In Japan, a countdown is underway for the biggest and perhaps the greatest sporting event in the world, the Olympics. It is extremely rare for the Olympics to be postponed or cancelled. Since 1896, the Games have been cancelled only six times, mostly due to wars. In 2020, the quadrennial event got cancelled due to a pandemic. <o:p></o:p>

But the question remains, are we headed towards a seventh cancellation this year? Japan is witnessing a spike in infections, with just 87 days left to the Olympics. Four major prefectures are under a state of emergency. Cities that were supposed to host foreign teams are slowly pulling out. And the Japanese government seems divided on the road ahead. All of this has once again raised the possibility of the Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled or postponed.<o:p></o:p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-will-tokyo-olympics-be-cancelled-again-380946/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

There has been a surge in infections, the largest in three months and the timing couldn't have been worse. <o:p></o:p>

The Olympic torch is travelling across Japan. In the year 2020, the country had to douse its flame. But will it be the same this year? The possibility can't be ruled out.<o:p></o:p>

Last week, the secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic party revealed that cancellation remains an option. Toshi-Hiro Nikai said, 'if it seems impossible to do it anymore, then we have to stop, decisively."

<o:p><img alt="Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid pandemic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1c2c41cd-9f9f-4077-ae9c-932cf9d3f341" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_97H7MP.jpg" /></o:p>

These comments were at odds with the united front put by the Japanese government. And they've led to consequences. More than 500 towns and cities had signed up to host Olympic teams. But with the government divided and cases soaring, most of them are rethinking their plans. The western town of Okuizumo - was going to host India's hockey team. Now it won't.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/impossible-now-japans-olympic-host-towns-pull-out-over-pandemic-380731" hreflang="en">'Impossible now' - Japan's Olympic host towns pull out over pandemic</a>

The Kurihara city in the north -&nbsp;was planning to host South Africa's hockey team. Now it won't. Australia's swimming team will not train in Nagaoka city. And Canada's table tennis team will no longer go to Okaya city.<o:p></o:p>

The host towns are pulling out but what about the people? What do they want?<o:p></o:p>

In a poll conducted by Kyodo News, 39.2% of respondents said&nbsp;they want the games scrapped, 32.8% favoured another delay and only 24.5% want it to go as scheduled.

<o:p><img alt="Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid raging pandemic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="682843d1-8106-43d4-8014-65a037c4497d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_92D2WN.jpg" /></o:p>

The poll also touched on the nationwide Olympic torch relay. 49.3% said it should be cancelled in areas with a high rate of infections, 35.9% said it should be cancelled entirely, and only 13.2% said it should continue.<o:p></o:p>

The message by and large is that people are worried. But can Japan really afford to cancel the Games?<o:p></o:p>

Since winning the rights to host the games in 2013, Japan has spent billions of dollars on getting the infrastructure ready. Last year's postponement has already led to 6 billion dollars in economic loss. If the Games are cancelled again, the losses would be tough to bear.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tokyo-2020-defends-request-for-olympic-nurses-as-virus-spikes-380576" hreflang="en">Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses as virus spikes</a>

Besides, Japan has branded the games as humanity's win over the pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

A cancellation after such statements&nbsp;will not send the right message.<o:p></o:p>

In Japan, a countdown is underway for the biggest and perhaps the greatest sporting event in the world, the Olympics. It is extremely rare for the Olympics to be postponed or cancelled.

In Japan, a countdown is underway for the biggest and perhaps the greatest sporting event in the world, the Olympics. It is extremely rare for the Olympics to be postponed or cancelled. Since 1896, the Games have been cancelled only six times, mostly due to wars. In 2020, the quadrennial event got cancelled due to a pandemic. But the question remains, are we headed towards a seventh cancellation this year? Japan is witnessing a spike in infections, with just 87 days left to the Olympics. Four major prefectures are under a state of emergency. Cities that were supposed to host foreign teams are slowly pulling out. And the Japanese government seems divided on the road ahead. All of this has once again raised the possibility of the Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled or postponed. There has been a surge in infections, the largest in three months and the timing couldn't have been worse. The Olympic torch is travelling across Japan. In the year 2020, the country had to douse its flame. But will it be the same this year? The possibility can't be ruled out. Last week, the secretary-general of the Liberal Democratic party revealed that cancellation remains an option. Toshi-Hiro Nikai said, 'if it seems impossible to do it anymore, then we have to stop, decisively." These comments were at odds with the united front put by the Japanese government. And they've led to consequences. More than 500 towns and cities had signed up to host Olympic teams. But with the government divided and cases soaring, most of them are rethinking their plans. The western town of Okuizumo - was going to host India's hockey team. Now it won't. ALSO READ: 'Impossible now' - Japan's Olympic host towns pull out over pandemic The Kurihara city in the north - was planning to host South Africa's hockey team. Now it won't. Australia's swimming team will not train in Nagaoka city. And Canada's table tennis team will no longer go to Okaya city. The host towns are pulling out but what about the people? What do they want? In a poll conducted by Kyodo News, 39.2% of respondents said they want the games scrapped, 32.8% favoured another delay and only 24.5% want it to go as scheduled. The poll also touched on the nationwide Olympic torch relay. 49.3% said it should be cancelled in areas with a high rate of infections, 35.9% said it should be cancelled entirely, and only 13.2% said it should continue. The message by and large is that people are worried. But can Japan really afford to cancel the Games? Since winning the rights to host the games in 2013, Japan has spent billions of dollars on getting the infrastructure ready. Last year's postponement has already led to 6 billion dollars in economic loss. If the Games are cancelled again, the losses would be tough to bear. ALSO READ: Tokyo 2020 defends request for Olympic nurses as virus spikes Besides, Japan has branded the games as humanity's win over the pandemic. A cancellation after such statements will not send the right message.

Japan's Tokyo Olympics conundrum worsens amid raging pandemic

&nbsp;After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

Winner of the coveted all-around crown along with team, floor and vault gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles had given every indication that the Tokyo Games would be her competitive swan song.

But the 24-year-old American hinted during her appearance at the Team USA virtual media summit on Wednesday that she might put off retirement and try to compete in Paris in an individual event such as the floor exercise where she is a five-time world champion.

Biles said she was getting some pressure from her French coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi to consider Paris and did not rule out the idea.

"Right now my main focus is the (Tokyo) Olympic Games," said Biles, who has also won a record 25 world championship medals. "After, we have a tour that has been put together and I am really excited to go around the U.S. with all the girls and do that 36 city tour.

"Afterwards I am not so sure because Cecile and Laurent are from Paris and so they have kind of guilted me into at least being a specialist and coming back.

"But you know the main goal is 2021 Olympics first, tour and then we will have to see."

The Olympics, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, begin July 23.

After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games.

After thinking hard about hanging on another year to compete at the COVID-19 delayed Tokyo Olympics, four-time gold medallist gymnast Simone Biles said on Wednesday she just might stick around for another three years for the 2024 Paris Summer Games. Winner of the coveted all-around crown along with team, floor and vault gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics, Biles had given every indication that the Tokyo Games would be her competitive swan song. But the 24-year-old American hinted during her appearance at the Team USA virtual media summit on Wednesday that she might put off retirement and try to compete in Paris in an individual event such as the floor exercise where she is a five-time world champion. Biles said she was getting some pressure from her French coaches Cecile and Laurent Landi to consider Paris and did not rule out the idea. "Right now my main focus is the (Tokyo) Olympic Games," said Biles, who has also won a record 25 world championship medals. "After, we have a tour that has been put together and I am really excited to go around the U.S. with all the girls and do that 36 city tour. "Afterwards I am not so sure because Cecile and Laurent are from Paris and so they have kind of guilted me into at least being a specialist and coming back. "But you know the main goal is 2021 Olympics first, tour and then we will have to see." The Olympics, delayed one year by the COVID-19 pandemic, begin July 23.

Paris, not Tokyo, could be last Olympics, hints gymnast Biles

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.

As well as moving to the Netherlands organisers announced Wednesday the invitation-only event which serves as a Tokyo Games qualifier has been put back a week to April 18.

As defending champion and world record holder, Kipchoge does not have to concern himself with qualifying but the Kenyan has nevertheless identified the NN Mission marathon as an important stepping stone to Japan.

It will give him the chance to draw a line under his lowest ever eighth-place finish last time out in the London Marathon in October.

This will be his only trial over the 42.2-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance before the delayed Tokyo Games marathon in Sapporo.

Organisers of the one-off 70-runner elite marathon were left looking for a new home after a tightening of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Hamburg.

Kipchoge, who set the world record of 2:01.39 in Berlin in 2018, blamed his poor performance in London on cramp and "problems with my hip".

This was the first marathon Kipchoge had failed to win after a sequence of 11 successes including the 2016 Rio Olympics since finishing second in Berlin in 2013.

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany.

Eliud Kipchoge will test his readiness for a defence of his Olympic marathon crown not in Hamburg as planned but in the Dutch city of Enschede after the race was switched due to Covid-19 restrictions in Germany. As well as moving to the Netherlands organisers announced Wednesday the invitation-only event which serves as a Tokyo Games qualifier has been put back a week to April 18. As defending champion and world record holder, Kipchoge does not have to concern himself with qualifying but the Kenyan has nevertheless identified the NN Mission marathon as an important stepping stone to Japan. It will give him the chance to draw a line under his lowest ever eighth-place finish last time out in the London Marathon in October. This will be his only trial over the 42.2-kilometre (26.2 miles) distance before the delayed Tokyo Games marathon in Sapporo. Organisers of the one-off 70-runner elite marathon were left looking for a new home after a tightening of coronavirus lockdown restrictions in Hamburg. Kipchoge, who set the world record of 2:01.39 in Berlin in 2018, blamed his poor performance in London on cramp and "problems with my hip". This was the first marathon Kipchoge had failed to win after a sequence of 11 successes including the 2016 Rio Olympics since finishing second in Berlin in 2013.

Kipchoge's Olympic marathon prep switched from Hamburg

From the unprecedented coronavirus postponement to last week's decision to bar overseas spectators, the path to staging the Tokyo Olympics has been littered with obstacles.

As the nationwide torch relay begins, organisers are hoping it can build enthusiasm among a sceptical Japanese public ahead of the opening ceremony on July 23.

Here, AFP chronicles Tokyo's troubled journey from being named host city in September 2013 to the Olympic flame finally hitting the streets of Japan a year late on March 25, 2021:

<h2>- 2013: Tears and cheers -</h2>

News presenters shed tears and crowds erupt in delight as the International Olympic Committee names Tokyo host of the 2020 Games.

Thoughts turn to the victims of Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, with the Olympics seen as a chance to rebuild.

<h2>- 2015-16: Stadium and logo ditched -</h2>

Proposals for a new national stadium go back to the drawing board in July 2015 following public anger over the $2 billion price tag.

As the Games stumble from one problem to another, Kenjiro Sano's original Olympic logo design has to be ditched over its resemblance to the emblem of a Belgian theatre. Sano denies plagiarism.

The following year a new "snake-eye" logo for the Games is unveiled.

<h2>- 2019: Payments probe, marathon switch -</h2>

French magistrates charge the head of Japan's Olympic committee, Tsunekazu Takeda, as they probe payments totalling $2.3 million made before and after Tokyo's nomination.

Takeda protests his innocence but later steps down from the role.

In October, the IOC shifts the Olympic marathon to northern Sapporo to avoid the capital's sweltering summer heat -- a surprise move that infuriates Tokyo officials.

<h2>- March 24, 2020: Historic postponement -</h2>

With the coronavirus spreading rapidly worldwide, Japan and the IOC make the historic decision to postpone the Olympics.

A new date is announced for the opening ceremony -- July 23, 2021 -- but the event will still be called Tokyo 2020.

Organisers later insist that there is "no chance" the Games will be postponed for a second time.

<h2>- December 2020: Extra costs, new rules -&nbsp;</h2>

Anti-virus measures and other delay-related costs add 294 billion yen ($2.8 billion) to the price tag, which has ballooned to at least 1.64 trillion yen ($15.8 billion) -- making Tokyo 2020 potentially the most expensive Summer Olympics in history.

Organisers outline plans for holding the event safely, with athletes facing regular testing and restrictions on mingling, and spectators spared quarantine but banned from cheering.

The IOC says it will try to ensure as many participants as possible are vaccinated, but jabs will not be obligatory.

<h2>- January 2021: Virus surges, support drops -</h2>

Japan declares a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region just six months before the Olympics are due to open. Other areas of Japan are added later and measures extended for a second month.

Polls show around 80 percent of people in Japan say the event should be cancelled or postponed again.

But organisers and the IOC insist the Games will be held with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga saying they will be "proof of mankind's victory over the virus".

<h2>- February 2021: Sexism rows -</h2>

Yoshiro Mori, chief of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, resigns after his claims that women talk too much in meetings spark a firestorm of criticism.

He is replaced by Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto, 56, a seven-time Olympian who is one of just two women in Japan's cabinet.

Weeks into her tenure, she accepts the resignation of Hiroshi Sasaki, creative director for the Games' opening and closing ceremonies after a report reveals he suggested a plus-size female comedian could appear as an "Olympig".

<h2>- March 2021: Overseas fans barred -</h2>

Organisers announce overseas fans will be barred from the Games to limit virus risks, marking the first time the Olympics will be held without foreign spectators.

A decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed to attend is delayed to a later date.

<h2>- March 25, 2021: Torch relay begins -</h2>

The rose-gold, cherry blossom-shaped torch is lit at the J-Village sports complex in Fukushima, which served as a base for operations responding to the 2011 nuclear disaster, but no spectators are allowed at the launch&nbsp;

The flame will traverse the country borne by 10,000 runners and passing through all 47 prefectures before arriving for the opening ceremony.

From the unprecedented coronavirus postponement to last week's decision to bar overseas spectators, the path to staging the Tokyo Olympics has been littered with obstacles.

From the unprecedented coronavirus postponement to last week's decision to bar overseas spectators, the path to staging the Tokyo Olympics has been littered with obstacles. As the nationwide torch relay begins, organisers are hoping it can build enthusiasm among a sceptical Japanese public ahead of the opening ceremony on July 23. Here, AFP chronicles Tokyo's troubled journey from being named host city in September 2013 to the Olympic flame finally hitting the streets of Japan a year late on March 25, 2021: - 2013: Tears and cheers - News presenters shed tears and crowds erupt in delight as the International Olympic Committee names Tokyo host of the 2020 Games. Thoughts turn to the victims of Japan's devastating 2011 earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disaster, with the Olympics seen as a chance to rebuild. - 2015-16: Stadium and logo ditched - Proposals for a new national stadium go back to the drawing board in July 2015 following public anger over the $2 billion price tag. As the Games stumble from one problem to another, Kenjiro Sano's original Olympic logo design has to be ditched over its resemblance to the emblem of a Belgian theatre. Sano denies plagiarism. The following year a new "snake-eye" logo for the Games is unveiled. - 2019: Payments probe, marathon switch - French magistrates charge the head of Japan's Olympic committee, Tsunekazu Takeda, as they probe payments totalling $2.3 million made before and after Tokyo's nomination. Takeda protests his innocence but later steps down from the role. In October, the IOC shifts the Olympic marathon to northern Sapporo to avoid the capital's sweltering summer heat -- a surprise move that infuriates Tokyo officials. - March 24, 2020: Historic postponement - With the coronavirus spreading rapidly worldwide, Japan and the IOC make the historic decision to postpone the Olympics. A new date is announced for the opening ceremony -- July 23, 2021 -- but the event will still be called Tokyo 2020. Organisers later insist that there is "no chance" the Games will be postponed for a second time. - December 2020: Extra costs, new rules - Anti-virus measures and other delay-related costs add 294 billion yen ($2.8 billion) to the price tag, which has ballooned to at least 1.64 trillion yen ($15.8 billion) -- making Tokyo 2020 potentially the most expensive Summer Olympics in history. Organisers outline plans for holding the event safely, with athletes facing regular testing and restrictions on mingling, and spectators spared quarantine but banned from cheering. The IOC says it will try to ensure as many participants as possible are vaccinated, but jabs will not be obligatory. - January 2021: Virus surges, support drops - Japan declares a virus state of emergency in the Tokyo region just six months before the Olympics are due to open. Other areas of Japan are added later and measures extended for a second month. Polls show around 80 percent of people in Japan say the event should be cancelled or postponed again. But organisers and the IOC insist the Games will be held with Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga saying they will be "proof of mankind's victory over the virus". - February 2021: Sexism rows - Yoshiro Mori, chief of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee, resigns after his claims that women talk too much in meetings spark a firestorm of criticism. He is replaced by Olympic Minister Seiko Hashimoto, 56, a seven-time Olympian who is one of just two women in Japan's cabinet. Weeks into her tenure, she accepts the resignation of Hiroshi Sasaki, creative director for the Games' opening and closing ceremonies after a report reveals he suggested a plus-size female comedian could appear as an "Olympig". - March 2021: Overseas fans barred - Organisers announce overseas fans will be barred from the Games to limit virus risks, marking the first time the Olympics will be held without foreign spectators. A decision on how many domestic spectators will be allowed to attend is delayed to a later date. - March 25, 2021: Torch relay begins - The rose-gold, cherry blossom-shaped torch is lit at the J-Village sports complex in Fukushima, which served as a base for operations responding to the 2011 nuclear disaster, but no spectators are allowed at the launch The flame will traverse the country borne by 10,000 runners and passing through all 47 prefectures before arriving for the opening ceremony.

Joy, delay and torch relay: Tokyo's turbulent Olympic timeline

Spectators will be barred from the start of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay, organisers said Monday, announcing a pared-back launch ceremony.

"The Grand Start ceremony and the first section of the Fukushima Torch Relay... will not be open to the public, but it will be broadcast live via a Tokyo 2020 official channel," Tokyo 2020 said in a statement.

The announcement comes ahead of a decision on whether fans from overseas will be allowed to enter Japan for the coronavirus-delayed Games, which is expected to be taken before the torch relay begins on March 25.

Spectators will be barred from the start of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay, organisers said Monday, announcing a pared-back launch ceremony. "The Grand Start ceremony and the first section of the Fukushima Torch Relay.

Spectators will be barred from the start of the Tokyo Olympics torch relay, organisers said Monday, announcing a pared-back launch ceremony. "The Grand Start ceremony and the first section of the Fukushima Torch Relay... will not be open to the public, but it will be broadcast live via a Tokyo 2020 official channel," Tokyo 2020 said in a statement. The announcement comes ahead of a decision on whether fans from overseas will be allowed to enter Japan for the coronavirus-delayed Games, which is expected to be taken before the torch relay begins on March 25.

Spectators barred from Tokyo Olympics torch relay start: organisers

The starting ceremony for this month's Olympic torch relay will likely be held without spectators, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, but fans will still be able to line the route.

The Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported that organisers fear crowding at the March 25 event in Fukushima, and will probably bar the 3,000 spectators initially planned.

Tokyo 2020 organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which cited an unnamed source.

The organisers have already laid out strict rules for the virus-delayed, nationwide relay, which was called off in 2020 after the historic decision to postpone the Games by a year.

Cheering along the relay route will be strictly banned, and people are asked to only attend sections near their homes and avoid crowding.

Mask-wearing will be mandatory, and spectators are asked to offer "support with applause and by using distributed goods rather than shouting or cheering".

Portions of the relay could also be suspended if there is overcrowding.

Organisers are battling persistent doubts about whether the Games can be held safely this summer and have unveiled a rulebook with various virus countermeasures.

They are set to decide this month on whether foreign fans will be able to attend, with limits on overall spectator numbers to be set next month.

The starting ceremony for this month's Olympic torch relay will likely be held without spectators, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, but fans will still be able to line the route.

The starting ceremony for this month's Olympic torch relay will likely be held without spectators, a Japanese newspaper reported Tuesday, but fans will still be able to line the route. The Yomiuri Shimbun daily reported that organisers fear crowding at the March 25 event in Fukushima, and will probably bar the 3,000 spectators initially planned. Tokyo 2020 organisers did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the report, which cited an unnamed source. The organisers have already laid out strict rules for the virus-delayed, nationwide relay, which was called off in 2020 after the historic decision to postpone the Games by a year. Cheering along the relay route will be strictly banned, and people are asked to only attend sections near their homes and avoid crowding. Mask-wearing will be mandatory, and spectators are asked to offer "support with applause and by using distributed goods rather than shouting or cheering". Portions of the relay could also be suspended if there is overcrowding. Organisers are battling persistent doubts about whether the Games can be held safely this summer and have unveiled a rulebook with various virus countermeasures. They are set to decide this month on whether foreign fans will be able to attend, with limits on overall spectator numbers to be set next month.

Fans likely to be barred from Olympic torch relay start: Reports

An overwhelming majority of Japanese said they were "interested in the Olympics", although 58% said they did not want them to be held this year because of fears over COVID-19, a Yomiuri daily poll showed on Wednesday.

In the survey, conducted between Jan. 18 and Feb. 25, when much of the country remained in a coronavirus state of emergency, 30% of the respondents said they were "very interested" in the Summer Games and 40% said they were "somewhat interested", for a combined 70%.

But concerns over the impact on coronavirus infections kept most opposed to holding the event this year, although the 58% in opposition is about 20 percentage points lower than earlier opinion polls.

If the Games were to go ahead as scheduled, 91% of respondents said spectators should be kept to a minimum or not allowed at all, the Yomiuri poll showed.

The Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed last year because of the pandemic and rescheduled to take place this year from July 23.

A survey by global consultancy Kekst CNC published on Wednesday showed similar rates of majority opposition in Japan, at 56%, as well as in Britain and Germany, at 55% and 52% respectively.

In France and Sweden, more people opposed than approved, while in the United States, respondents were split at one-third between those who agreed and disagreed that the Games should go ahead, according to the survey.

While coronavirus infection numbers are low in Japan compared with the United States and many European countries, the greater Tokyo metropolitan area remains in a state of emergency, with restrictions in place for spectator numbers for big sporting and cultural events, as well as closing times for bars and restaurants. The country remains closed to non-resident foreigners.

A Reuters poll published last month showed nearly two-thirds of Japanese companies also oppose holding the Games as planned, swinging from the previous survey showing most in favour.

Japan has so far confirmed 431,250 coronavirus cases and 7,931 deaths as of Monday.

An overwhelming majority of Japanese said they were "interested in the Olympics", although 58% said they did not want them to be held this year because of fears over COVID-19, a Yomiuri daily poll showed on Wednesday.

An overwhelming majority of Japanese said they were "interested in the Olympics", although 58% said they did not want them to be held this year because of fears over COVID-19, a Yomiuri daily poll showed on Wednesday. In the survey, conducted between Jan. 18 and Feb. 25, when much of the country remained in a coronavirus state of emergency, 30% of the respondents said they were "very interested" in the Summer Games and 40% said they were "somewhat interested", for a combined 70%. But concerns over the impact on coronavirus infections kept most opposed to holding the event this year, although the 58% in opposition is about 20 percentage points lower than earlier opinion polls. If the Games were to go ahead as scheduled, 91% of respondents said spectators should be kept to a minimum or not allowed at all, the Yomiuri poll showed. The Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed last year because of the pandemic and rescheduled to take place this year from July 23. A survey by global consultancy Kekst CNC published on Wednesday showed similar rates of majority opposition in Japan, at 56%, as well as in Britain and Germany, at 55% and 52% respectively. In France and Sweden, more people opposed than approved, while in the United States, respondents were split at one-third between those who agreed and disagreed that the Games should go ahead, according to the survey. While coronavirus infection numbers are low in Japan compared with the United States and many European countries, the greater Tokyo metropolitan area remains in a state of emergency, with restrictions in place for spectator numbers for big sporting and cultural events, as well as closing times for bars and restaurants. The country remains closed to non-resident foreigners. A Reuters poll published last month showed nearly two-thirds of Japanese companies also oppose holding the Games as planned, swinging from the previous survey showing most in favour. Japan has so far confirmed 431,250 coronavirus cases and 7,931 deaths as of Monday.

Most in Japan 'interested in Olympics' but don't want them to happen, finds poll

New Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has said that this year's Olympics should take place before a live audience. The statement comes despite doubts due to the surge in the COVID-19 cases.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/from-no-hugs-to-150000-condoms-here-are-the-details-of-athlete-rulebook-for-tokyo-2020-362452" hreflang="en">From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of the athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020</a>

Hashimoto, who was elected as the new Tokyo Games chief, told the Japanese media that the Games should have spectators just like other major sports hosting events before fans, although in limited numbers.

"When we think about the possibility of holding the Olympics without fans in the stands, athletes will definitely wonder why there are no fans just for the Olympics and Paralympics when other competitions are allowing in spectators," Hashimoto told reporters, according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper.

"Everyone wants an early decision about the direction to be taken regarding fans to prepare tickets and hotel accommodations," Hashimoto said, according to the daily.

Hashimoto replaced Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after making sexist remarks about women. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee.

Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.&nbsp;

New Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has said that this year's Olympics should take place before a live audience. The statement comes despite doubts due to the surge in the COVID-19 cases.

New Tokyo 2020 chief Seiko Hashimoto has said that this year's Olympics should take place before a live audience. The statement comes despite doubts due to the surge in the COVID-19 cases. ALSO READ: From no hugs to 150,000 condoms: Here are the details of the athlete rulebook for Tokyo 2020 Hashimoto, who was elected as the new Tokyo Games chief, told the Japanese media that the Games should have spectators just like other major sports hosting events before fans, although in limited numbers. "When we think about the possibility of holding the Olympics without fans in the stands, athletes will definitely wonder why there are no fans just for the Olympics and Paralympics when other competitions are allowing in spectators," Hashimoto told reporters, according to the Asahi Shimbun newspaper. "Everyone wants an early decision about the direction to be taken regarding fans to prepare tickets and hotel accommodations," Hashimoto said, according to the daily. Hashimoto replaced Yoshiro Mori, who resigned after making sexist remarks about women. "When you increase the number of female executive members, if their speaking time isn't restricted to a certain extent, they have difficulty finishing, which is annoying," he reportedly told members of the Japanese Olympic Committee. Mori, later on, issued an apology for these remarks, but he had refused to step down as Tokyo 2020 chief.

Tokyo Games should have spectators in stands: Seiko Hashimoto

Japan`s Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto has emerged as the preferred candidate to succeed Yoshiro Mori as president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee after he stepped down last week, public broadcaster NHK said. 
 
Mori`s recent resignation over sexist remarks is the latest blow for the Summer Games, already been marred by an unprecedented delay and strong public opposition in the face of coronavirus fears. 
 
The panel will ask Hashimoto if she wishes to take the position, NHK added. 
 
"I am aware of the report, but the committee is an independent body that makes its own decision," the government`s spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, told a regular news conference. 
 
Earlier, NHK said the committee had narrowed its focus to one candidate during two days of meetings. 
 
Born days before Japan hosted the 1964 summer games, Hashimoto is named after the Olympic flame and has lived up to her name by taking part in seven of the Games, both winter and summer, and in two sports. 
 
A 56-year-old lawmaker of Japan`s ruling party, Hashimoto has served as the Olympics minister, doubling as minister for women`s empowerment since 2019. 
 
At the committee`s first meeting on Tuesday, it agreed on five criteria for a new leader, such as a deep understanding of gender equality and diversity and the ability to attain those values during the Games, organisers said in a statement. 
 
Earlier on Wednesday, the Games faced another potential setback, when the governor of the western prefecture of Shimane said the Olympic torch relay should be reconsidered because of the virus. 
 
Governor Tatsuya Maruyama said he also opposed the holding of the Olympics and worried about infections. 
 
"Should the present conditions continue, I think holding the Olympics should be avoided," he told a news conference. 
 
The torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics is set to start in northeastern Fukushima on March 25, before travelling through all 47 prefectures in Japan over 121 days. Shimane will host it on May 15 and 16. 
 
The Games themselves are set to begin on July 23. 
 
Organisers have vowed to go ahead with the Games despite the pandemic, while opinion polls have persistently shown the majority of Japanese oppose holding the event this year.

Japan`s Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto has emerged as the preferred candidate to succeed Yoshiro Mori as president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee after he stepped down last week, public broadcaster NHK said.

Japan`s Olympics Minister Seiko Hashimoto has emerged as the preferred candidate to succeed Yoshiro Mori as president of the Tokyo 2020 organising committee after he stepped down last week, public broadcaster NHK said. Mori`s recent resignation over sexist remarks is the latest blow for the Summer Games, already been marred by an unprecedented delay and strong public opposition in the face of coronavirus fears. The panel will ask Hashimoto if she wishes to take the position, NHK added. "I am aware of the report, but the committee is an independent body that makes its own decision," the government`s spokesman, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato, told a regular news conference. Earlier, NHK said the committee had narrowed its focus to one candidate during two days of meetings. Born days before Japan hosted the 1964 summer games, Hashimoto is named after the Olympic flame and has lived up to her name by taking part in seven of the Games, both winter and summer, and in two sports. A 56-year-old lawmaker of Japan`s ruling party, Hashimoto has served as the Olympics minister, doubling as minister for women`s empowerment since 2019. At the committee`s first meeting on Tuesday, it agreed on five criteria for a new leader, such as a deep understanding of gender equality and diversity and the ability to attain those values during the Games, organisers said in a statement. Earlier on Wednesday, the Games faced another potential setback, when the governor of the western prefecture of Shimane said the Olympic torch relay should be reconsidered because of the virus. Governor Tatsuya Maruyama said he also opposed the holding of the Olympics and worried about infections. "Should the present conditions continue, I think holding the Olympics should be avoided," he told a news conference. The torch relay for the Tokyo Olympics is set to start in northeastern Fukushima on March 25, before travelling through all 47 prefectures in Japan over 121 days. Shimane will host it on May 15 and 16. The Games themselves are set to begin on July 23. Organisers have vowed to go ahead with the Games despite the pandemic, while opinion polls have persistently shown the majority of Japanese oppose holding the event this year.

Japan Olympics minister Hashimoto preferred candidate to be new 2020 head, NHK says

India's badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Reddy will now be coached by Denmark's former Olympic silver medallist Mathias Boe for this year's Tokyo Olympics.&nbsp;

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Former world number one in men's doubles, Boe, won the silver medal along with Carsten Mogensen in the London Olympics 2012. The duo even won the All-England Championships in 2011 and 2015 before retiring last year.&nbsp;

"Badminton Association of India welcomes Olympic medallist Mathias Boe as a coach for the Indian doubles team," the governing body's secretary Ajay Singhania said.

"...We believe Boe's valuable experience and understanding of the game will help our players with the much-needed guidance."

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Chirag and Satwiksairaj are ninth in the Race to Tokyo rankings, with 16 teams set to make the cut for this year's Olympics, which are due to open on July 23 after being postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic.

According to Chirag, Boe's appointment comes as a psychological boost.

"He's aware of the kind of talent that exists in the top 10 and can help us better understand what needs to be done to go ahead," Shetty told the Olympic Channel.

"Moreover, Boe and Mogenson have a great record in closing out tight matches. He's someone who bossed his serve and the net game. And that's an area we need to work on."

(Inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

India's badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Reddy will now be coached by Denmark's former Olympic silver medallist Mathias Boe for this year's Tokyo Olympics.

India's badminton duo Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Reddy will now be coached by Denmark's former Olympic silver medallist Mathias Boe for this year's Tokyo Olympics. ALSO READ: Aus Open: Top-ranked Ashleigh Barty thrilled to be back playing again Former world number one in men's doubles, Boe, won the silver medal along with Carsten Mogensen in the London Olympics 2012. The duo even won the All-England Championships in 2011 and 2015 before retiring last year. "Badminton Association of India welcomes Olympic medallist Mathias Boe as a coach for the Indian doubles team," the governing body's secretary Ajay Singhania said. "...We believe Boe's valuable experience and understanding of the game will help our players with the much-needed guidance." ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics Chirag and Satwiksairaj are ninth in the Race to Tokyo rankings, with 16 teams set to make the cut for this year's Olympics, which are due to open on July 23 after being postponed for a year because of the coronavirus pandemic. According to Chirag, Boe's appointment comes as a psychological boost. "He's aware of the kind of talent that exists in the top 10 and can help us better understand what needs to be done to go ahead," Shetty told the Olympic Channel. "Moreover, Boe and Mogenson have a great record in closing out tight matches. He's someone who bossed his serve and the net game. And that's an area we need to work on." (Inputs from Reuters)

Former Olympic medalist Mathias Boe to coach Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Reddy for Tokyo Games

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate.

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"Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.

"I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity."

The Prime Minister's came after the organisers and International Olympic Committee confirmed that the Games will go ahead as planned despite surge in coronavirus.&nbsp;

Large parts in Japan, including Tokyo, are still under the state of emergency due to COVID-19 raising doubts over the Games being held.&nbsp;

In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine.

On Wednesday, IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule.&nbsp;

Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate. ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics "Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Friday said that Tokyo Olympics will hold a symbol of unity and hope amid growing speculations of the Games' fate. ALSO READ: 'No Plan B': Japan's sponsors shelve ads as mood sours over Olympics "Japan will hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer," Suga said at the annual World Economic Forum, held online as the pandemic continues to wreak havoc worldwide. "I'm determined to realise the Games that will bring hope and courage to the world, as proof of mankind's victory over the virus and as a symbol of global unity." The Prime Minister's came after the organisers and International Olympic Committee confirmed that the Games will go ahead as planned despite surge in coronavirus. Large parts in Japan, including Tokyo, are still under the state of emergency due to COVID-19 raising doubts over the Games being held. In December, Tokyo 2020 chiefs unveiled a 53-page anti-virus rulebook that they say will allow the Games to be held safely even without a vaccine. On Wednesday, IOC chief said that the committee is is "concentrated and committed" in holding the Tokyo Olympics as per the schedule. Bach went on to talk about complexities of holding the Games, especially during the times of a pandemic, he said: "Organisation of Olympic and Paralympic Games extremely complex challenge. Complexity multiplied when it comes to the organisation of postponed Olympic Games under the conditions of a pandemic. We are learning every day."

'Tokyo Games will bring hope and courage to world': Japanese PM Yoshihide Suga

Australia's federal sports minister Richard Colbeck on Thursday announced that the country aims to vaccinate its Olympians against coronavirus before they head to Tokyo Games.

Australia's federal sports minister Richard Colbeck on Thursday announced that the country aims to vaccinate its Olympians against coronavirus before they head to Tokyo Games. ALSO READ: 'Vaccination not a silver bullet': IOC chief Thomas Bach urges athletes to not jump queue In an interview with the Canberra Times, Colbeck said that the body coordinating the vaccination rollout plan suggested that athletes would likely be inoculated before the July 23-August 8 Games. "If our plans work OK it may very well be conceivable that Olympic athletes, for example, we'll get to them before they head off to the Games anyway," he was quoted as saying. The minister went on to say that "older Australians, frontline workers and those with underlying medical conditions" would be prioritised and that "most athletes" would be vaccinated in a later phase of the rollout. ALSO READ: Insurers face 'mind-blowingly' large loss if Olympics cancelled This move comes after IOC chief Thomas Bach's statement on Wednesday, where he said that vaccines are not a 'silver bullet', however, the IOC is encouraging the everyone to accept vaccination. "Vaccination is not the silver bullet which solves all problems. It is part of the countermeasures for Tokyo 2020. We are encouraging everybody to accept vaccination. But athletes should not jump the queue," IOC chief said. Several international federations, including Israel's Olympic Committee, have already begun vaccination drive for their Olympic delegation before the Games kick-off. The Australian Olympic Committee (AOC) said it hoped athletes could be vaccinated but said vulnerable people and health workers must come first. "We are recommending and encouraging our athletes to get vaccinated but support the IOC position that it’s not mandatory," an AOC spokesman said. (Inputs from Reuters)

Australia aiming to vaccinate Olympians before Tokyo Games

US soccer star Megan Rapinoe said that she would be "devastated" if this year's Tokyo Games get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. As per the World Cup-winning player, her teammates will be disappointed if they miss out on such a "major championship".&nbsp;

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"We just do everything we can to keep our environment safe, prepare the way that we can, understanding, much like last year, it could likely not happen again," Rapinoe, who scored twice in Friday's 6-0 friendly win over Colombia, told reporters.

"That would be awful. Personally, I'd be devastated. A lot of my teammates would be devastated to miss out fully on a major championship because I don't think it would be postponed again.

"Someone will tell us at some point, but until then we just keep training and keep playing these games."

The United States women's soccer team won last of their four Olympic gold medals at London in 2012 and are currently the reigning World Champions.&nbsp;

Rapinoe said she understood the implications of bringing the global community together for "technically, a non-essential kind of thing".

"We understand we're in a global pandemic. Our country being one of those that's been hit hardest or handled it the worst," Rapinoe, the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner, said.

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"We're focused on every day. Eventually, someone will tell us if the Games are happening."

Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

However, the International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue". &nbsp;

While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer".&nbsp;

US soccer star Megan Rapinoe said that she would be "devastated" if this year's Tokyo Games get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. As per the World Cup-winning player, her teammates will be disappointed if they miss out on such a "major championship".

US soccer star Megan Rapinoe said that she would be "devastated" if this year's Tokyo Games get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. As per the World Cup-winning player, her teammates will be disappointed if they miss out on such a "major championship". ALSO READ: IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue' "We just do everything we can to keep our environment safe, prepare the way that we can, understanding, much like last year, it could likely not happen again," Rapinoe, who scored twice in Friday's 6-0 friendly win over Colombia, told reporters. "That would be awful. Personally, I'd be devastated. A lot of my teammates would be devastated to miss out fully on a major championship because I don't think it would be postponed again. "Someone will tell us at some point, but until then we just keep training and keep playing these games." The United States women's soccer team won last of their four Olympic gold medals at London in 2012 and are currently the reigning World Champions. Rapinoe said she understood the implications of bringing the global community together for "technically, a non-essential kind of thing". "We understand we're in a global pandemic. Our country being one of those that's been hit hardest or handled it the worst," Rapinoe, the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner, said. ALSO READ: 'If the worst happens': Swimming Australia eyes Plan B in case of Tokyo cancellation "We're focused on every day. Eventually, someone will tell us if the Games are happening." Earlier on Friday, The Times reported that the Japanese government has privately concluded that the Tokyo Olympics will have to be cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, the International Olympic Committee on Friday reacted to the speculations of the Tokyo Olympics 2020 getting cancelled as the IOC dismissed all the reports while terming it "categorically untrue". While Japan's Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Manabu Sakai dismissed the report, the IOC has given an official statement saying that "they will be implementing all possible countermeasures against COVID-19 and will continue their preparations for holding a safe and secure Games this summer".

Women's soccer star Megan Rapinoe says Tokyo Games cancellations will 'devastate' her and team

Swimming Australia has already started making a 'Plan B' just in case the Tokyo Games get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. As per Kieren Perkins, who is the President of Swimming Australia, the team has started discussions about a replacement domestic or virtual international competition for its athletes.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-reacts-to-reports-of-tokyo-olympics-getting-cancelled-says-it-is-categorically-untrue-358581" hreflang="en">IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue'</a>

Former Aussie gold-medalist Perkins said that he had a "little moment of panic" on Friday after reports emerged that the Japanese government privately concluded the Games would have to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Suga government issued a clarification and said that the Games will go ahead as planned.&nbsp;

"If the worst happens and Tokyo is cancelled, for our athletes who have had the opportunity to prepare and work so hard for so long to get to this moment, I think it behoves us to give them the best chance to at least test themselves and see what that work has created," he told the Australian newspaper.

"We are preparing on the basis that this is happening so our swimmers will be ready, our trials are going ahead. If the Games themselves are cancelled, what can we do to take advantage of the fact that our athletes are ready?

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"It is an open question ... whether we run our own meet or maybe we could do a virtual meet with some of our major competition. It is an open question mark at the moment, but we will prepare and have alternate plans."

Twice Olympic sprint relay champion Cate Campbell told the paper she thought it was a "wonderful idea", even if she desperately wanted to swim at her fourth Olympics in Tokyo.

"I think one of the benefits of having an ex-athlete as our current president is that he thinks of things like that," said the 28-year-old.

"Will it be the same? Absolutely not. But it is something worth exploring and asking athletes if it is something they would like to do, absolutely."

The Games are scheduled to be played between July and August this year.&nbsp;

(Inputs from Reuters)

Swimming Australia has already started making a 'Plan B' just in case the Tokyo Games get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. As per Kieren Perkins, who is the President of Swimming Australia, the team has started discussions about a replacement domestic or virtual international competition for its athletes.

Swimming Australia has already started making a 'Plan B' just in case the Tokyo Games get cancelled due to coronavirus pandemic. As per Kieren Perkins, who is the President of Swimming Australia, the team has started discussions about a replacement domestic or virtual international competition for its athletes. ALSO READ: IOC reacts to reports of Tokyo Olympics getting cancelled, says it is 'categorically untrue' Former Aussie gold-medalist Perkins said that he had a "little moment of panic" on Friday after reports emerged that the Japanese government privately concluded the Games would have to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the Suga government issued a clarification and said that the Games will go ahead as planned. "If the worst happens and Tokyo is cancelled, for our athletes who have had the opportunity to prepare and work so hard for so long to get to this moment, I think it behoves us to give them the best chance to at least test themselves and see what that work has created," he told the Australian newspaper. "We are preparing on the basis that this is happening so our swimmers will be ready, our trials are going ahead. If the Games themselves are cancelled, what can we do to take advantage of the fact that our athletes are ready? ALSO READ: Tokyo Olympics cancelled? Japanese government issues clarification "It is an open question ... whether we run our own meet or maybe we could do a virtual meet with some of our major competition. It is an open question mark at the moment, but we will prepare and have alternate plans." Twice Olympic sprint relay champion Cate Campbell told the paper she thought it was a "wonderful idea", even if she desperately wanted to swim at her fourth Olympics in Tokyo. "I think one of the benefits of having an ex-athlete as our current president is that he thinks of things like that," said the 28-year-old. "Will it be the same? Absolutely not. But it is something worth exploring and asking athletes if it is something they would like to do, absolutely." The Games are scheduled to be played between July and August this year. (Inputs from Reuters)

'If the worst happens': Swimming Australia eyes Plan B in case of Tokyo cancellation

As embattled Tokyo Olympics organisers enter the final six months of preparations for the delayed Games on Saturday, virus experts believe hosting the world's biggest sporting event may be too big a gamble.

The Olympics are due to start on July 23 but with much of Japan in a state of emergency and growing public opposition, organisers are under increasing pressure.

Japan has been less severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic than many other advanced economies, but a recent surge in cases spurred it to close its borders to non-resident foreigners and declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and major cities.

With 15,000 athletes plus support staff expected to descend on Tokyo for the delayed Olympics and Paralympics Games from all over the world, the Games represent a unique challenge for organisers.

"Do you have to risk that? Risk by holding the Olympic Games? I don’t think so," Kentaro Iwata, a prominent infectious diseases expert from Kobe University told Reuters.

"We are facing far more danger than last year, so why do you have to hold the Olympic Games, cancelled last year due to risk of infections, this year?

Organisers have maintained that postponing the Games for another year is not on the table, leaving complete cancellation or striving ahead as the only options.

Health ministry official Kazuho Taguchi on Wednesday echoed comments from Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga that the government is continuing with preparations as planned.

At this point, the plans are not "conditional" on the public or athletes being vaccinated against COVID-19, Taguchi said.

Cancelling the Games, already set to cost Japanese organisers $15.4 billion, would lead to huge financial losses.

But Iwata, who rose to prominence with videos criticising the quarantine of the Diamond Princess cruise ship in February, doesn't think holding the Games is the solution.

"Is it like the attitude of a bad gambler? The gambler who loses money just pours in (more) money to get it back," he said.

With COVID-19 vaccination rollouts differing country-to-country, whether the Olympics can go ahead "depends on the COVID-19 situation not only in Japan, but also other countries," said Koji Wada, a professor at Tokyo’s International University of Health and Welfare.

Even if the Games go ahead, full-contact sports like judo or wrestling will require more testing and attention to hygiene than other events, said Wada, who advises the government on pandemic response.

The numbers of spectators, athletes and events themselves may have to be curtailed.

"A full-scale Olympics, which we usually have, may not be possible," he said.

Organisers have said a decision on spectators will come in February or March.

As embattled Tokyo Olympics organisers enter the final six months of preparations for the delayed Games on Saturday, virus experts believe hosting the world's biggest sporting event may be too big a gamble.

As embattled Tokyo Olympics organisers enter the final six months of preparations for the delayed Games on Saturday, virus experts believe hosting the world's biggest sporting event may be too big a gamble. The Olympics are due to start on July 23 but with much of Japan in a state of emergency and growing public opposition, organisers are under increasing pressure. Japan has been less severely hit by the coronavirus pandemic than many other advanced economies, but a recent surge in cases spurred it to close its borders to non-resident foreigners and declare a state of emergency in Tokyo and major cities. With 15,000 athletes plus support staff expected to descend on Tokyo for the delayed Olympics and Paralympics Games from all over the world, the Games represent a unique challenge for organisers. "Do you have to risk that? Risk by holding the Olympic Games? I don’t think so," Kentaro Iwata, a prominent infectious diseases expert from Kobe University told Reuters. "We are facing far more danger than last year, so why do you have to hold the Olympic Games, cancelled last year due to risk of infections, this year? Organisers have maintained that postponing the Games for another year is not on the table, leaving complete cancellation or striving ahead as the only options. Health ministry official Kazuho Taguchi on Wednesday echoed comments from Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga that the government is continuing with preparations as planned. At this point, the plans are not "conditional" on the public or athletes being vaccinated against COVID-19, Taguchi said. Cancelling the Games, already set to cost Japanese organisers $15.4 billion, would lead to huge financial losses. But Iwata, who rose to prominence with videos criticising the quarantine of the Diamond Princess cruise ship in February, doesn't think holding the Games is the solution. "Is it like the attitude of a bad gambler? The gambler who loses money just pours in (more) money to get it back," he said. With COVID-19 vaccination rollouts differing country-to-country, whether the Olympics can go ahead "depends on the COVID-19 situation not only in Japan, but also other countries," said Koji Wada, a professor at Tokyo’s International University of Health and Welfare. Even if the Games go ahead, full-contact sports like judo or wrestling will require more testing and attention to hygiene than other events, said Wada, who advises the government on pandemic response. The numbers of spectators, athletes and events themselves may have to be curtailed. "A full-scale Olympics, which we usually have, may not be possible," he said. Organisers have said a decision on spectators will come in February or March.

Tokyo Games may be too big a gamble, disease expert says

Athletes arriving in Tokyo for next year’s Olympic Games, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be exempt from the 14-day isolation period Japan has imposed on anyone arriving from overseas to help stop the virus spreading.

Olympic organisers said on Thursday details still need to be worked out, but measures for athletes are likely to include coronavirus testing within 72 hours before arriving in Japan. But they warned decisions on spectators from overseas have yet to be made, saying a 14-day quarantine was “impossible”.

“Athletes, coaches and Games officials that are eligible for the Tokyo Games will be allowed to enter the country, provided significant measures are made before they get to Japan,” Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Officer Toshiro Muto told a news conference.

Muto was speaking after a meeting between officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the national government and Tokyo 2020 organisers on infection prevention procedures during the Games.

He said a decision on foreign spectators would be made next year, depending on pandemic developments.

“By next spring, we will be coming up with a plan for spectators, including non-Japanese spectators,” he said. “It is impossible to set a 14-day quarantine period for foreign spectators, so tests before and upon arrival are needed.”

Japan has held several recent test events, including a four-nation gymnastics meet last weekend, in which spectators have been admitted, but these were limited to residents of Japan.

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach is due in Japan for a three-day visit next week, at which Muto said he expected details of coronavirus counter-measures would be ironed out.

Reporting by Jack Tarrant; Writing by Sakura Murakami and Elaine L

Athletes arriving in Tokyo for next year’s Olympic Games, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be exempt from the 14-day isolation period Japan has imposed on anyone arriving from overseas to help stop the virus spreading.

Athletes arriving in Tokyo for next year’s Olympic Games, postponed from 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic, will be exempt from the 14-day isolation period Japan has imposed on anyone arriving from overseas to help stop the virus spreading. Olympic organisers said on Thursday details still need to be worked out, but measures for athletes are likely to include coronavirus testing within 72 hours before arriving in Japan. But they warned decisions on spectators from overseas have yet to be made, saying a 14-day quarantine was “impossible”. “Athletes, coaches and Games officials that are eligible for the Tokyo Games will be allowed to enter the country, provided significant measures are made before they get to Japan,” Tokyo 2020 Chief Executive Officer Toshiro Muto told a news conference. Muto was speaking after a meeting between officials from the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, the national government and Tokyo 2020 organisers on infection prevention procedures during the Games. He said a decision on foreign spectators would be made next year, depending on pandemic developments. “By next spring, we will be coming up with a plan for spectators, including non-Japanese spectators,” he said. “It is impossible to set a 14-day quarantine period for foreign spectators, so tests before and upon arrival are needed.” Japan has held several recent test events, including a four-nation gymnastics meet last weekend, in which spectators have been admitted, but these were limited to residents of Japan. International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach is due in Japan for a three-day visit next week, at which Muto said he expected details of coronavirus counter-measures would be ironed out. Reporting by Jack Tarrant; Writing by Sakura Murakami and Elaine L

Tokyo Olympics athletes won't have to isolate for 14 days on arrival - organisers

The organisers of Tokyo Olympics on Friday offered refunds for tickets bought in Japan while promising more reimbursements if Games are cancelled or fewer seats are available due to COVID-19 issues at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The big announcement comes after International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach warned that full stadiums “may not be possible” at Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to start a year late in July 2021.

Domestic fans who bought tickets can apply for a refund from November 10 to 30 or December 1 to 21 for the Paralympics, the Tokyo organising committee announced.

However, those who have bought tickets elsewhere in the world will have to look for refunds from their respective retailers. Notably, local fans in Japan who bought tickets can keep them and remain eligible for a refund if crowds are restricted in the Games.&nbsp;

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"Should we not be able to provide an opportunity to spectate the Games due to Covid-19, we will offer an additional opportunity to apply for a refund," the committee said in a statement.

Spokesman Masa Takaya said organisers "are not examining any cancellation (of the Games) or zero-spectator situation".&nbsp; 
Last-minute refunds are also being considered – for example, if an event has to be cancelled due to an athlete catching the dreaded virus.

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Around 4.48 million tickets have been sold for the Olympics thus far and nearly a million for the Paralympics, as per the organising committee.

According to the budget plan announced last in 2019, ticket sale should provide 90 billion yet or $860 million of the event’s 630 billion yet revenue.&nbsp;

The Games' most recent official price tag is 1.3 trillion yen ($12 billion), but the postponement and coronavirus countermeasures are set to increase that figure, though organisers are also seeking to slash costs where possible.

The organisers of Tokyo Olympics on Friday offered refunds for tickets bought in Japan while promising more reimbursements if Games are cancelled or fewer seats are available due to COVID-19 issues at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021.

The organisers of Tokyo Olympics on Friday offered refunds for tickets bought in Japan while promising more reimbursements if Games are cancelled or fewer seats are available due to COVID-19 issues at the postponed Tokyo Olympics in 2021. The big announcement comes after International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach warned that full stadiums “may not be possible” at Tokyo Olympics, scheduled to start a year late in July 2021. Domestic fans who bought tickets can apply for a refund from November 10 to 30 or December 1 to 21 for the Paralympics, the Tokyo organising committee announced. However, those who have bought tickets elsewhere in the world will have to look for refunds from their respective retailers. Notably, local fans in Japan who bought tickets can keep them and remain eligible for a refund if crowds are restricted in the Games. ALSO READ: France 'bruised' after 'cowardly' terror attack in Nice: Lille coach Galtier "Should we not be able to provide an opportunity to spectate the Games due to Covid-19, we will offer an additional opportunity to apply for a refund," the committee said in a statement. Spokesman Masa Takaya said organisers "are not examining any cancellation (of the Games) or zero-spectator situation". Last-minute refunds are also being considered – for example, if an event has to be cancelled due to an athlete catching the dreaded virus. ALSO READ: 'You are not Zlatan, don't challenge the virus,' Ibrahimovic tells public Around 4.48 million tickets have been sold for the Olympics thus far and nearly a million for the Paralympics, as per the organising committee. According to the budget plan announced last in 2019, ticket sale should provide 90 billion yet or $860 million of the event’s 630 billion yet revenue. The Games' most recent official price tag is 1.3 trillion yen ($12 billion), but the postponement and coronavirus countermeasures are set to increase that figure, though organisers are also seeking to slash costs where possible.

Tokyo Olympics organisers launch refunds for Tokyo Olympics tickets

Tokyo residents on Thursday (July 23) skeptically looked forward to another year-long wait for the Olympics after this year's scheduled Games were delayed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Tokyo residents skeptically look forward to another year-long wait for Olympics

The development of a coronavirus vaccine or treatment will be key to allowing the postponed Tokyo 2020 games to open in a year's time, organising committee president Yoshiro Mori said Wednesday.

Asked what factors will be crucial for the rescheduled Games to go ahead, Mori said "it would be whether the coronavirus woe is settling down."

"Specifically, the first point will be that a vaccine or drug has been developed," he said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK, published Wednesday.

Asked whether Tokyo could hold the Games if the virus situation remained unchanged, Mori said: "If things continue as they are now, we couldn't."

But he said that scenario was hypothetical. "I can't imagine a situation like this will continue for another year," he said

Tokyo 2020 should have been opening on Friday, but the Games were postponed in March as the coronavirus spread across the globe, marking&nbsp;the worst disruption to an Olympics since two editions were cancelled during World War II.

The Games are now set to open on July 23, 2021, but recent polls have shown less public enthusiasm for hosting the event, as virus cases show a resurgence in Japan.

Just one in four people in Japan want to see the delayed Tokyo Games held next year, with most backing either further delay or a cancellation, according to a survey published by Kyodo News this week.

Most of those backing a delay or cancellation said they simply didn't believe the pandemic could be contained in time for the Games.

Among the options that have been floated for a Games held during a pandemic is the possibility of limited spectators, or holding the event behind closed doors.

But Mori said reducing the number of spectators would be tough.

And he said holding the event without any fans was not an option for now.

"If it's the only way to do it, then it's something we'd have to consider. If that happens, there might be talk of cancellation," he was quoted as saying, without elaborating.

With just over a year to go until the rescheduled Games, there are persistent doubts about whether the delay will be sufficient for the pandemic to be brought under control.

Japan has so far reported 26,300 COVID-19 cases with 989 deaths, but Tokyo has seen an increase in cases recently and the country's borders remain almost completely sealed to overseas visitors.

The development of a coronavirus vaccine or treatment will be key to allowing the postponed Tokyo 2020 games to open in a year's time, organising committee president Yoshiro Mori said Wednesday.

The development of a coronavirus vaccine or treatment will be key to allowing the postponed Tokyo 2020 games to open in a year's time, organising committee president Yoshiro Mori said Wednesday. Asked what factors will be crucial for the rescheduled Games to go ahead, Mori said "it would be whether the coronavirus woe is settling down." "Specifically, the first point will be that a vaccine or drug has been developed," he said in an interview with national broadcaster NHK, published Wednesday. Asked whether Tokyo could hold the Games if the virus situation remained unchanged, Mori said: "If things continue as they are now, we couldn't." But he said that scenario was hypothetical. "I can't imagine a situation like this will continue for another year," he said Tokyo 2020 should have been opening on Friday, but the Games were postponed in March as the coronavirus spread across the globe, marking the worst disruption to an Olympics since two editions were cancelled during World War II. The Games are now set to open on July 23, 2021, but recent polls have shown less public enthusiasm for hosting the event, as virus cases show a resurgence in Japan. Just one in four people in Japan want to see the delayed Tokyo Games held next year, with most backing either further delay or a cancellation, according to a survey published by Kyodo News this week. Most of those backing a delay or cancellation said they simply didn't believe the pandemic could be contained in time for the Games. Among the options that have been floated for a Games held during a pandemic is the possibility of limited spectators, or holding the event behind closed doors. But Mori said reducing the number of spectators would be tough. And he said holding the event without any fans was not an option for now. "If it's the only way to do it, then it's something we'd have to consider. If that happens, there might be talk of cancellation," he was quoted as saying, without elaborating. With just over a year to go until the rescheduled Games, there are persistent doubts about whether the delay will be sufficient for the pandemic to be brought under control. Japan has so far reported 26,300 COVID-19 cases with 989 deaths, but Tokyo has seen an increase in cases recently and the country's borders remain almost completely sealed to overseas visitors.

Virus vaccine key for Olympics go-ahead in 2021: Tokyo chief

Banning fans from the Tokyo Olympics is "clearly something we don't want", International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said, adding that "multiple scenarios" were under consideration for the rescheduled Games.

Bach said safety was the top concern for organisers of the Tokyo Olympics, which were due to start next week but have been postponed for a year over the COVID-19 pandemic.

But he clearly signalled his reluctance to hold the Games at empty stadiums, now a common sight in sport as other competitions make a tentative return from virus-enforced shutdowns.

"Olympic Games behind closed doors is clearly something we do not want," the IOC president told reporters in a video call.

"So we are working for a solution of the Olympic Games which, on one hand, is safeguarding the health of all the participants and, on the other hand, is also reflecting the Olympic spirit."

Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have both warned that it would be hard to postpone the Games beyond 2021, raising the nightmare scenario of the first Olympics to be cancelled in peace time.

"The first priority is about the safety of all participants of the Olympic Games," said Bach.

"For this reason, we are working now on multiple scenarios of the organisation of the Games with regard to the health situation of which we do not know how it will be in one year from now."

Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike last month told AFP she would make a "120 percent effort" for the Games to go ahead, pledging the Olympics would be safe despite the pandemic.

On Wednesday Tokyo moved its coronavirus alert to red, the highest level, after a resurgence of cases in Japan's capital.

Banning fans from the Tokyo Olympics is "clearly something we don't want", International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said, adding that "multiple scenarios" were under consideration for the rescheduled Games.

Banning fans from the Tokyo Olympics is "clearly something we don't want", International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach said, adding that "multiple scenarios" were under consideration for the rescheduled Games. Bach said safety was the top concern for organisers of the Tokyo Olympics, which were due to start next week but have been postponed for a year over the COVID-19 pandemic. But he clearly signalled his reluctance to hold the Games at empty stadiums, now a common sight in sport as other competitions make a tentative return from virus-enforced shutdowns. "Olympic Games behind closed doors is clearly something we do not want," the IOC president told reporters in a video call. "So we are working for a solution of the Olympic Games which, on one hand, is safeguarding the health of all the participants and, on the other hand, is also reflecting the Olympic spirit." Bach and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe have both warned that it would be hard to postpone the Games beyond 2021, raising the nightmare scenario of the first Olympics to be cancelled in peace time. "The first priority is about the safety of all participants of the Olympic Games," said Bach. "For this reason, we are working now on multiple scenarios of the organisation of the Games with regard to the health situation of which we do not know how it will be in one year from now." Tokyo governor Yuriko Koike last month told AFP she would make a "120 percent effort" for the Games to go ahead, pledging the Olympics would be safe despite the pandemic. On Wednesday Tokyo moved its coronavirus alert to red, the highest level, after a resurgence of cases in Japan's capital.

Olympics boss reluctant to hold Tokyo Games behind closed doors

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan agreeing to postpone the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to not later than the summer of 2021 has&nbsp;come as a historic decision in the world of sports. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken almost the entire world under its dreaded wings and as a result, the entire sporting calendar has been left shattered. The decision to postpone the Games by a year is likely to torment Japan’s economy, which has already taken a hit due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. But how much financial hit Japan will take after postponing the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to 2021?

<h2 class="MsoNormal">How much has Japan invested?</h2>

At the end of 2019, the organisers of the Games had estimated a total cost to be around 1.35 trillion Japanese Yen ($12.6 billion). The investment is divided between Tokyo, Japanese organizing committee and the central government, who have contributed 597 billion, 603 billion and 150 billion Yen respectively.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ioc-japan-agree-to-postpone-2020-tokyo-olympics-by-one-year-to-be-held-no-later-than-summer-of-2021-288259">IOC, Japan agree to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year, to be held 'no later than summer of 2021'</a>

However, the actual cost for Japan has, as per an audit report, stands approximately around 1.06 trillion Yen, which is 10 times the budget. This spending by the national government comes from the bid in 2013 until 2018, which makes the numbers even more staggering.&nbsp;

Furthermore, Japanese businesses have also splashed in money for sponsorship while pouring a record 348 billion Yen ($3.3 billion). Notably, the figure doesn’t include partnership deals signed between major companies and IOC for rights to sponsor several Games. Among those are giants including Japan's Toyota, Bridgestone and Panasonic.

<h2 class="MsoNormal">How the postponement will affect Japan's economy?</h2>

As per Capital Economics, Japan’s economy is likely to take a major hit because most of the spending has already happened for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, meaning the effects of outlays, constructions of new sporting venues, have already been factored into GDP in recent years.

However, the postponement of Games could majorly drag down tourism industry, which is already under pressure after a widely-debated sales tax hike in 2019 and with the COVID-19 pandemic, enforcing a lockdown in many countries, it remains to be seen how many people would want to visit Tokyo for the Olympics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/a-concrete-problem-olympic-delay-spells-limbo-on-athletes-village-288379">A concrete problem: Olympic delay spells limbo on Athletes' Village</a>

The COVID-19 pandemic has already taken Japan towards recession as the GDP has contracted 1.8 per cent in the October-December quarter. 
Research firm Fitch on Monday revised its 2020 growth forecast for Japan to -1.1 per cent from -0.2 per cent as it reflected risks to consumption, tourism and exports industry being hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. It further stated the postponement of the Games might worsen the situation even more and “could impact GDP between 0.5 and 0.8 percentage point to our forecast."

<img alt="Tokyo 2020 Olympics postponed to 2021" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4fba8486-75e0-4f2e-af4e-72c1280336ce" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_1PS34A.jpg" />

<h2 class="MsoNormal">What about ticket-holders?</h2>

The effect, the postponement of the Games, on spending from foreign spectators which was estimated to be 240 billion yen ($2.28 billion) is unclear as of now. Furthermore, a staggering 4.5 million tickets have already been sold in Japan with an estimated 7.8 million to be sold overall. But how the postponement will affect the already sold tickets is not clear yet.

Economists at SMBC Nikko Securities on Tuesday said that delaying the Games would reduce the impact Japan’s GDP this year by some $6 billion. However, they added, the amount would be recovered when the Games are eventually held, effectively cancelling out the losses.&nbsp; 
<o:p></o:p>

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan agreeing to postpone the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to not later than the summer of 2021 has come as a historic decision in the world of sports.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) and Japan agreeing to postpone the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to not later than the summer of 2021 has come as a historic decision in the world of sports. The COVID-19 pandemic has taken almost the entire world under its dreaded wings and as a result, the entire sporting calendar has been left shattered. The decision to postpone the Games by a year is likely to torment Japan’s economy, which has already taken a hit due to the novel coronavirus outbreak. But how much financial hit Japan will take after postponing the Tokyo Olympics 2020 to 2021? How much has Japan invested? At the end of 2019, the organisers of the Games had estimated a total cost to be around 1.35 trillion Japanese Yen ($12.6 billion). The investment is divided between Tokyo, Japanese organizing committee and the central government, who have contributed 597 billion, 603 billion and 150 billion Yen respectively. ALSO READ: IOC, Japan agree to postpone 2020 Tokyo Olympics by one year, to be held 'no later than summer of 2021' However, the actual cost for Japan has, as per an audit report, stands approximately around 1.06 trillion Yen, which is 10 times the budget. This spending by the national government comes from the bid in 2013 until 2018, which makes the numbers even more staggering. Furthermore, Japanese businesses have also splashed in money for sponsorship while pouring a record 348 billion Yen ($3.3 billion). Notably, the figure doesn’t include partnership deals signed between major companies and IOC for rights to sponsor several Games. Among those are giants including Japan's Toyota, Bridgestone and Panasonic. How the postponement will affect Japan's economy? As per Capital Economics, Japan’s economy is likely to take a major hit because most of the spending has already happened for the Tokyo Olympics 2020, meaning the effects of outlays, constructions of new sporting venues, have already been factored into GDP in recent years. However, the postponement of Games could majorly drag down tourism industry, which is already under pressure after a widely-debated sales tax hike in 2019 and with the COVID-19 pandemic, enforcing a lockdown in many countries, it remains to be seen how many people would want to visit Tokyo for the Olympics. ALSO READ: A concrete problem: Olympic delay spells limbo on Athletes' Village The COVID-19 pandemic has already taken Japan towards recession as the GDP has contracted 1.8 per cent in the October-December quarter. Research firm Fitch on Monday revised its 2020 growth forecast for Japan to -1.1 per cent from -0.2 per cent as it reflected risks to consumption, tourism and exports industry being hit by the novel coronavirus pandemic. It further stated the postponement of the Games might worsen the situation even more and “could impact GDP between 0.5 and 0.8 percentage point to our forecast." What about ticket-holders? The effect, the postponement of the Games, on spending from foreign spectators which was estimated to be 240 billion yen ($2.28 billion) is unclear as of now. Furthermore, a staggering 4.5 million tickets have already been sold in Japan with an estimated 7.8 million to be sold overall. But how the postponement will affect the already sold tickets is not clear yet. Economists at SMBC Nikko Securities on Tuesday said that delaying the Games would reduce the impact Japan’s GDP this year by some $6 billion. However, they added, the amount would be recovered when the Games are eventually held, effectively cancelling out the losses.

COVID-19 hits Olympics: What could 2020 Tokyo Games postponement cost Japan?

South&nbsp;Korea's Olympic committee plans to buy&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;detectors&nbsp;and ship&nbsp;homegrown ingredients to Japan for its athletes at the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/with-eight-months-from-tokyo-2020-venue-preparations-enter-final-stretch-263688">Tokyo&nbsp;Games</a> because&nbsp;of worries local&nbsp;food&nbsp;may be contaminated by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

Japan has posted data to show the country is safe&nbsp;from&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;and many countries have lifted Fukushima-related&nbsp;food&nbsp;restrictions.

The&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;Sports &amp; Olympic Committee (KSOC) plans to ship red pepper paste, a key ingredient in&nbsp;Korean dishes, and other&nbsp;foods, and check for&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;in meat and vegetables that can only be sourced locally due to stringent quarantine rules, a KSOC meals plan report shows.

"Apparently, ingredients and&nbsp;food&nbsp;will be transported&nbsp;from&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/873-million-fine-against-us-chip-gaint-qualcomm-south-korea-266064">South&nbsp;Korea</a>&nbsp;as much as possible, possibly including canned&nbsp;food," Shin Dong-keun, a ruling Democratic Party member of the parliamentary sports committee who was recently briefed by KSOC, told Reuters in an interview.

"For this Olympic&nbsp;games,&nbsp;food&nbsp;is our team's main focus so they can provide safe meals for the athletes to erase&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;worries, as opposed to in the past,&nbsp;food&nbsp;was meant to play the supplementary role of helping with their morale."

KSOC plans to arrange local&nbsp;Korean restaurants to prepare meals for baseball and softball players competing in Fukushima, as shipping boxed lunches&nbsp;from&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;is not feasible, it said in the "2020&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Summer Olympics Meals Support Centre Plan".

"These&nbsp;Korean restaurants should only handle&nbsp;food&nbsp;confirmed as&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;free,"

The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station, located about 220 km (130 miles) northeast of&nbsp;Tokyo, was rocked by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011, sparking three reactor meltdowns.

More than 160,000 residents fled nearby towns in the aftermath as&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;from&nbsp;the reactors contaminated water,&nbsp;food&nbsp;and air.

Greenpeace said on Wednesday that&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;hot spots have been found at the J-Village sports facility in Fukushima where the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;2020 Olympic torch relay will begin.

South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;has stepped up demands for a Japanese response to concerns&nbsp;food&nbsp;produced in the Fukushima area and nearby sea could be contaminated by&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;from&nbsp;the Fukushima plant.

Japan is having trouble removing more than 1 million tonnes of contaminated water&nbsp;from&nbsp;the crippled plant.

When it finalises menus around April, the KSOC will consider asking&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;to ease its stringent quarantine ban on&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean produce, an official at the committee said.

The official said&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korea&nbsp;was preparing a separate meals plan due to concerns&nbsp;from&nbsp;the public and politicians over&nbsp;food&nbsp;safety, unlike the United States and Australia whose athletes will mainly eat&nbsp;food&nbsp;provided by the host country, Japan.

The official requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter.

South&nbsp;Korea's concerns about possible contamination&nbsp;from&nbsp;the nuclear disaster has become a thorn in already contentious ties with Japan.

Seoul has banned imports of seafood&nbsp;from&nbsp;Japan's Fukushima region since the nuclear disaster, prompting&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;to launch a World Trade Organisation complaint. Japan has said many nations such as the United States and Australia had lifted or eased Fukushima-related restrictions.

Japanese officials&nbsp;use&nbsp;international events to promote the recovery of areas hit by the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster to show produce&nbsp;from&nbsp;Fukushima prefecture is safe.

Mineral water&nbsp;from&nbsp;Fukushima was served on tables at the last month's G20 foreign ministers meeting it hosted in Nagoya.

The&nbsp;South&nbsp;Korean Olympic committee plan to purchase&nbsp;radiation&nbsp;detecting equipment by February and station an inspector at its own cafeteria in&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;during the&nbsp;games to check contamination levels, according to the KSOC report.

The budget for the&nbsp;Tokyo&nbsp;Olympics meals service is earmarked at 1.7 billion won, which includes twice the amount of money for buying and shipping ingredients than previous&nbsp;games, according to the committee.

South Korea's Olympic committee plans to buy radiation detectors and ship homegrown ingredients to Japan for its athletes at the Tokyo Games because of worries local food may be contaminated by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.

South Korea's Olympic committee plans to buy radiation detectors and ship homegrown ingredients to Japan for its athletes at the Tokyo Games because of worries local food may be contaminated by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan has posted data to show the country is safe from Fukushima radiation and many countries have lifted Fukushima-related food restrictions. The Korea Sports & Olympic Committee (KSOC) plans to ship red pepper paste, a key ingredient in Korean dishes, and other foods, and check for radiation in meat and vegetables that can only be sourced locally due to stringent quarantine rules, a KSOC meals plan report shows. "Apparently, ingredients and food will be transported from South Korea as much as possible, possibly including canned food," Shin Dong-keun, a ruling Democratic Party member of the parliamentary sports committee who was recently briefed by KSOC, told Reuters in an interview. "For this Olympic games, food is our team's main focus so they can provide safe meals for the athletes to erase radiation worries, as opposed to in the past, food was meant to play the supplementary role of helping with their morale." KSOC plans to arrange local Korean restaurants to prepare meals for baseball and softball players competing in Fukushima, as shipping boxed lunches from Tokyo is not feasible, it said in the "2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics Meals Support Centre Plan". "These Korean restaurants should only handle food confirmed as radiation free," The Fukushima Daiichi nuclear station, located about 220 km (130 miles) northeast of Tokyo, was rocked by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and subsequent tsunami in March 2011, sparking three reactor meltdowns. More than 160,000 residents fled nearby towns in the aftermath as radiation from the reactors contaminated water, food and air. Greenpeace said on Wednesday that radiation hot spots have been found at the J-Village sports facility in Fukushima where the Tokyo 2020 Olympic torch relay will begin. South Korea has stepped up demands for a Japanese response to concerns food produced in the Fukushima area and nearby sea could be contaminated by radiation from the Fukushima plant. Japan is having trouble removing more than 1 million tonnes of contaminated water from the crippled plant. When it finalises menus around April, the KSOC will consider asking Tokyo to ease its stringent quarantine ban on South Korean produce, an official at the committee said. The official said South Korea was preparing a separate meals plan due to concerns from the public and politicians over food safety, unlike the United States and Australia whose athletes will mainly eat food provided by the host country, Japan. The official requested anonymity due to the sensitivity of the matter. South Korea's concerns about possible contamination from the nuclear disaster has become a thorn in already contentious ties with Japan. Seoul has banned imports of seafood from Japan's Fukushima region since the nuclear disaster, prompting Tokyo to launch a World Trade Organisation complaint. Japan has said many nations such as the United States and Australia had lifted or eased Fukushima-related restrictions. Japanese officials use international events to promote the recovery of areas hit by the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster to show produce from Fukushima prefecture is safe. Mineral water from Fukushima was served on tables at the last month's G20 foreign ministers meeting it hosted in Nagoya. The South Korean Olympic committee plan to purchase radiation detecting equipment by February and station an inspector at its own cafeteria in Tokyo during the games to check contamination levels, according to the KSOC report. The budget for the Tokyo Olympics meals service is earmarked at 1.7 billion won, which includes twice the amount of money for buying and shipping ingredients than previous games, according to the committee.

South Korea to use radiation detectors, food from home at Tokyo Olympics 2020

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