Pedestrians walk past a giant TV screen with a live broadcast of a news conference by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga after he announced a state of emergency in Tokyo on Thursday night. Photo: AP/Eugene Hoshiko
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Suga declares state of emergency lasting through Olympics

99 Comments
By MARI YAMAGUCHI

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Here we go again.

15 ( +23 / -8 )

So is this going to be a semi, quasi, partial, full or deluxe State of Emergency? Not that any of that is remotely different, but I want to know if I am advised or strongly advised to not drink alcohol after 8 PM.

27 ( +32 / -5 )

For comparison so we can get an idea where we are, here's the covid stats from a month ago and this week:

4th June = 86 deaths

5th June = 64 deaths

6th June = 50 deaths

7th June = 75 deaths

8th June = 99 deaths

9th June = 96 deaths

4th July = 6 deaths

5th July = 19 deaths

6th July = 22 deaths

7th July = 14 deaths

8th July = ?

9th July = ?

-15 ( +15 / -30 )

A decision about fans is expected later Thursday when local organizers meet with the International Olympic Committee and other representatives.

Already decided. 5,000 cap, no events later than 9:00 in Tokyo.

https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/news/20210708_13/

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Anyone giving odds that Baron von Ripperoff will try and talk them out of it so the IOC won’t be known as “those guys who forced through an Olympic Games during a state of emergency amidst a worldwide pandemic”?

21 ( +22 / -1 )

Logic evades far too many people

It doesn’t evade them, it just loses out to the worship of money.

20 ( +24 / -4 )

He urged authorities to quickly take tough measures ahead of the Olympics with summer vacations approaching

Thank you for damaging again the peoples well deserved vaccations.

Because of such expert or adviser idiots like Dr. Omi, the Olympics will go on, but the ordinary peoples well deserved vaccations are over.

I really hope that all Izakaya and Bars will ignore this SOE and that nobody stays at home and nobody watch the games on TV.

7 ( +14 / -7 )

Do not worry the train commuters will be diving in to every train like a can of squashed zombies spreading the virus around regardless of the SoE

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Japan will turn into the roaring 20s during prohibition. This will make for some interesting times and will see some very creative ideas.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

If the Olympics are allowed to occur and bring 90,000 people from all over the world it is not a true State of Emergency.

In this particular case I hope that eating establishments will ignore this.

It seems the Japanese and Tokyo Government care much more about the Olympics and foreign attendees than they do about Japanese citizen and resident taxpayers.

I have always tried to give Japan the benefit of the doubt when I disagree with something however in this case it is simply not possible. No Japanese citizen that I know (and I know many) thinks it is a good idea to proceed with the Olympics right now.

17 ( +19 / -2 )

Recently, I have been seeing more Japanese people walking around without masks like in Shibuya, Shinjuku and a few in Ginza. I am assuming that they received one or both shots. Also possible, they are anti-vaxers. Some of the couples were my age and others were younger than me.

Do they realize that the vaccine stops people from getting severe symptoms, but they can still catch it and pass it on to others?

Which mean it will get worse before it gets better.

-2 ( +8 / -10 )

At least they are giving us one last weekend to get drunk and be merry. Fortunately I have a flight tomorrow and the lounge will still be serving beer as usual.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

at least no-one can now be in any doubt as to the venality, inefficiency, and total disdain for the people, of 'our leaders'...... and that's not something I level only at Japan. now, given the political systems in place in 'democratic' countries, there's not a lot of choice as to which bunch of charlatans will 'be in charge', but I think (and see) that some people are talking all this on board, and making moves to change their lives, distancing themselves as much as practically possible, from 'the system'. property prices here in sleepy Onjuku lifted considerably in the last year, people abandoning Tōkyō, opting for a simpler, and cheaper, lifestyle. in that, the tele-work thing has been positive for many. systems will not be significantly damaged by these changes, but gradually, gradually, the zeitgeist can change. the world is made up of individuals, and if there are enough individuals....

the only other alternative, I think, is revolution, but that would be horrendous, and the status quo would soon be in the control of just more charlatans, so.... individual change is the way to go.... my view.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Someone needs to take hand the steering wheel to someone other than Suga and his cronies. They have failed badly. Nearly anyone else would be an improvement.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

For comparison so we can get an idea where we are, here's the covid stats from a month ago and this week.

The Covid ‘stats’? Ok gotcha, now stats are important.

From your stats it looks like the day before yesterday the death rate tripled.

If you want to dumb it down to this level, sure. What’s your acceptable death sacrifice for this event?

Mine is zero.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

@monty 4:31. Please don’t blame expert / advisors for the greedy incompetent J gov who are destroying so many businesses in Tokyo

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Are they gonna give us a stimulus package from the profit they making from the Wretched Games?

Fun for the organizers. "Citizens tho, another 3 weeks of doom for you."

6 ( +7 / -1 )

I honestly hope every single proprietor large and small just shirks the declared SoE and goes about their regular business.

As for the clown Suga, he's on his way out come autumn so it doesn't matter how the public perceives him. Good, bad, doesn't matter. He's accomplished his role.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

and everyone in this country must firmly understand the seriousness of it

But exactly those at the very top don’t understand it at all. That’s the problem here.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

During a messed up, slow vaccine rollout and Olympics preparations in full swing, let's ask the public for more sacrifices. Utterly shameless.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

“How to stop people from going out for drinks during the Olympics is a main issue," Health Minister Norihisa Tamura said.

It doesn't get much more arrogant than that.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Why is there still a decision to be made about local fans? They said, matter of factly, that they would allow local fans, capped at 10,000 or half capacity, since Tokyo would no longer be in a state of emergency, and that they would stop even local fans completely upon a new State of Emergency. Is this more of the pray-and-see approach failing and not having a plan Z (B through Y already having been just more waiting and praying)?

3 ( +5 / -2 )

@Bob Fosse

For comparison so we can get an idea where we are, here's the covid stats from a month ago and this week.

The Covid ‘stats’? Ok gotcha, now stats are important.

From your stats it looks like the day before yesterday the death rate tripled.

If you want to dumb it down to this level, sure. What’s your acceptable death sacrifice for this event?

Mine is zero.

You and I have the same number of acceptable deaths which should be accepted as a consequence of these games. The number is 0. These games are 100% optional and provide no economic or health benefit to Japan.

Unfortunately based on the actions of the IOC, JOC, and Japanese Government (listed from the top of the pyramid down) it is now very conceivable or likely that the IOC masters has provided the Japanese government with a decree stating the amount of collateral damage (number of casualties) which must be accepted for the glorious and humanity uniting Olympics of 2021 to occur.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Crazy idea, but I wonder if vaccination priority have gone to younger people... 20s 30s and 40s receive the highest infection numbers every day, these are the people having to get on the train every day, heading to a crowded office space every day, (maybe also) hanging out with coworkers after work, anywhere they can find.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Sven AsaiToday  06:10 pm JST

and everyone in this country must firmly understand the seriousness of it

But exactly those at the very top don’t understand it at all. That’s the problem here.

It's not so much that they don't understand it.

They just don't care.

The Olympics is looking more and more like a case of "We know you don't want it, and we know it's a huge waste of (your) money. But we're going to hold it anyway to rub your noses in it and see how much crud you'll put up with when presented with blatant corruption and lies."

And the Japanese population will collectively suck air in through their teeth, utter a quiet "shouganai," and shuffle back to their lives to be fleeced again another day.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Enough is enough for me now, I played by the rules, haven't been out drinking with friends for more than a year, 100% telework both me and my wife. But no hide nor hare of a vaccine ticket and neverending rolling lockdowns demonising alcohol. I've had enough.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

After forcing me into work to be sneezed and coughed all over by elementary school children for the past twelve months I don't believe the government has my best interests at heart. So, I'll be enjoying my Summer break without hindrance. This lockdown is nothing more than a way to force Japanese people to watch the unwanted super spreader Olympics. I'm not going to watch any of it. I'll be out and about.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

It's disgraceful that more businesses will go bankrupt, and everybody in Tokyo has to suspend their lives just so that the unwanted, superspreader Olympics can go ahead.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

If one watches the games on TV, then they see commercials. Don't watch. Don't buy.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

he has dropped repeating his million vaccinations a day promise this time ( very careful to NEVER say that number today) ! Still says ALL elderly will be vaccinated by the end of this month, but covered himself for when it doesn't happen, saying that is the plan. He also said Japan needs 40% vaccination level to go back to normal. So interesting other countries need 70 or 80% but the superior japanese power can do it with 40%!!!!!!!! He also said the olympic games will be safe because they are stopping the serving of alcohol in the Tokyo area!!!!!!! ( I kid you not - his exact words when answering a question about the safety of the Olympic Games)

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Just watched Suga on TV. Very interesting.

And no foreign reporters.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Exactly how the headline should read,

No big deal either. Who pays attention to these SOEs anyway?

Being totally vaccinated, I will obviously do what I want and move about freely. I encourage others in the same situation to do the same.

We will never have circumstances like this again in Japan, so travel, go to the beaches, take advantage of the lack of crowds.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

Has anyone seen the Japan government release any evidence showing bars, restaurants, and alcohol are the main conduits for Covid transmissions?

8 ( +9 / -1 )

It now falls on the Japanese people to do their part and adhere to the dictums of those who rule over them: don't go outside and mingle with others in public settings. To do so will result in a tidal wave of new super spreader-related Covid cases that will end up causing great misery and death among Japan's population. If people must defy their government, then wear a minimum of five masks (or more) when they step outside. Better yet, stay indoors this summer and stay safe.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

> It now falls on the Japanese people to do their part and adhere to the dictums of those who rule over them: don't go outside and mingle with others in public settings. To do so will result in a tidal wave of new super spreader-related Covid cases that will end up causing great misery and death among Japan's population. If people must defy their government, then wear a minimum of five masks (or more) when they step outside. Better yet, stay indoors this summer and stay safe.

Oh dear. Oh dear.

Not surprising from you, but still….

Oh dear.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

I agree with com. Perry.

I am stumped though why would stores and department stores be requested to shorten hours. Wouldn't that mean that venues will become much more crowded during the shortened opening hours? Seems illogical to me.

I would extend hours and set approximate age times. Thin out the crowds. Why jam all those shoppers into a tiny tight opening window?

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I would extend hours and set approximate age times. Thin out the crowds. Why jam all those shoppers into a tiny tight opening window?

You expect every business to organize and regulate shoppers while the government has been fumbling around trying to organize vaccinations based on age and time slots?

Sure, ok. Why not let Takashimaya take control of the vaccination program? At this point it can’t hurt.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

""The Olympics are pushing ahead against most medical advice, partially because the postponement stalled the IOC's income flow. It gets almost 75% of its income from selling broadcast rights, and estimates suggest it would lose $3 billion to $4 billion if the Olympics were canceled.""

SURE, the Fu$n IOC alive at the expense of the Japanese people and the athletes.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

There cannot be a Government declared state of emergency, to halt a devastating pandemic.

And in the next breath invite, welcome tens of thousands of athletics from up to 200 nations to hold a sporting event to the very area the Pandemic is spreading.

It does what it says on the tin/carton, spreads thought-out the community at large and potentially beyond.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

So what did you all think of Suga's press conference tonight?

We watched it and we were amazed how he could get up there with a straight face and tell us how dangerous the situation is now and how urgent it is for Tokyo and Japan to get this virus under control. He said because this is such an urgent situation the State of Emergency must be enacted.

Immediately after that Suga was trying to tell us all how the Olympics will be safe because the athletes will be mostly vaccinated (he conveniently left out the other 70,000 people coming to support).

I hate when the word "moron" is used but I have to confess: the word "moron" is totally appropriate for someone who actually believes a word of what Suga kun says.

If someone can explain why what Suga said makes sense I would certainly like to see that explanation.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

This nothing new. When I read that the SOE was being lifted I thought it would be a matter of time before the SOE being reinstated. The worse has yet to come. This virus is like going to the beach walking in sand and trying not to take one grain of sand home!!! Totally impossible!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@P. Smith *If there is a need for a state of emergency, it isn’t safe to hold a large-scale, international sporting event. Logic evades far too many people. I hate to say this but, when "MONEY" is involved, there is no "Logic" people lose all sense of ability to think rationally. *

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Are they gonna promote stay-at-home Obon holiday? Like anyone would listen.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

no events later than 9:00 in Tokyo

I wonder what's the reasoning behind this because if anything, the trains and streets after 9:00 are much less crowded than before 9:00 and so getting to events is would be much safer.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

You know if they took the covid-19 pandemic seriously from the beginning (march 2020) and did a real lockdown of 3 months we all wouldn't be in this situation today. Countries like Australia and New Zealand did a real lockdown for 3 months. Paid everyone to stay home, had police and military outside. And now they covid free. Even Australia freaks out when they get like 30 cases and goes to real lockdown again for few days. I find this government leadership old, dinosaur like, and just plain selfish. The reason suga and this cronies do not want to ban alcohol or any outings all together is because they themselves are alcoholics and go to hostess clubs. This is actual facts because i have friends who are hostesses and they serve suga and his cronies lol. There's literally a secret hostess bar just for government officials and it stays open after 8pm. So while the rest of us suffers and can not go on vacations. Suga and his friends party the night away with hostess girls.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Suga kun's continuation of the SOE is not surprising. The reason I say so is that he has demonstrated that the Olympics are much more important to him and the LDP than the well being of the Japanese citizens he is supposed to reprsent. It seems however that he has ceded this authority to the unelected IOC and their king, Bach.

Oh yes we are feeling stymied (we are "hurt" and "offended") - tongue is in cheek - No...who I really feel sorry for are my Japanese relatives and employees and those I know who do not want these games and are genuinely concerned (rightfully so) about the risk. Personally I am perplexed (and a bit angry) that someone who calls themselves a Prime Minister of a country can, with a straight face, look at everyone and simultaneously state how awful things are and then turn around and try to rationalize bringing so many people here for an unnecessary event.

My business is going well and most likely it will continue to do so....will the Olympics be the end of the world...not likely....but the government of Japan has been fully exposed as to what it really is (and I speak as someone who has been here more than 1/4 of a century).

Do I feel "stymied"? As a Permanent Resident non citizen who pays a bunch of taxes...yes....but is that the reality of living in Japan....yes

I feel sorry for my 80 year old in laws, my extended family, my employees, and Japanese friends.

And you are right (in your implication) - we should all shut up and take it because nothing will change.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Tokyo is once again in a state of emergency and Japan is perpetually in a state of gross mismanagement.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

How very convenient since most people have not gotten their tickets and will probably not get both shots until the end of August into September.

By that time, the number of people willing to get the shot will probably decrease.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

If this govt. plans on shutting down bars/restaurants/live houses,

and also no pools will be open in the day, what kind of subsidy will be made for the high cost of utilities?

Air conditioning is NOT a luxury, in summer in Japan, and if you can't get relief with a swim,

and your work is cut at night, subsidies will ease this great burden.

Do the right thing, SUGA!

3 ( +4 / -1 )

東京五輪 都内の全会場「無観客」で決定

https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/751c2332213e74eff3b69f45cad84856852d43d1?tokyo2020

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@snowymountainhell

But “No”, in NO way, should we “all shut up and take it”.

Well......well......OK...I guess we agree in that point and I misinterpreted your response. Seriously I am glad to hear that but the issue is "what to do"?

It seems it is difficult to mount an offensive against a government when alot of the population does not know what to do (where to even start). Thsi is absolutely not intended to be an insult or derogatory statement directed at Japanese as I genuinely respect the people here. I say this because my relatives, employees, and Japanese friends all seem to feel the same way...but they do not know how to take action. There are a large percentage who have just given up as they have been in the hierarchy for so long that they find it hard to escape or fight it in anyway. I can understand this - Japan is not my country of birth and things will not (and should not) be done in the same manner.

There are so many things I like about Japan and the people but it is frustrating to see how hard it is to mount a meaningful resistance against something that is just so obviously wrong...and corrupt.

I must add my caveat emptor.....I have had a few glasses of wine tonight and Suga kun, with his extreme obtusiveness and arrogance, struck a nerve tonight.....

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@BjornTomention 10:17pm

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Isn't the point of a State of Emergency to counter large scale events where people congregate in masses and social distancing is...challenging? And yet the Olympics are still happening? I fail to see the logic in this.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

I know it’s fun to just bash the government, but should they not call a state of emergency and just see how high the numbers go? That strategy certainly didn’t go well for many countries.

Tokyo has kept the virus relatively in check and avoided the strict lockdowns many other countries dealt with, by going into state of emergency when the daily number gets to 1k/daily. Yeah, it’s annoying, but it’s also working.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

It's official - no spectators in the stands!

I'll feel much safer now when I'm crammed onto a train at Shinjuku along with 3.5 million other commuters.....

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Bob FosseToday  07:56 pm JST

It now falls on the Japanese people to do their part and adhere to the dictums of those who rule over them: don't go outside and mingle with others in public settings. To do so will result in a tidal wave of new super spreader-related Covid cases that will end up causing great misery and death among Japan's population. If people must defy their government, then wear a minimum of five masks (or more) when they step outside. Better yet, stay indoors this summer and stay safe.*

Oh dear. Oh dear. 

Not surprising from you, but still….

Oh dear.

somebody’s sarcasm detector is switched off tonight.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

Tokyo has kept the virus relatively in check and avoided the strict lockdowns many other countries dealt with, by going into state of emergency when the daily number gets to 1k/daily. Yeah, it’s annoying, but it’s also working.

Can’t see the wood for the, oh…wotsit again?

Oh well, perfect timing for the biggest event on the planet.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Nibek32

I know it’s fun to just bash the government, but should they not call a state of emergency and just see how high the numbers go? That strategy certainly didn’t go well for many countries.

Tokyo has kept the virus relatively in check and avoided the strict lockdowns many other countries dealt with, by going into state of emergency when the daily number gets to 1k/daily. Yeah, it’s annoying, but it’s also working.

Actually it is not at all fun to bash the Government. Most of us wish they were acting responsibly. Please allow me to elaborate.

Your point is well taken about the potential effectiveness of a State of Emergency. However when the government decides to hold a major sporting event (the world's biggest in fact) at the same time they declare a State of Emergency those of us who are thinking about this call "BS".

So I agree with you in principle under normal circumstances (and when an Olympics will not be held) however you are being disengenous if you do not call out the total and sheer hypocrisy of calling for a State of Emergency in one breath and in the next rationalizing bringing 80-90,000 people into the "State of Emergency zone". There is no way anyone can convince me this makes any sense whatsoever.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

@Tokyoite

It's official - no spectators in the stands!

I'll feel much safer now when I'm crammed onto a train at Shinjuku along with 3.5 million other commuters.....

I am so happy to hear that you recognize that fact that no one will be in the stands will certainly make us all safer on the Yamanote Line or Chuo Line. The virus will know the stands are empty and will take corrective action.

Even with the extra 70,000 people coming to Japan (in addition to the athletes) the fact that the stands will be empty will certainly ensure that these additional people from all over the world will not spread the virus and it will not further spread to the citizens and residents of Japan in the trains.

I guess I feel safer now too......haha...yeah...

4 ( +7 / -3 )

Well said Tokyo-Engr!

I totally agree!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

@Tokyo Engineer:

You got it down perfectly.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Actually, since it is a state of emergency, why not allow all foreigners to come in?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Agreed @Tokyo-Engr 1028pm. Seems like an appropriate ‘plan of action’, given these circumstances and the re-newed SOE:

“I must add my “caveat emptor… I have had a few glasses of wine” - too!

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Prime-minister suga promised the Japanese people that the Olympics will not be held if the numbers keep on going up. What is going on???

3 ( +7 / -4 )

@TARA TAN KITAOKA

Prime-minister suga promised the Japanese people that the Olympics will not be held if the numbers keep on going up. What is going on???

I believe Suga kun has been overruled by Lord Bach who arrived in Japan today. Perhaps he was sincere in his claim...or maybe not....the fact that the declaration of the extention of the State of Emergency occured on the same day Bach kun arrived is interesting nonetheless.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

You can only blame the government the way they handled the whole pandemic. I live in Vancouver Canada, we are at about 85% vaccinated for 12 years old and older. Our government has done a great job making sure everyone was safe and got their vaccinations. The way they did that was the daily information they gave out every day on TV and social media. Now thing's are really getting back to normal here.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Good Question @TARA TAN KITAOKA 11:34pm:

“Pm suga promised the people the Olympics will not be held if the numbers keep on going up. What is going on???” -

and therefore,

a legitimate question we’ve asked many times before of you (with no follow up response, btw)

HOW will You vote in the next election?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The response to the pandemic in Japan wasn't the responsibility of the IOC. it was the responsibility of the Japanese government who 100% has done a terrible job.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@runner3

The response to the pandemic in Japan wasn't the responsibility of the IOC. it was the responsibility of the Japanese government who 100% has done a terrible job.

You are correct. HOWEVER: The arrogant IOC has stated that the games must go on at any cost and have had the audacity to state the games must continue even if there is a State of Emergency in Japan.

The State of Emergency is the responsibility of Japan.

The unwillingness of the IOC to even compromise and the fact they will not even consider moving the dates and demand the games go on in spite of the situation is the responsibility of the IOC.

Why not delay until things calm down? Is it because NBC is demanding the games go on?

0 ( +6 / -6 )

Watch the games at home with no friends Better to fly with them in Europe (open for Japanese’s) and watch the games on tv BUT in a bar With friends and glasses of vine or else

1 ( +3 / -2 )

First of all, a lot of people would not care. People will still be out. Without alcohol, people can still drink coffee and behave like in an izakaya. Instead of pinning on banning alcohol, why not just stop Olympics? Not sure what is the priority anymore. No ginger.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Japan keeps comparing themselves with China and south korea, korea and China are doing better then japan, survey done by Japanese media it will take 120+ years for japan to vaccinate everyone

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Cancel the goddamn Olympic.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

I expect all the hand-wringing old women here will bite my head off, but the government - and the public - are grossly overreacting. The number of deaths is below 20 a day. This is the only figure that matters, and it's tiny. The number of infections is just a factor of the number of tests undertaken. Carry out more tests and you will find more cases. But so what? If people aren't dying it doesn't matter. It's no worse than a cold, or the flu - and in most cases the people are asymptomatic, so they don't suffer at all. So stop worrying about it and just get back to living a normal life.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

If people aren't dying it doesn't matter. It's no worse than a cold, or the flu

Hmm, millions of people who have had it say it's way worse than a cold or a flu. People still suffering with breathing difficulties and other issues a year after catching it.

I'm not worried about dying from it - I probably won't, and if I do, my family is covered. I'm worried about living through long covid. That scares me way more than death.

One more week until my second vaxx.

-3 ( +3 / -6 )

Allowing the games to continue so that a very few people can increase their bank balance is CRIMINAL!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

TokyoiteJuly 8  04:17 pm JST

For comparison so we can get an idea where we are, here's the covid stats from a month ago and this week:

4th June = 86 deaths

5th June = 64 deaths

6th June = 50 deaths

7th June = 75 deaths

8th June = 99 deaths

9th June = 96 deaths

4th July = 6 deaths

5th July = 19 deaths

6th July = 22 deaths

7th July = 14 deaths

8th July = ?

9th July = ?

-20( +9 / -29 )

And watch the 'stats' in the next few weeks go up up up up UP! The load on the hospital and nursing staff is going to get really tough tough tough tough tough.

P. SmithJuly 8  04:20 pm JST

If there is a need for a state of emergency, it isn’t safe to hold a large-scale, international sporting event.

Logic evades far too many people.

Pm Suga is committing political suicide by going along with this. Declaring a state of emergency isn't going to save his stature, he's got egg on his face and mud on his shoes. Soon he's going to be calling it the blues because this will be a disaster and it's gonna blow up right into his face.

ZENJIToday  03:48 am JST

Allowing the games to continue so that a very few people can increase their bank balance is CRIMINAL!

Big money got no soul. And it's not going to alleviate the misery that's coming up. If the Games were postponed until 2022 things would be much better but nooooooooo.........

Suga, be prepared to say 'sayonara' to your political career.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

I sure competitor only compete at Olympics because it is their best chance of putting their greatness on display for Advertisement industry to sign them up. The gold , silver and bronze metal are only a mere bonus

0 ( +2 / -2 )

How to stop people from going out for drinks during the Olympics is a main issue

I see. So then...what was the reason for limiting or banning alcohol sales during the last dozen or so versions of this phony SOE?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

this will force Alcoholics to drink on the streets and train ride not going to help the alcohol issue they want to blame

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Tokyo-EngrJuly 8  11:18 pm JST

@Tokyoite

It's official - no spectators in the stands!

I'll feel much safer now when I'm crammed onto a train at Shinjuku along with 3.5 million other commuters.....

I am so happy to hear that you recognize that fact that no one will be in the stands will certainly make us all safer on the Yamanote Line or Chuo Line. The virus will know the stands are empty and will take corrective action.

Even with the extra 70,000 people coming to Japan (in addition to the athletes) the fact that the stands will be empty will certainly ensure that these additional people from all over the world will not spread the virus and it will not further spread to the citizens and residents of Japan in the trains.

I guess I feel safer now too......haha...yeah...

I assume you're being sarcastic? At least I hope so.

If people think that stopping 5,000 people in a stadium that holds 80,000 is the key to holding back the pandemic, while ignoring the 3,500,000 people that cram into Shinjuku station everyday, we are definitely doomed.

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A public nationwide state of emergency during the world wide olympics, held in the same country at the same time............

Japan, you have finally accomplished the ultimate, in contradicting behavior.

NIPPON!!! NIPPON!!!! NIPPON!!!!

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Here comes another alcohol ban. Pointless and stupid

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“So stop worrying about it and just get back to living a normal life.”

Hear hear

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Prime-minister suga.u broke your word tn the Japanese penple

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The opposition parties plan to file a request for International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach to be summoned to the Diet to face questioning. CDP (opposition party) Diet affairs chief Jun Azumi states “We have to question him on his decision that it is OK to go ahead with the Games.”

Absolutely! Our rulers need to be held accountable.

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To locked down and no Olympics . These 2 actions will save your personal life and political lives too.

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