Last summer the 2020 Olympic games were postponed due to the pandemic. A year later, the Summer Games are beginning on July 23 in Tokyo. However, Japan is experiencing a surge in cases, which is creating concerns among its citizens. Although Japan has avoided severe outbreaks when compared to other countries, it has suffered 9,300 losses and their vaccine rollout is not efficient, vaccinations of the elderly population has only just begun.
This outbreak arrives weeks after the government lifted their state emergency restrictions, of which have now been replaced with tighter guidelines for the capital city. While this lockdown is not as restrictive when compared to other countries, the main rule being that restaurants and bars close by 8pm, these new restrictions are disappointing to restless citizens who were hoping that the lessened regulations in January represented the pandemic coming to a close.
Additionally, these restrictions are not country wide, they’re concentrated on areas of virus hotspots, such as Kyoto, Okinawa, and Osaka City, where a rebound in cases forced the Olympic relay to be completed off public roads.
At the Olympics this summer only Japanese fans will be allowed in the stands. Athletes from other countries will be competing in stadiums and arenas with no support from their home. At its core, the Olympics is the share of love for sports with other countries, even ones that clash on the world stage. Without fans from all over the world coming to the games this summer, there will be no feeling of camaraderie and unity. Additionally, sponsors of athletes are complaining that their advertisements and sponsorships will be damaged by the lack of a diverse crowd.
Japan has spent $25bn on creating the infrastructure and other necessary resources for the Olympic games, breaking the record for the largest budget of an Olympics host. Over one million tickets have already been sold to abroad fans, who are now being reimbursed. Without the abroad visitors, Japan will not experience the economic benefits of the normal international athletic competition. Therefore, their GDP will not reflect the investment they put into the games.
Additionally, the opening games and the competition structures in general are often utilized by host countries to demonstrate their significance, an attempt to show off and boast about their country. World leaders and influential global actors usually attend the opening games, however due to the pandemic, Japan will not be able to have international celebrities or perform the opening they originally planned.
It should be noted that Japanese citizens don’t want foreigners to travel to Japan for the Olympics. Fear of COVID-19 has risen during the recent outbreak. Government officials are encouraging citizens to take as many precautions as possible during the surge of cases, the Tokyo governor saying, “It is urgent that we take more and stronger steps such as reducing the flow of people between major cities, or else we are bound to see a situation where infections will spread and become more serious.”