TOKYO (JAPAN) – The Olympics’ are scheduled to happen in Tokyo, Japan this year and a survey conducted between Jan. 18 and Feb. 25 to know the public opinion about the same shows an overwhelming majority of Japanese are “interested in the Olympics”. The survey, which was conducted when much of the country remained in a coronavirus state of emergency shows that 58% said they did not want them to be held this year because of fears over COVID-19.
Yomiuri daily poll showed that 30% of the respondents said they were “very interested” in the Summer Games and 40% said they were “somewhat interested”, for a combined 70%. The polls also showed that if the Games were to happen as per the schedule, 91% of respondents are of the opinion that the spectators should be kept to a minimum or not allowed at all.
The Tokyo Olympic Games were postponed last year because of the pandemic and rescheduled to take place this year from July 23.
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. However, there are restrictions in place for spectator numbers for big sporting and cultural events, as well as closing times for bars and restaurants. The country also remains closed to non-resident foreigners.