Tokyo Olympics 2020 faces the risk of becoming a super-spreader event. How are the organisers tackling the COVID-19 threat and dissent? WION's Molly Gambhir speaks to Tatsuo Ogura from the Tokyo Olympics Organising Committee.

Tokyo Olympics to kick off amid COVID-19 threat

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Who is accountable if the COVID-19 virus spreads?

No alcohol, no hugs, no cheers and no autographs: Tokyo Olympic organisers unveiled tough new rules for spectators at the pandemic Games on Wednesday, as they marked one month until the opening ceremony.

No booze, no autographs: Tokyo 2020 unveils fan rules with a month to go

In Tokyo, Mock athletes board buses near the Olympic and Paralympic Village during a transport operations simulation for the opening and closing ceremonies of the Tokyo 2020 Games.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Organizers conduct mock transport drill

Japanese Economy Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura said on Thursday that a panel of government-appointed experts had approved a plan to downgrade the state of emergency in seven prefectures including Tokyo, which will host the Olympics from July 23.

Experts agree to ease emergency curbs in Tokyo but warn of risks: Govt

What to do while waiting for a panda to give birth? Tokyo locals say ‘eat more food’. Ueno Zoo in Tokyo reopened its doors after staying closed for five months due to the deadly coronavirus.

Tokyo: Panda pregnancy increases stock prices of nearby restaurants

One of Japan's sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday her nation had been "cornered" into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic.

Olympics: Japan 'cornered' into holding Games, says local Olympian

With the Tokyo Olympic game set to begin in just a few weeks' time, all eyes are on the refugee athletes who will be competing at the highest level this year. These Refugee athletes are putting everything they have into reaching the goal.

Refugees continue to flee from Africa & Middle East to take part in Olympics

Hospitals in Japan's second largest city, Osaka, are running out of beds and ventilators under a large wave of new Coronavirus infections. Exhausted doctors warned of a "system collapse" and advised not to hold the Olympics this summer.

Japan: Medics warn against hosting Tokyo Olympics as COVID overwhelms Osaka hospitals

Tokyo is all set for Olympics even if on Sunday it reported 535 new cases of COVID-19, as the government is expanding the current state of emergency in the capital and other provinces.

Japan moves ahead for Tokyo Olympics amid concerns over new COVID-19 variants

Japan's government on Tuesday withdrew a bill that would have made it easier to deport failed applicants for refugee status, officials said, after the death in March of a Sri Lankan woman at an immigration detention centre sparked criticism.

Japan withdraws immigration bill after death of Sri Lankan sparks criticism

A top medical organisation has thrown its weight behind calls to cancel the Tokyo Olympics saying hospitals are already overwhelmed as the country battles a spike in coronavirus infections less than three months from the start of the Games.

Tokyo doctors call for cancellation of Olympic Games due to COVID-19

A petition calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics which garnered 350,000 signatures in nine days was submitted to organizers on Friday, reflecting growing public opposition to the event as the fourth wave of COVID-19 infections sweeps Japan.

A petition against Tokyo Olympics with 350,000 signatures submitted to organisers

Japanese opposition lawmakers slammed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga on Monday for what they called his 'Olympics first' attitude in prioritising the event even as COVID-19 cases continue to rise on the country.

Japanese PM slammed by lawmakers for prioritising Olympics amid pandemic

Japan is gearing up for the Olympics. But with new infections still rising, a campaign to cancel the Tokyo Olympics is gaining pace. Is the Olympics heading towards a record 7th cancellation? Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: Will the Olympics be cancelled again?

No cheering or singing, no handshakes, no hugs or high fives, this is what the Tokyo Olympics 2021 will look like amid COVID-19 pandemic. The test run has begun in Japan with the rhythmic gymnasts all masked up. WION tells you more in this report.

Japanese gymnasts hold dry run before Tokyo Olympics

World Athletics president Sebastian Coe insisted on Sunday, May 9 that this summer's Tokyo Olympics could be held in a safe environment. Opinion surveys have shown that most Japanese oppose holding the Games this summer due to worries about the pandemic.

Sebastian Coe says, athletics' governing body takes Olympic health concerns 'very, very seriously'

International Olympic Committee head Thomas Bach's planned visit to Japan has been cancelled as the Asian country extended its state of emergency in Tokyo, broadcaster NHK said on Friday citing unnamed sources.

IOC President Bach's visit to Japan to be cancelled due to state of emergency: Reports

Organisers of the diving World Cup in Tokyo hailed on Friday the "successful" staging of the event after implementing strict COVID-19 countermeasures for more than 400 participants.

Organisers hail diving World Cup after anti-COVID measures

Japan’s government is set to extend a state of emergency in Tokyo and three other areas until the end of May to curb a surge in COVID-19 cases just months before the start of the Tokyo Olympics.

Japan government to extend COVID-19 curbs till May end

Pom poms rustled and silver shoes flashed as members of "Japan Pom Pom" moved to a lively cheer dance beat. At first glance, it looked like a regular practice session. Yet, there's something unique about this cheer squad - the youngest is 60 years old and the oldest - 89.

Age is just a number for Japan's silver cheer dancing squad

Diving and volleyball on Saturday became the first Olympic test events to include international athletes since such competitions resumed last month, as both began under close supervision in Tokyo.

Tokyo welcomes foreign divers to test event, under close supervision

Get ready to get lost in Tokyo, an elaborate miniature version of it, at least. Urban landscape developer Mori Building Company updated its 1:1000 scale 3D model of Tokyo on Tuesday (April 26) as the city goes through redevelopments for better accessibility and for disaster resistance.

3D projection mapping brings sprawling Tokyo to life

Several Japanese towns and cities have decided to pull out from hosting teams for Tokyo Olympics due to COVID-19 spread. The western town of Okuizumo that spent $5 million on preparations to welcome Indian hockey team has now scrapped the visit.

Tokyo Olympics: Several Japanese towns & cities pull out from hosting teams

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