Overseas spectators are not permitted to enter Japan, but domestic fans will fill stadiums to 50% capacity, up to a maximum of 10,000 Japanese fans; the Japanese government’s top coronavirus consultant suggested last week that the Olympic and Paralympic Games should be held behind closed doors.
There will be spectators during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer, with numbers restricted at 50% of venue capacity up to a maximum of 10,000 people.
The decision was made through online ‘Five Party’ negotiations between local organisers, the International Olympic Committee, the International Paralympic Committee, the Japanese government, and the Metropolitan Government of Tokyo.
If there is a quick shift in the number of infections and the capability of the Japanese health care system, the numbers will be evaluated.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who has previously advocated for permitting supporters, stated before to the official declaration that he would prohibit fans if conditions changed.
“If a state of emergency is declared, I will be flexible and open to no fans in order to ensure that the games prioritise people’s safety and security,” Suga added.
“In an emergency, it’s certainly conceivable… for safe and secure (games), I won’t hesitate to have no fans.”
Observers must wear a mask at all times, refrain from screaming or speaking in a loud voice, and return home soon after the event.
The Japanese government’s top coronavirus consultant proposed last week that the Games be held behind closed doors.
The organisers did, however, hint that they were looking at ways for a restricted number of Japanese fans to attend.
“The suggestions from [adviser] Dr Omi have suggested that ideally, the greatest approach is to host the Games without spectators – that was his proposal,” Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said on Friday.
“However, if we are to host the Games with spectators, he has his own proposals.”
“When we look at other sporting events, such as the J.League and professional baseball, they have presented us with ample proof of what they have been able to do so far despite the circumstances.”
“So we have to take those things into account as well, and the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics are extremely special.”
Other Japanese sporting events can now accommodate 10,000 spectators or 50% of facility capacity, whichever is lower.
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