TOKYO – Holding the Tokyo Olympics this summer would be a “suicide mission” as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world, warned the head of Japanese e-commerce giant Rakuten.
“It’s dangerous to host the big international event (involving athletes) from all over the world,” said CEO Hiroshi Mikitani in an interview with CNN.
“So, the risk is too big and... I’m against having the Tokyo Olympics this year,” he said, describing the Games as “a suicide mission”.
Japan yesterday extended a Covid-19 state of emergency as the nation battles a fourth wave of infections.
The surge has put pressure on the country’s healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout.
With just over 10 weeks until the Games open on July 23, public opinion remains opposed, with most favouring a further delay or cancellation.
Yesterday, a petition to cancel the Tokyo Olympics, with more than 351,000 signatures, was submitted to the city’s governor.
Mikitani, who has been critical of the government’s handling of the pandemic and hosting the Games this year, said it is not too late to scrap the event.
“Everything is possible.”
But, organisers have said they can safely hold the Games thanks to virus countermeasures, and pointed to a string of successful recent test events, including some featuring overseas athletes.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also told reporters yesterday: “It is possible to hold a safe and secure Games. We want to firmly go ahead with preparations.” – AFP, May 15, 2021
