nine-year-old female known as Yakei has become the boss of a 677-strong troop of Japanese macaque monkeys.

In a rare incident at a nature reserve on the island of Kyushu in Japan, a nine-year-old female known as Yakei has become the boss of a 677-strong troop of Japanese macaque monkeys. It all started in April when she beat up her mother to become the alpha female of the troop at the Takasakiyama natural zoological garden in Oita city. Yakei also threw her 10kg weight around among the males. In June, she challenged the 31-year-old alpha male, Sanchu, who had been the leader of “troop B” at the reserve for five years. Also read | Twitter partners with AP, Reuters to battle misinformation on its site The wardens at the zoological garden then carried out a “peanut test” as they put out nuts for the group, seeing who ate first. Satoshi Kimoto, a guide at Takasakiyama, was quoted by The Guardian as saying, "Since then, Yakei has been climbing trees and shaking them, which is an expression of power and a very rare behaviour in females". Kimoto further added, "She has been walking around with her tail up, which is also very unusual for a female".

Japan reserve gets first alpha female monkey in 70-year history

Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with coronavirus border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas. 
 
The health ministry said late on Monday the three Japanese nationals named had clearly acted to avoid contact with authorities after recently returning from abroad. 
 
The announcement, the first of its kind, sparked a flurry of speculation among Twitter users about the details of those identified, such as their jobs and locations. 
 
Japan is asking all travellers from overseas, including its own citizens, to self-quarantine for two weeks, during which they are asked to use a location-tracking smartphone app and report on their health condition.

Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with coronavirus border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas.

Japan has carried out a threat to publicly shame people not complying with coronavirus border control measures, releasing the names of three people who broke quarantine rules after returning from overseas. The health ministry said late on Monday the three Japanese nationals named had clearly acted to avoid contact with authorities after recently returning from abroad. The announcement, the first of its kind, sparked a flurry of speculation among Twitter users about the details of those identified, such as their jobs and locations. Japan is asking all travellers from overseas, including its own citizens, to self-quarantine for two weeks, during which they are asked to use a location-tracking smartphone app and report on their health condition.

Japan government starts to 'name and shame' quarantine rule-breakers

Kai Koyama was standing outside Tokyo's Olympic Stadium as fireworks burst overhead during the opening ceremony but unlike many of those around him he wasn't cheering but protesting.

For months, polls showed strong opposition to the Games in Japan, which only grew as virus cases surged and the country's vaccine programme got off to a sluggish start.

But since the opening ceremony, sentiment seems to have softened.&nbsp;

More than half of the city's residents watched the opening extravaganza on TV and long lines have formed by the Olympic Stadium as people wait to have their photo taken with the Olympic rings.

Japanese athletes have won a record number of gold medals and shops selling Games merchandise have reported a surge in sales.

None of that sways Koyama and other long-time opponents of the Games, who continue to stage demonstrations, even if they tend to draw just a few dozen people.

"Lives are more important than medals!" chanted demonstrators outside Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's office in Tokyo on one recent evening.

Koyama was among them, urging Suga to cancel the Olympics and focus on Japan's latest surge in coronavirus cases, which has put Tokyo and other regions in a state of emergency.

"I'm so angry," the painter, in his 40s, told AFP.

"We are in an emergency situation... people are dying every day, but the Olympic Games are still going on."

<h2>Coronavirus threat&nbsp;</h2>

Tokyo 2020 is being held under strict anti-virus rules, with spectators banned from most competition venues.

But Koyama argues that holding the event sends the wrong message and encourages people to flout restrictions and risk infection.

He was outside the Olympic Stadium on July 23 when the shouts of protesters using loudspeakers could be heard in the nearly empty venue.

"I felt powerless and angry when I saw the fireworks at the National Stadium that told us the Games had started, despite opposition from 80 percent of the Japanese public."

Koyama has channeled his frustration into an art exhibition called "Declaration for the end of the Olympic Games", bringing together works by artists who oppose the event.

Exhibits include the clay sculpture "Ruins", in which Olympic rings, an olive-leaf wreath and a hand are covered by pale sand.

"There are athletes who perform with great skill, and people who enjoy watching, and I think that's a wonderful thing. But I feel people take the threat of the coronavirus too lightly," artist Sachiko Kawamura told AFP.

Kawamura argues "the way money is spent (on the Games) is wrong".

The government should be concentrating on dealing with the virus rather than spending on the Olympics, she said.

<h2>'Forced to watch'</h2>

While the virus has driven some misgivings about the Games, others in Japan opposed Tokyo's host bid from the early days, including 55-year-old painter Takatoshi Sakuragawa.

He struggled to understand why the country was competing for the competition in the International Olympic Committee vote in 2013 when it was still reeling from a 2011 tsunami that left more than 18,000 people dead or missing and triggered a nuclear disaster.

"I wondered why they were pouring energy into something like the Olympics even after our worst-ever disaster," Sakuragawa told AFP.

The Tokyo bid committee said the Olympics would help rebuild the disaster-hit area through the "power of sports".

But a poll in March among residents of regions hardest hit by the 2011 disaster found 61 percent disagreed that the Tokyo Games were helping reconstruction, against 24 percent who agreed.

Only a handful of Olympic events are happening in the affected area, many without spectators.

Koyama said he was shocked that Olympic organizers were willing to ignore public opposition, calling them "anti-democratic and dictatorial".

And Sakuragawa said he was trying to avoid Games coverage even though he enjoys watching sport.

"But whichever TV channel I turn on has them, so I'm kind of forced to watch."

Kai Koyama was standing outside Tokyo's Olympic Stadium as fireworks burst overhead during the opening ceremony but unlike many of those around him he wasn't cheering but protesting.

Kai Koyama was standing outside Tokyo's Olympic Stadium as fireworks burst overhead during the opening ceremony but unlike many of those around him he wasn't cheering but protesting. For months, polls showed strong opposition to the Games in Japan, which only grew as virus cases surged and the country's vaccine programme got off to a sluggish start. But since the opening ceremony, sentiment seems to have softened. More than half of the city's residents watched the opening extravaganza on TV and long lines have formed by the Olympic Stadium as people wait to have their photo taken with the Olympic rings. Japanese athletes have won a record number of gold medals and shops selling Games merchandise have reported a surge in sales. None of that sways Koyama and other long-time opponents of the Games, who continue to stage demonstrations, even if they tend to draw just a few dozen people. "Lives are more important than medals!" chanted demonstrators outside Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga's office in Tokyo on one recent evening. Koyama was among them, urging Suga to cancel the Olympics and focus on Japan's latest surge in coronavirus cases, which has put Tokyo and other regions in a state of emergency. "I'm so angry," the painter, in his 40s, told AFP. "We are in an emergency situation... people are dying every day, but the Olympic Games are still going on." Coronavirus threat Tokyo 2020 is being held under strict anti-virus rules, with spectators banned from most competition venues. But Koyama argues that holding the event sends the wrong message and encourages people to flout restrictions and risk infection. He was outside the Olympic Stadium on July 23 when the shouts of protesters using loudspeakers could be heard in the nearly empty venue. "I felt powerless and angry when I saw the fireworks at the National Stadium that told us the Games had started, despite opposition from 80 percent of the Japanese public." Koyama has channeled his frustration into an art exhibition called "Declaration for the end of the Olympic Games", bringing together works by artists who oppose the event. Exhibits include the clay sculpture "Ruins", in which Olympic rings, an olive-leaf wreath and a hand are covered by pale sand. "There are athletes who perform with great skill, and people who enjoy watching, and I think that's a wonderful thing. But I feel people take the threat of the coronavirus too lightly," artist Sachiko Kawamura told AFP. Kawamura argues "the way money is spent (on the Games) is wrong". The government should be concentrating on dealing with the virus rather than spending on the Olympics, she said. 'Forced to watch' While the virus has driven some misgivings about the Games, others in Japan opposed Tokyo's host bid from the early days, including 55-year-old painter Takatoshi Sakuragawa. He struggled to understand why the country was competing for the competition in the International Olympic Committee vote in 2013 when it was still reeling from a 2011 tsunami that left more than 18,000 people dead or missing and triggered a nuclear disaster. "I wondered why they were pouring energy into something like the Olympics even after our worst-ever disaster," Sakuragawa told AFP. The Tokyo bid committee said the Olympics would help rebuild the disaster-hit area through the "power of sports". But a poll in March among residents of regions hardest hit by the 2011 disaster found 61 percent disagreed that the Tokyo Games were helping reconstruction, against 24 percent who agreed. Only a handful of Olympic events are happening in the affected area, many without spectators. Koyama said he was shocked that Olympic organizers were willing to ignore public opposition, calling them "anti-democratic and dictatorial". And Sakuragawa said he was trying to avoid Games coverage even though he enjoys watching sport. "But whichever TV channel I turn on has them, so I'm kind of forced to watch."

Tokyo 2020: Japan's anti-Olympic activists fight on

As competitors battled for the podium on the third day of Olympic athletics on Sunday, it was Tokyo's stunning heat that perhaps dished out the most pain.

Punishing conditions&nbsp;greeted athletes and officials as a trackside thermometer touched 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) and the humidity hovered around 60%, with sun beating down on the fan-free Olympic Stadium.

Sweat-soaked reporters donned wet towels as the women's 3,000 metre steeplechase qualifier played out, the event's trademark water hazard appearing more enticing than ever.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/olympics-2020-us-swimmer-caeleb-dressel-joins-olympic-pantheon-with-five-golds-in-tokyo-402128" hreflang="en">Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo</a>

The risks of heat-stroke&nbsp;at one of the hottest Games on record are borne by the athletes, but also by the thousands of staff, especially at outdoor venues.

Some 30 people involved in the organisation of the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;have suffered heat-related illness so far but all had mild symptoms, Games director general Toshiro Muto said.

"Before the outset of the coronavirus problem, the important issue for the Tokyo Games was a response to heat illness," Muto told reporters. "We looked into all sorts of scenarios to take thorough measures. I believe our steps have been working well so far."

Bruno Schmidt, Brazilian 2016 gold medallist in beach volleyball, said the Games were hotter and muggier than he had expected. "The first two weeks here are one of the hottest that I had in my life, believe it or not."

But South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk, 400-metre world record holder and 2016 gold-medallist, said that while it would be nice if the humidity could be dialled down, "every competitor needs to deal with it and we take it in our stride".

World Athletics spokesperson Nicole Jeffery said the timetable has been designed to hold endurance events in the evening when it is cooler.

The packed evening agenda includes the marquee men's 100-metre final.

"All athletes are provided with water and ice and the medical team is observing them closely to make sure no-one is showing signs of heat stress," Jeffery said.

Jeffery added "cold water immersion facilities" were available for anyone suffering from heat.

The morning athletics programme saw China's Gong Lijiao win the women's shot put gold as qualifying rounds in the women's hammer throw, long jump and men's 400 metres took place.

<h2>'SO GOOD'</h2>

The Tokyo Games, from July 23 to Aug. 8, coincide with the year's hottest weather in Tokyo where the temperature can rise to 35 degree Celsius (95°F) or more. The 1964 Tokyo Summer&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were held in October.

A study last year by a Games adviser, analysing data back to 1984, found that Tokyo had the highest average temperature and precipitation of any host city for the period the&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;were held. Tokyo's five hottest days since 1964 fell in or around the period of this year's Games.

In 2013, the Tokyo bid committee promised "many days of mild and sunny weather", providing "an ideal climate for athletes to perform at their best", in defending the timing, which was driven by global broadcast schedules, when the global sports calendar is otherwise light.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-australias-emma-mckeon-becomes-first-female-swimmer-to-win-7-medals-at-single-games-402137" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Emma McKeon becomes first female swimmer to win 7 medals at single Games</a>

Battling stifling temperatures on Wednesday, tennis world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev warned officials a player "can die" in the heat. The sports' governing body later agreed to delay match start times in response to similar complaints by other players.

Hockey players, sweltering on an unshaded pitch, were given double the usual number of two-minute breaks.

At the equestrian cross-country course, France's Karim Florent Laghouag donned an ice vest, a wet towel and bags of ice around his neck when speaking to journalists after his ride.

"This is so good," he said, pointing at the vest as temperatures climbed well over 30 degrees Celsius.

Organisers have deployed a host of tools - from mist-spraying stations to cooling vests to AI gadgets that warn of heat-stroke risk - to beat the heat while handing out salt tablets and ice cream to volunteers.

Tokyo has also used roads that reflect heat or pavements that absorb water and the organisers moved the marathon and race-walk to the cooler northern city of Sapporo.

As competitors battled for the podium on the third day of Olympic athletics on Sunday, it was Tokyo's stunning heat that perhaps dished out the most pain. Punishing conditions greeted athletes and officials as a trackside thermometer touched 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) and the humidity hovered around 60%, with sun beating down on the fan-free Olympic Stadium.

As competitors battled for the podium on the third day of Olympic athletics on Sunday, it was Tokyo's stunning heat that perhaps dished out the most pain. Punishing conditions greeted athletes and officials as a trackside thermometer touched 40 degrees Celsius (104°F) and the humidity hovered around 60%, with sun beating down on the fan-free Olympic Stadium. Sweat-soaked reporters donned wet towels as the women's 3,000 metre steeplechase qualifier played out, the event's trademark water hazard appearing more enticing than ever. ALSO READ: Olympics 2020: US swimmer Caeleb Dressel joins Olympic pantheon with five golds in Tokyo The risks of heat-stroke at one of the hottest Games on record are borne by the athletes, but also by the thousands of staff, especially at outdoor venues. Some 30 people involved in the organisation of the Olympics have suffered heat-related illness so far but all had mild symptoms, Games director general Toshiro Muto said. "Before the outset of the coronavirus problem, the important issue for the Tokyo Games was a response to heat illness," Muto told reporters. "We looked into all sorts of scenarios to take thorough measures. I believe our steps have been working well so far." Bruno Schmidt, Brazilian 2016 gold medallist in beach volleyball, said the Games were hotter and muggier than he had expected. "The first two weeks here are one of the hottest that I had in my life, believe it or not." But South Africa's Wayde van Niekerk, 400-metre world record holder and 2016 gold-medallist, said that while it would be nice if the humidity could be dialled down, "every competitor needs to deal with it and we take it in our stride". World Athletics spokesperson Nicole Jeffery said the timetable has been designed to hold endurance events in the evening when it is cooler. The packed evening agenda includes the marquee men's 100-metre final. "All athletes are provided with water and ice and the medical team is observing them closely to make sure no-one is showing signs of heat stress," Jeffery said. Jeffery added "cold water immersion facilities" were available for anyone suffering from heat. The morning athletics programme saw China's Gong Lijiao win the women's shot put gold as qualifying rounds in the women's hammer throw, long jump and men's 400 metres took place. 'SO GOOD' The Tokyo Games, from July 23 to Aug. 8, coincide with the year's hottest weather in Tokyo where the temperature can rise to 35 degree Celsius (95°F) or more. The 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics were held in October. A study last year by a Games adviser, analysing data back to 1984, found that Tokyo had the highest average temperature and precipitation of any host city for the period the Olympics were held. Tokyo's five hottest days since 1964 fell in or around the period of this year's Games. In 2013, the Tokyo bid committee promised "many days of mild and sunny weather", providing "an ideal climate for athletes to perform at their best", in defending the timing, which was driven by global broadcast schedules, when the global sports calendar is otherwise light. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Australia's Emma McKeon becomes first female swimmer to win 7 medals at single Games Battling stifling temperatures on Wednesday, tennis world No. 2 Daniil Medvedev warned officials a player "can die" in the heat. The sports' governing body later agreed to delay match start times in response to similar complaints by other players. Hockey players, sweltering on an unshaded pitch, were given double the usual number of two-minute breaks. At the equestrian cross-country course, France's Karim Florent Laghouag donned an ice vest, a wet towel and bags of ice around his neck when speaking to journalists after his ride. "This is so good," he said, pointing at the vest as temperatures climbed well over 30 degrees Celsius. Organisers have deployed a host of tools - from mist-spraying stations to cooling vests to AI gadgets that warn of heat-stroke risk - to beat the heat while handing out salt tablets and ice cream to volunteers. Tokyo has also used roads that reflect heat or pavements that absorb water and the organisers moved the marathon and race-walk to the cooler northern city of Sapporo.

Olympics 2020: Tokyo heat roasts outdoor athletes amid heat-stroke risk

Japan said on Friday it will expand states of emergency to three prefectures near Tokyo and Osaka, as COVID-19 cases spike in the capital and across the country. Japan saw new COVID-19 cases surpass 10,000 for two days in a row, while Tokyo cases broke records for three days in a row through Thursday. Currently, the state of emergency is in force in five cities in Japan.

Japan to expand state of emergency as COVID-19 cases spike in country

Japan's government on Friday proposed&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;through August&nbsp;31 in three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka, as&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases spike to records, overshadowing the Summer Games.

Existing&nbsp;states of&nbsp;emergency&nbsp;for Tokyo - its fourth since the pandemic began - and southern Okinawa island should also be extended to Aug. 31, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is spearheading&nbsp;Japan's pandemic response, told a panel of experts in announcing the proposed expansion.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to formally announce the move later on Friday after the experts approved it.

Japan&nbsp;has avoided a devastating&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;outbreak, but is now struggling to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant, with daily cases nationwide topping 10,000 for the first time on Thursday, media reported.

Japan&nbsp;has imposed a series of "state&nbsp;of&nbsp;emergency" declarations, but the orders are mostly voluntary, unlike other countries which impose strict lockdowns.

Many people have grown weary of the stay-home requests, with some bars refusing to adhere to service restrictions, and&nbsp;Japan's vaccination rollout lags.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-thought-i-had-won-the-bout-couldnt-believe-that-i-lost-says-mc-mary-kom-401541">Also read |&nbsp;Tokyo Olympics: 'Thought I had won the bout, couldn't believe that I lost', says MC Mary Kom</a>

Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said the country had entered a new "extremely frightening" stage as cases are spiking even though the movement of people was not increasing, and said the highly transmissible Delta variant was a big factor.

"I think that people cannot see ahead and, worrying how long this situation will last, they find it unbearable that they cannot return to normal daily life," he told the panel.

The surge in&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases is bad news for Suga, whose support rates are already at their lowest since he took office last September and who faces a ruling party leadership race and general election later this year.

Tokyo announced a record 3,865 daily infections on Thursday, up from 3,177 a day earlier. The surge is beginning to strain the medical system, with 64% of Tokyo's hospital beds available for serious&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases already filled as of Wednesday.

Suga and&nbsp;Olympics&nbsp;organisers have denied there is any link between the July 23-August 8 Summer Games and the recent sharp spike in cases.

Unlike the voluntary restrictions and low vaccination rates elsewhere in&nbsp;Japan, the Olympic village in Tokyo for athletes and coaches boasts more than 80% vaccination, testing is compulsory and movement is stringently curtailed.

Athletes and other attendees from around the world must follow strict rules to prevent any spread of the virus within the "Olympic bubble" or to the wider city. Spectators are banned from most venues.

Organisers said on Friday reported 27 new Games-related&nbsp;COVID-19&nbsp;cases including three athletes, bringing the total Games-linked infections since July 1 to 220.

But experts worry holding the Games has sent a confusing message to the public about the need to limit activities.

Less than 30% of residents of&nbsp;Japan&nbsp;are fully vaccinated. Nishimura repeated that all those who want to get vaccinated should be able to do so by October or November.

Japan's government on Friday proposed states of emergency through August 31 in three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka, as COVID-19 cases spike to records, overshadowing the Summer Games.

Japan's government on Friday proposed states of emergency through August 31 in three prefectures near Olympic host Tokyo and the western prefecture of Osaka, as COVID-19 cases spike to records, overshadowing the Summer Games. Existing states of emergency for Tokyo - its fourth since the pandemic began - and southern Okinawa island should also be extended to Aug. 31, Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, who is spearheading Japan's pandemic response, told a panel of experts in announcing the proposed expansion. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga is expected to formally announce the move later on Friday after the experts approved it. Japan has avoided a devastating COVID-19 outbreak, but is now struggling to contain the highly transmissible Delta variant, with daily cases nationwide topping 10,000 for the first time on Thursday, media reported. Japan has imposed a series of "state of emergency" declarations, but the orders are mostly voluntary, unlike other countries which impose strict lockdowns. Many people have grown weary of the stay-home requests, with some bars refusing to adhere to service restrictions, and Japan's vaccination rollout lags. Also read | Tokyo Olympics: 'Thought I had won the bout, couldn't believe that I lost', says MC Mary Kom Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said the country had entered a new "extremely frightening" stage as cases are spiking even though the movement of people was not increasing, and said the highly transmissible Delta variant was a big factor. "I think that people cannot see ahead and, worrying how long this situation will last, they find it unbearable that they cannot return to normal daily life," he told the panel. The surge in COVID-19 cases is bad news for Suga, whose support rates are already at their lowest since he took office last September and who faces a ruling party leadership race and general election later this year. Tokyo announced a record 3,865 daily infections on Thursday, up from 3,177 a day earlier. The surge is beginning to strain the medical system, with 64% of Tokyo's hospital beds available for serious COVID-19 cases already filled as of Wednesday. Suga and Olympics organisers have denied there is any link between the July 23-August 8 Summer Games and the recent sharp spike in cases. Unlike the voluntary restrictions and low vaccination rates elsewhere in Japan, the Olympic village in Tokyo for athletes and coaches boasts more than 80% vaccination, testing is compulsory and movement is stringently curtailed. Athletes and other attendees from around the world must follow strict rules to prevent any spread of the virus within the "Olympic bubble" or to the wider city. Spectators are banned from most venues. Organisers said on Friday reported 27 new Games-related COVID-19 cases including three athletes, bringing the total Games-linked infections since July 1 to 220. But experts worry holding the Games has sent a confusing message to the public about the need to limit activities. Less than 30% of residents of Japan are fully vaccinated. Nishimura repeated that all those who want to get vaccinated should be able to do so by October or November.

Japan to expand state of emergency as COVID-19 shadows Olympics

Even after reporting the highest daily jump in COVID-19 infections among the Tokyo games participants, the organizers of the games have dismissed any link to the COVID. Experts have warned that the rising number of cases could lead to a health crisis.

Tokyo games participants test positive for COVID, organisers dismiss any link to virus

The archery events threw a few shocks.&nbsp;Teen sensation Kim De Jeok of Korea, fifth seed Hiroki Muto of Japan, and eighth seed Dutchman Sjef van der Berg being wiped out.&nbsp;

A lot of talks have been going on the conditions as well, particularly with a storm moving towards Japan.&nbsp;

The Indian archers began a losing note with Tarundeep Rai losing his round of 32 against Israel's Itay Shanny in the men's individual archery contest.&nbsp;Itay Shanny crushed Tarundeep Rai in a shoot-off after the scores were level towards the end of the fifth set.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tropical-storm-nepartak-makes-landfall-in-japan-401062" hreflang="en">Tropical Storm Nepartak makes landfall in Japan</a>

Pravin Jadhav by a long shot the best Indian archer in the positioning round, completing 31st with 656 points, ahead of Atanu Das and Tarundeep Rai.&nbsp;

Pravin Jadhav began well with a 10 at 207 kmph speed.&nbsp;

<h2>Set 1 Pravin 2 - Bazarzhapov 0&nbsp;</h2>

Pravin:10, 9, 10 (29)&nbsp;

Bazarzhapov: 9, 9, 9 (27)&nbsp;

<h2>Set 2 Pravin 2 - Bazarzhapov 0&nbsp;</h2>

Pravin:9, 9, 10 (28)&nbsp;

Bazarzhapov: 10, 10, 7 (27)&nbsp;

<h2>Set 3 Pravin 2 - Bazarzhapov 0&nbsp;</h2>

Pravin:9, 9, 10 (28)&nbsp;

Bazarzhapov: 8, 7, 9 (24)

Pravin Jadhav has been probably the best archer for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2021. Among the three Indian male archers, he arose on top in the ranking round. 
&nbsp; 
A lot of came in as an integral factor here. Pravin Jadhav's&nbsp;certainty, steadiness, ability and all the more significantly adjusting to conditions.&nbsp;

Pravin Jadhav won the third set 28-24 and breezes into the next round.

The archery events threw a few shocks. Teen sensation Kim De Jeok of Korea, fifth seed Hiroki Muto of Japan, and eighth seed Dutchman Sjef van der Berg being wiped out.

The archery events threw a few shocks. Teen sensation Kim De Jeok of Korea, fifth seed Hiroki Muto of Japan, and eighth seed Dutchman Sjef van der Berg being wiped out. A lot of talks have been going on the conditions as well, particularly with a storm moving towards Japan. The Indian archers began a losing note with Tarundeep Rai losing his round of 32 against Israel's Itay Shanny in the men's individual archery contest. Itay Shanny crushed Tarundeep Rai in a shoot-off after the scores were level towards the end of the fifth set. ALSO READ: Tropical Storm Nepartak makes landfall in Japan Pravin Jadhav by a long shot the best Indian archer in the positioning round, completing 31st with 656 points, ahead of Atanu Das and Tarundeep Rai. Pravin Jadhav began well with a 10 at 207 kmph speed. Set 1 Pravin 2 - Bazarzhapov 0 Pravin:10, 9, 10 (29) Bazarzhapov: 9, 9, 9 (27) Set 2 Pravin 2 - Bazarzhapov 0 Pravin:9, 9, 10 (28) Bazarzhapov: 10, 10, 7 (27) Set 3 Pravin 2 - Bazarzhapov 0 Pravin:9, 9, 10 (28) Bazarzhapov: 8, 7, 9 (24) Pravin Jadhav has been probably the best archer for India in the Tokyo Olympics 2021. Among the three Indian male archers, he arose on top in the ranking round. A lot of came in as an integral factor here. Pravin Jadhav's certainty, steadiness, ability and all the more significantly adjusting to conditions. Pravin Jadhav won the third set 28-24 and breezes into the next round.

Tokyo Olympics, Archery: Pravin Jadhav knocks out World no. 2 Galsan Bazarzhapov in 1st round

Two skateboarding gold medals in two days have made the people of Japan excited about the sport which is making its Olympic debut in Tokyo 2020.

Japanese skateboarders 'excited' by two gold medal victories

Japan's&nbsp;tennis star&nbsp;Naomi&nbsp;Osaka has been eliminated from the women's tennis singles tournament at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 27 (Tuesday) after being defeated in the third round.&nbsp;

On day four of the Games, Czech Marketa Vondrousov crushed Osaka's dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal on home soil. The world number two was swiped aside 6-1, 6-4 by Vondrousova in an early shock.&nbsp;

Osaka was off to a poor start as she dropped serve in the opening game and then she was broken twice more as Vondrousova won the first set.

However, Osaka broke in the second set but relinquished the early advantage with a double fault. She&nbsp;saved two match points as she served to stay alive at 4-5 but Vondrousova emerged as a tough competitor and&nbsp;snatched the victory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-manu-bhaker-saurabh-chaudhary-fail-to-qualify-for-mixed-team-10m-air-pistol-qualification-medal-rounds-400852">Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary fail to qualify for mixed-team 10m air pistol Qualification medal rounds</a>

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Daring to dream. 
 
🇨🇿 Marketa Vondrousova is the first player through to the women’s singles quarterfinals, upsetting Naomi Osaka in straight sets. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Olympics?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Olympics</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tennis?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tennis</a> • <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Tokyo2020?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Tokyo2020</a> <a href="https://t.co/wWVyxva7Kz">pic.twitter.com/wWVyxva7Kz</a>
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) <a href="https://twitter.com/AustralianOpen/status/1419884362242269186?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2021</a></blockquote>
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She had earlier said, "It definitely would mean a lot for me to win gold here, but I know it's a process. I know that these are the best players in the world".

Osaka, who got the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, was attempting to become Japan's first Olympic tennis champion after Kei Nishikori, who won a bronze in the men's singles in 2016, beating Rafael Nadal.&nbsp;

Previously, Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty made shock exit in the first round.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-rupinder-pal-singh-strikes-twice-as-india-defeat-spain-3-0-in-pool-a-clash-400867">Tokyo Olympics: Rupinder Pal Singh strikes twice as India defeat Spain 3-0 in Pool A clash</a>

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka has been eliminated from the women's tennis singles tournament at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 27 (Tuesday) after being defeated in the third round.

Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka has been eliminated from the women's tennis singles tournament at Tokyo Olympics 2020 on July 27 (Tuesday) after being defeated in the third round. On day four of the Games, Czech Marketa Vondrousov crushed Osaka's dreams of winning an Olympic gold medal on home soil. The world number two was swiped aside 6-1, 6-4 by Vondrousova in an early shock. Osaka was off to a poor start as she dropped serve in the opening game and then she was broken twice more as Vondrousova won the first set. However, Osaka broke in the second set but relinquished the early advantage with a double fault. She saved two match points as she served to stay alive at 4-5 but Vondrousova emerged as a tough competitor and snatched the victory. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Manu Bhaker, Saurabh Chaudhary fail to qualify for mixed-team 10m air pistol Qualification medal rounds Daring to dream. 🇨🇿 Marketa Vondrousova is the first player through to the women’s singles quarterfinals, upsetting Naomi Osaka in straight sets. #Olympics • #Tennis • #Tokyo2020 pic.twitter.com/wWVyxva7Kz — #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) July 27, 2021 × She had earlier said, "It definitely would mean a lot for me to win gold here, but I know it's a process. I know that these are the best players in the world". Osaka, who got the honour of lighting the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony, was attempting to become Japan's first Olympic tennis champion after Kei Nishikori, who won a bronze in the men's singles in 2016, beating Rafael Nadal. Previously, Wimbledon champion Ashleigh Barty made shock exit in the first round. Also Read: Tokyo Olympics: Rupinder Pal Singh strikes twice as India defeat Spain 3-0 in Pool A clash

Tokyo Olympics: Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka knocked out of third round

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka's dreams of home Olympic gold were crushed by a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova Tuesday as her return to action came to an abrupt end.

Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron and was one of the faces of the Games, struggled in an error-strewn display that blew the draw wide open after the earlier exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and third seed Aryna Sabalenka.

"How disappointed am I? I mean, I'm disappointed in every loss, but&nbsp;I feel like this one s**ks more than the others," said the four-time Grand Slam winner.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-japans-tennis-star-naomi-osaka-knocked-out-of-third-round-400902" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka knocked out of third round</a>

Asked what went wrong, she replied: "Everything if you watch the match then you would probably see. I feel like there's a lot of things that I counted on that I couldn't rely on today."

The third-round defeat follows a turbulent few months for Osaka, who abandoned her French Open campaign in May after refusing to attend press conferences, citing the need to preserve her mental health.

Osaka also skipped Wimbledon, saying she had been battling depression and anxiety, before returning to Tokyo for her first Olympics, including her starring role at the opening ceremony.

"I definitely feel like there was a lot of pressure for this. I think it's maybe because I haven't played in the&nbsp;Olympics before and for the first year&nbsp;was a bit much," said Osaka.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-swimming-australias-mckeown-wins-100m-backstroke-gold-in-debut-olympics-400882" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020: Swimming-Australia's McKeown wins 100m backstroke gold in debut Olympics</a>

After looking assured in the first two rounds after her eight-week hiatus, Osaka made a dreadful start under the centre court roof at a rain-hit Ariake Tennis Park and never recovered.

"I've taken long breaks before and I've managed to do well.&nbsp;I'm not saying that I did bad right now, but I do know that my expectations were a lot higher," she said.

"I feel like my attitude wasn't that great because I don't really know how to cope with that pressure so that's the best that I could have done in this situation.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka's dreams of home Olympic gold were crushed by a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova Tuesday as her return to action came to an abrupt end.

Japanese tennis star Naomi Osaka's dreams of home Olympic gold were crushed by a 6-1, 6-4 defeat to Marketa Vondrousova Tuesday as her return to action came to an abrupt end. Osaka, who lit the Olympic cauldron and was one of the faces of the Games, struggled in an error-strewn display that blew the draw wide open after the earlier exits of world number one Ashleigh Barty and third seed Aryna Sabalenka. "How disappointed am I? I mean, I'm disappointed in every loss, but I feel like this one s**ks more than the others," said the four-time Grand Slam winner. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka knocked out of third round Asked what went wrong, she replied: "Everything if you watch the match then you would probably see. I feel like there's a lot of things that I counted on that I couldn't rely on today." The third-round defeat follows a turbulent few months for Osaka, who abandoned her French Open campaign in May after refusing to attend press conferences, citing the need to preserve her mental health. Osaka also skipped Wimbledon, saying she had been battling depression and anxiety, before returning to Tokyo for her first Olympics, including her starring role at the opening ceremony. "I definitely feel like there was a lot of pressure for this. I think it's maybe because I haven't played in the Olympics before and for the first year was a bit much," said Osaka. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020: Swimming-Australia's McKeown wins 100m backstroke gold in debut Olympics After looking assured in the first two rounds after her eight-week hiatus, Osaka made a dreadful start under the centre court roof at a rain-hit Ariake Tennis Park and never recovered. "I've taken long breaks before and I've managed to do well. I'm not saying that I did bad right now, but I do know that my expectations were a lot higher," she said. "I feel like my attitude wasn't that great because I don't really know how to cope with that pressure so that's the best that I could have done in this situation.

Tokyo Olympics: 'My attitude wasn't great', says Japan's tennis star Naomi Osaka after shock exit

Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil's Rayssa Leal -- who at 13 years and 203 days could have become the youngest ever individual Olympic champion -- and Japan's Funa Nakayama, 16.

Nishiya starred in the tricks section to score 15.26 and give the hosts a clean-sweep of the street discipline as skateboarding makes its Olympic debut.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo%202020:%20Britain's%20Adam%20Peaty%20wins%20100m%20breaststroke%20gold%20to%20defend%20Olympic%20title">Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title</a>

Her performance mirrored that of Japan teammate Yuto Horigome, who won the men's title with a stunning sequence of tricks on Sunday.

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A historic first on home soil!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JPN?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JPN</a>'s Nishiya Momiji is the first women's Olympic <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Skateboarding?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Skateboarding</a> champion!<a href="https://twitter.com/worldskatesb?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@worldskatesb</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/Japan_Olympic?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Japan_Olympic</a> <a href="https://t.co/6W6ReQE3BS">pic.twitter.com/6W6ReQE3BS</a>
— Olympics (@Olympics) <a href="https://twitter.com/Olympics/status/1419515718354227201?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 26, 2021</a></blockquote>
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US diver Marjorie Gestring&nbsp;remains the youngest individual Olympic champion after winning the 3m springboard at the 1936 Berlin Games at 13 years and 268 days.

Skaters each have two 45-second runs on the equipment and five shots at a one-off trick. Their best four scores out of the seven make up their final total.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-indian-fencer-bhavani-devi-goes-down-fighting-on-games-debut-400669">Tokyo Olympics: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi goes down fighting on Games debut</a>

Skateboarding is one of four sports making their debut in Tokyo, along with surfing, sport climbing and karate as part of an attempt to bring Olympics to younger audiences.

Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil's Rayssa Leal -- who at 13 years and 203 days could have become the youngest ever individual Olympic champion -- and Japan's Funa Nakayama, 16.

Nishiya finished ahead of Brazil's Rayssa Leal -- who at 13 years and 203 days could have become the youngest ever individual Olympic champion -- and Japan's Funa Nakayama, 16. Nishiya starred in the tricks section to score 15.26 and give the hosts a clean-sweep of the street discipline as skateboarding makes its Olympic debut. ALSO READ | Tokyo 2020: Britain's Adam Peaty wins 100m breaststroke gold to defend Olympic title Her performance mirrored that of Japan teammate Yuto Horigome, who won the men's title with a stunning sequence of tricks on Sunday. A historic first on home soil!#JPN's Nishiya Momiji is the first women's Olympic #Skateboarding champion!@worldskatesb @Japan_Olympic pic.twitter.com/6W6ReQE3BS — Olympics (@Olympics) July 26, 2021 × US diver Marjorie Gestring remains the youngest individual Olympic champion after winning the 3m springboard at the 1936 Berlin Games at 13 years and 268 days. Skaters each have two 45-second runs on the equipment and five shots at a one-off trick. Their best four scores out of the seven make up their final total. ALSO READ | Tokyo Olympics: Indian fencer Bhavani Devi goes down fighting on Games debut Skateboarding is one of four sports making their debut in Tokyo, along with surfing, sport climbing and karate as part of an attempt to bring Olympics to younger audiences.

Tokyo 2020: Japan's Momiji Nishiya, 13, becomes first women's Olympic skateboard champion

World no.1 Novak Djokovic remained steady on his quest to become the first male player to complete the Golden Slam.

The Serbian, who is attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year, had a 6-4 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the men's singles.

The players were evenly matched at the start of the first set but the 20-time Grand Slam champion proved too strong, pouncing on Struff's serve while leading 5-3 to take the first set. An early break in the second secured the victory.

"It was a tough opponent for a second round... but you know, I'm very pleased with the way I felt on the court," Djokovic told reporters.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-olympics-sumit-nagal-loses-to-daniil-medvedev-in-second-round-400713" hreflang="en">Tokyo Olympics: Sumit Nagal loses to Daniil Medvedev in second round</a>

Struff's compatriot and fourth seed Alexander Zverev brushed aside Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia 6-2 6-2, while world number two Daniil Medvedev breezed through with a comfortable 6-2 6-1 win over India's Sumit Nagal.

The tennis tournament reported its first COVID-19 case among players on Monday after men's doubles competitor Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands tested positive.

Rojer is the sixth member of the Dutch Olympic delegation to test positive after infections reported by a skateboarder, a taekwondo fighter and three members of the rowing team, including staff.

Rojer and his partner Wesley Koolhof were placed in isolation, while their second-round opponents from New Zealand received a walkover into the quarter-finals, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said in a statement.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic remained steady on his quest to become the first male player to complete the Golden Slam. The Serbian, who is attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year, had a 6-4 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the men's singles.

World no.1 Novak Djokovic remained steady on his quest to become the first male player to complete the Golden Slam. The Serbian, who is attempting to become the first man to win all four Grand Slam titles and Olympic gold in the same calendar year, had a 6-4 6-3 win over Jan-Lennard Struff of Germany in the men's singles. The players were evenly matched at the start of the first set but the 20-time Grand Slam champion proved too strong, pouncing on Struff's serve while leading 5-3 to take the first set. An early break in the second secured the victory. "It was a tough opponent for a second round... but you know, I'm very pleased with the way I felt on the court," Djokovic told reporters. ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Sumit Nagal loses to Daniil Medvedev in second round Struff's compatriot and fourth seed Alexander Zverev brushed aside Daniel Elahi Galan of Colombia 6-2 6-2, while world number two Daniil Medvedev breezed through with a comfortable 6-2 6-1 win over India's Sumit Nagal. The tennis tournament reported its first COVID-19 case among players on Monday after men's doubles competitor Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands tested positive. Rojer is the sixth member of the Dutch Olympic delegation to test positive after infections reported by a skateboarder, a taekwondo fighter and three members of the rowing team, including staff. Rojer and his partner Wesley Koolhof were placed in isolation, while their second-round opponents from New Zealand received a walkover into the quarter-finals, the International Tennis Federation (ITF) said in a statement.

Tokyo Olympics: World no.1 Novak Djokovic remains on track for gold medal

A top Japan government spokesman has said on Monday that Tokyo will soon protest against Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to one of four islands held by Russia that are also claimed by Japan. Tokyo calls these islands as the Northern Territories. &nbsp;

At the end of World War II, the Soviets seized the islands. The territorial row over them has strained relations between the two countries for years. It has also prevented the two sides from signing a formal peace treaty. &nbsp;

Touring Russia's Far East and Siberia this week, Mishustin made the first stop at Kuril Islands. The Russian government is looking to set up a special economic zone in the area. &nbsp;

During the visit, Mishustin visited a hospital and a fish plant on Iturup. It is one of the four southernmost Kuril islands. The prime minister said plant workers that the government is considering creating a special economic zone on the islands, where businesses and investors would be free of most taxes and customs duties. &nbsp;

“The measures Russian officials are currently pondering could be a good solution for investors, including the ones in the West, for Japan also, which, if interested, can create jobs here," Mishustin said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

A top Japan government spokesman has said on Monday that Tokyo will soon protest against Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to one of four islands held by Russia that are also claimed by Japan.

A top Japan government spokesman has said on Monday that Tokyo will soon protest against Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin's visit to one of four islands held by Russia that are also claimed by Japan. Tokyo calls these islands as the Northern Territories. At the end of World War II, the Soviets seized the islands. The territorial row over them has strained relations between the two countries for years. It has also prevented the two sides from signing a formal peace treaty. Touring Russia's Far East and Siberia this week, Mishustin made the first stop at Kuril Islands. The Russian government is looking to set up a special economic zone in the area. During the visit, Mishustin visited a hospital and a fish plant on Iturup. It is one of the four southernmost Kuril islands. The prime minister said plant workers that the government is considering creating a special economic zone on the islands, where businesses and investors would be free of most taxes and customs duties. “The measures Russian officials are currently pondering could be a good solution for investors, including the ones in the West, for Japan also, which, if interested, can create jobs here," Mishustin said. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan to protest Russian PM Mikhail Mishustin's visit to disputed Pacific islands  

Naohisa Takato delivered the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games for a host nation desperate for Olympic glory by winning the men's 60 kg judo, a sport fittingly born in Japan 140 years ago.

The win against Taiwan's Yang Yung-wei left Takato openly weeping on the mat and stood in contrast to the lack of fans in an empty arena at the Nippon Budokan, a mecca of Japanese martial arts and concert venues, amid the coronavirus pandemic.

"This is heavy. It makes me feel like dreaming," Takato, who was later all smiles, told reporters when asked about the gold medal that was put around his neck.

The triple world champion judoka, who had disappointed the nation with a bronze medal at the 2016 Games, had a nail-biting ride to the top of the podium with three victories in the finals coming in the sudden death Golden Score period.

He had a close shave in his quarter-final in the 60kg class, winning during Golden Score overtime on a foul by his Georgian opponent Lukhumi Chkhvimiani.

In the elimination round of 16, Takato delivered an ippon against Belgian Jorre Verstaeten.

"It was frustrating in Rio," Takato said, recalling the previous Games where he ended up with bronze. "It was a long road to get here."

In between matches at the eight-sided Nippon Budokan, which was built for the Olympics Japan hosted in 1964, sanitation workers poured disinfectant spray over yellow tatami mats to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection.

Blaring pop, rock and dance music was used to generate an atmosphere before the bouts.

JAPAN'S STRENGTH

Takato's victory underscored Japan's strength at a sport that originated in the country. Bronze medals went to Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan and Luka Mkheidze of France.

Japanese female judoka Funa Tonaki reached the final in her 48kg class but lost to Kosovo's Distria Krasniqi, just one bout away from achieving double gold on the same day with Takato.

Tonaki, a one-time world champion making her Olympic debut, won a semi-final with an ippon - judo's equivalent of a knockout - by pinning Ukraine's Daria Bilodid in Golden Score overtime.

It was a bittersweet day for the host nation, which has endured a lead up to the Games like no other.

The career of "King" Kohei Uchimura, twice Olympics all-around champion and holder of seven Olympic medals, came to an abrupt end when he failed to qualify in the gymnastics arena.

Japan also suffered an opening swimming session blow on Saturday when top gold medal hope Daiya Seto failed to make the men's 400 metres medley final.

Nevertheless, many spectators watching the Games at home under lockdown took solace in Takato's moment of joy.

"The first gold medal for Japan! It was a marvellous feat built on the bitter experience at Rio de Janeiro five years ago. Congratulations and thank you," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike tweeted.

Naohisa Takato delivered the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games for a host nation desperate for Olympic glory by winning the men's 60 kg judo, a sport fittingly born in Japan 140 years ago.

Naohisa Takato delivered the first gold medal of the Tokyo Games for a host nation desperate for Olympic glory by winning the men's 60 kg judo, a sport fittingly born in Japan 140 years ago. The win against Taiwan's Yang Yung-wei left Takato openly weeping on the mat and stood in contrast to the lack of fans in an empty arena at the Nippon Budokan, a mecca of Japanese martial arts and concert venues, amid the coronavirus pandemic. "This is heavy. It makes me feel like dreaming," Takato, who was later all smiles, told reporters when asked about the gold medal that was put around his neck. The triple world champion judoka, who had disappointed the nation with a bronze medal at the 2016 Games, had a nail-biting ride to the top of the podium with three victories in the finals coming in the sudden death Golden Score period. He had a close shave in his quarter-final in the 60kg class, winning during Golden Score overtime on a foul by his Georgian opponent Lukhumi Chkhvimiani. In the elimination round of 16, Takato delivered an ippon against Belgian Jorre Verstaeten. "It was frustrating in Rio," Takato said, recalling the previous Games where he ended up with bronze. "It was a long road to get here." In between matches at the eight-sided Nippon Budokan, which was built for the Olympics Japan hosted in 1964, sanitation workers poured disinfectant spray over yellow tatami mats to minimise the risk of coronavirus infection. Blaring pop, rock and dance music was used to generate an atmosphere before the bouts. JAPAN'S STRENGTH Takato's victory underscored Japan's strength at a sport that originated in the country. Bronze medals went to Yeldos Smetov of Kazakhstan and Luka Mkheidze of France. Japanese female judoka Funa Tonaki reached the final in her 48kg class but lost to Kosovo's Distria Krasniqi, just one bout away from achieving double gold on the same day with Takato. Tonaki, a one-time world champion making her Olympic debut, won a semi-final with an ippon - judo's equivalent of a knockout - by pinning Ukraine's Daria Bilodid in Golden Score overtime. It was a bittersweet day for the host nation, which has endured a lead up to the Games like no other. The career of "King" Kohei Uchimura, twice Olympics all-around champion and holder of seven Olympic medals, came to an abrupt end when he failed to qualify in the gymnastics arena. Japan also suffered an opening swimming session blow on Saturday when top gold medal hope Daiya Seto failed to make the men's 400 metres medley final. Nevertheless, many spectators watching the Games at home under lockdown took solace in Takato's moment of joy. "The first gold medal for Japan! It was a marvellous feat built on the bitter experience at Rio de Janeiro five years ago. Congratulations and thank you," Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike tweeted.

Olympics: Naohisa Takato wins Japan's first gold in men's 60 kg judo

Naomi Osaka said she was feeling refreshed and ready to play, following a dominant 6-1 6-4 win over China's Zheng Saisai in the opening round of the Tokyo Games - her first victory since taking a mental health break two months ago.

The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion had not played a competitive match since the French Open in May, when she withdrew after being fined for skipping the mandatory post-match press conferences on mental health reasons. She then also pulled out of Wimbledon.

Osaka said she appreciated taking time away from the court ahead of the Games in Tokyo, where she was chosen to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night.

IN PICS:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/sports/tokyo-olympics-2020-from-pv-sindhu-to-deepika-kumari-top-indian-athletes-to-look-out-for-400283">Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for!</a>&nbsp;

"More than anything, I'm just focused on playing tennis," she said in her first appearance in front of media in more than two months.

"Playing the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so I feel like the break I took was very needed. But I feel definitely a little bit refreshed and happy again."

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/Tokyo%20Olympics:%20Silver%20medallist%20Mirabai%20Chanu's%20special%20Olympic%20earrings%20stole%20the%20show">Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show</a>

Osaka's return to the game was hailed by the Japanese public, who showered her with praise following her win.

"(I admire) her powerful nature. Not just when she's playing, but she has her own principles which is wonderful," said 63-year-old office worker Yoshihiro Ohba.

Osaka was in ominous form against the 52nd-ranked Zheng, racing through the first set in just 32 minutes.

In the second set, the 23-year-old gained another early break but squandered two match points on the Chinese player's serve at 5-3.

Osaka went on to serve out the match to love.

Naomi Osaka said she was feeling refreshed and ready to play, following a dominant 6-1 6-4 win over China's Zheng Saisai in the opening round of the Tokyo Games - her first victory since taking a mental health break two months ago.

Naomi Osaka said she was feeling refreshed and ready to play, following a dominant 6-1 6-4 win over China's Zheng Saisai in the opening round of the Tokyo Games - her first victory since taking a mental health break two months ago. The Japanese four-time Grand Slam champion had not played a competitive match since the French Open in May, when she withdrew after being fined for skipping the mandatory post-match press conferences on mental health reasons. She then also pulled out of Wimbledon. Osaka said she appreciated taking time away from the court ahead of the Games in Tokyo, where she was chosen to light the Olympic cauldron at the opening ceremony on Friday night. IN PICS: Tokyo Olympics 2020- From PV Sindhu to Deepika Kumari: Top Indian athletes to look out for! "More than anything, I'm just focused on playing tennis," she said in her first appearance in front of media in more than two months. "Playing the Olympics has been a dream of mine since I was a kid, so I feel like the break I took was very needed. But I feel definitely a little bit refreshed and happy again." ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics: Silver medallist Mirabai Chanu's special Olympic earrings stole the show Osaka's return to the game was hailed by the Japanese public, who showered her with praise following her win. "(I admire) her powerful nature. Not just when she's playing, but she has her own principles which is wonderful," said 63-year-old office worker Yoshihiro Ohba. Osaka was in ominous form against the 52nd-ranked Zheng, racing through the first set in just 32 minutes. In the second set, the 23-year-old gained another early break but squandered two match points on the Chinese player's serve at 5-3. Osaka went on to serve out the match to love.

Tokyo Olympics: Naomi Osaka refreshed and ready after first win since May

WION Wideangle takes you to Tokyo2020 70+ people linked to the Games tested positive for COVID Experts: Olympic Village bubble already 'broken' No spectators, but thousands are at risk Why is Japan flirting with disaster? Will Tokyo Olympics become a COVID super-spreader?

Tokyo Olympics: A super-spreader games? | WION Wideangle

The director of the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympics 2020 has been fired on the eve of the event after reports emerged of a past joke he had made about the Holocaust. Video of Kentaro Kobayashi from the 1990s recently emerged in which he appears to make jokes about the Holocaust.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Opening ceremony Director fired over Holocaust joke

One among them is the highly-skilled Saurabh Chaudhary, who will have a few Olympic and world champions standing in his way to glory at sport''s biggest showpiece.

WION Sports: Strong Indian medal contenders in action on day 1

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