Amid the growing concern of COVID-19, more than 300,000 people in Japan have signed a petition to cancel the Summer Olympic Games which is set to open on July 23. An opinion poll showed nearly 60 per cent of Japanese want the Olympics cancelled.
According to international media, Japan is struggling to contain a surge in COVID-19 cases, raising further questions about whether the Games should take place. A public opinion survey, conducted between May 7 and 9 by the Yomiuri Shimbun daily, showed 59 per cent wanted the Games cancelled compared with only 39 per cent who said they should proceed.
About 100 “anti-Olympic” protesters marched around Tokyo’s National Stadium on Sunday to show their opposition to the event as a test event took place inside.
The demonstrators vented their anger at Tokyo organisers and the International Olympic Committee for pushing ahead with the games even as COVID-19 cases increase.
Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka said that even though she has waited her whole life to take part in the Olympics, the risks of holding the Tokyo Games should be carefully discussed.
Even some top executives of Japan voiced their concerns, calling the hosting of the Olympic Games this summer a “suicide mission”. The Games are set to open on July 23 and continue until August 8.
Yeshi Dorji
