Japan Today Get your ticket to GaijinPot Expo 2024
The Rainbow Bridge and Tokyo Tower are illuminated with Olympic colors to mark 100 days until the start of the Tokyo Olympics on Wednesday night. Image: REUTERS/Issei Kato
tokyo 2020 olympics

2 top LDP officials say Olympics cancelation, no fans still an option

83 Comments
By MARI YAMAGUCHI

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.

83 Comments
Login to comment

woah! that was abrupt! didn't see that coming. But got to give credit where credit is due. Good on him for at least saying that is an option. Better than the USELESS PM and USELESS Tokyo mayor and the even more USELESS and corrupt slime balls John Coates and Thomas Bach

50 ( +52 / -2 )

Would have saved more face by cancelling this shimozol a year ago. 98 days to go and floating the "idea" of pulling the plug? Bet Suga is overseas when that happens.

39 ( +39 / -0 )

If rising coronavirus cases means "it is said to be impossible we would have to give up," Toshihiro Nikai, secretary general of the Liberal Democratic Party, said in comments in a television interview, Kyodo reported.

Take this seriously. He wasn’t even plastered in a hostess bar at midnight when he said this.

34 ( +34 / -0 )

On the other side it could be only intended to calm down the cancel demanding voices so that they can continue undisturbed.

3 ( +9 / -6 )

They won't but they should cancel the "2020" Tokyo Olympics. The Olympics are supposed to be open to the world, a time when even during strife and war, people from all countries can participate freely in what was always been meant to be a publicly viewed spectacle.

Instead, the world is barred, the "celebrations" are a muted farce, the crowd will be 100% home country advantage, 85% of whom say in polls that they'd prefer to cancel the potentially health-harmful event.

Meanwhile, the government fails to provide vaccinations to its own people on a par with even the lowest of developing countries, while simultaneously planning to dump toxic radioactive water into the world's sea! Just...no.

26 ( +26 / -0 )

Aaaaaaaannnnnnnnd, it begins. First the JMA says it will be "difficult", then a senior LDP figure says cancellation is an option. Next a major sports power will say that they are not sending athletes because of the Covid situation, and THEN it gets cancelled when country after country decides to stay home.

29 ( +30 / -1 )

Tokyo 2024

Paris 2028

LA 2032

This is what they should have done in early 2020. Cant imagining anyone protesting about this decision.

27 ( +30 / -3 )

Remains an option? What happened to doing what it takes to hostess the sports day? Mixed massages, do see a happy ending here.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Toshihiro Nikai is gonna be axed in 3, 2, 1, ...

8 ( +10 / -2 )

At least someone said it,

that’s a start. Baby steps.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

@finally rich : I said this on this forum many times last year - would have made a lot of sense for many reasons, previously discussed. Apparently, cannot happen though. It's now or never. I still see them going ahead - as long as the big countries send a team, it will be a great TV spectacle for sure. Good way to celebrate the beginning of the end of the pandemic worldwide.

-6 ( +4 / -10 )

A senior Japanese ruling party official said canceling this year's Olympic Games is an option if the coronavirus crisis becomes too dire...

I love it when Japanese management or officials think that they have the greatest ideas ever, but then in reality it's just information that everyone knew about for a long time already.

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Should cancel,but I'd feel for Ikee who has made so much effort coming back from leukemia treatment,that it should be held.

There are countless athletes that have been looking forward to this opportunity their entire life. Denying it while allowing every other professional team sport to go on would be pretty ridiculous.

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

I think they should go ahead with the Olympics, but without spectators and without athletes. In all seriousness I think there is zero chance they will be cancelled now.

1 ( +6 / -5 )

woah! that was abrupt! didn't see that coming. But got to give credit where credit is due.

I would not trust too much this declaration, It is still completely possible that in a few minutes someone else says this is false and that the games are going to be safe, etc. etc. Maybe even a change in the article's title.

14 ( +18 / -4 )

Its OK, he'll be back on TV within the hour to explain that he was misunderstood and the Olympics are definitely happening no matter what.

Its likely that is the only way he is getting out of that building alive.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Toshihiro Nikai is gonna be axed in 3, 2, 1, ...

Is there anyone senior enough in the LDP to do that? Nikai is at or very near the top.

Personally I think this is a smokescreen. By claiming cancellation is an actual option, they are suggesting the current situation is merely one that has not reached some hypothetical state that would require cancellation. The actual reality may be that there are no circumstances under which they would cancel.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Should cancel,but I'd feel for Ikee who has made so much effort coming back from leukemia treatment,that it should be held.

She is only 20, you realize that? Plenty more opportunities for her at both Worlds and Olympics. Plus, she will be at her best after her recovery allows her much more training. She is clearly nowhere near her peak as an athlete.

Its not about one person, its about the safety of MILLIONS.

14 ( +17 / -3 )

This seems to be the beginning of the 'announcements of the intention to anncounce the awkward thing we would rather not announce'

16 ( +16 / -0 )

An option ? Its the ONLY option !

11 ( +13 / -2 )

。。。。as many other ruling party lawmakers have avoided discussing the hot button issue of a possible cancelation.

As many ruling party lawmakers are spineless and don't have the guts to tell it like it is. People can't respect this.

The members of the gov are supposed to be the voice of the people but what I'm hearing the people are saying isn't what the elected government officials are.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

While I support his point of view, this could also be an attempt to get himself in position to become the next prime minister during the next election in September. The popular opinion is that the olympics should be cancelled and he is currently the LDP no. 2....go figure....

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Well, if his words led to the cancellation of the Olympics he would get my vote, if only I had a vote.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

FINALLY! Some sense is coming out about this. Nkai should have been in charge in the first place.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

Shadow Shogun has SPOKEN!

2 ( +3 / -1 )

From a linguistic perspective, the most interesting part of this statement is "it is said", a passive form with no agent. By whom? That's everybody's guess. Probably not by scientific experts and doctors though as they've been recommending a cancellation for a while already. I would put my bet on Biden the EU here. Someone has to tell the guys in Switzerland that a global pandemic is a "force majeure" case.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

This can’t be. Just yesterday the Australian TV in their 100 days Australian celebrations for the Olympics reporting were saying the Olympics won’t be cancelled despite the increasing virus cases no matter what. How disappointing for them an event that could not possibly ever be held in their own country under its COvID rules might get cancelled. And what about the poor athletes (world wide as well) who will suffer so terribly. That poor horse rider, they interviewed who has been training in his private ranch all last year during their various lockdowns.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I'd hate to see the games cancelled; it's the sport that fascinates me, not the fans in the stands. Just hold them with no spectators and take very good care of the athletes.

-11 ( +3 / -14 )

I wish that people, organisers stop dithering and make up there mind ASAP, this whole thing of are we, ant we? the game might, might not, possible, yes going ahead. it messing loads of people around. the atherleats must be pulling there hair out, its messing with there home life, there training schedule, the organisers in various town and the voluntears, do we install barriers for this race on the roads or not? do we close roads? its just a mess.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

It's not a matter of "if", but a matter of "when" the adamant denial will come... Watch this space...

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Been trying to find as much information about contracts, cancellation clauses, insurance, etc.

Here is what I found.

There is a great Wall of secrecy around certain clause including NDA agreements.

But here are a few things.

If the IOC cancels then the sponsors have no recourse for compensation nor does the IOC need to pay the hosting city any penalties.

But it seems that if the IOC cancels then the cancellation insurance may not apply so the IOC gets nothing.

Not if Japan cancels then despite last years agreement moving the games to this year Tokyo may have to compensate the IOC, the cancellation insurance to the IOC kicks in and the IOC gets money, then the sponsors, have the right to go after Tokyo to compensate them.

So if the IOC doesn't have to pay it it cancels, the question is why don't they?

Well the answer goes back to sponsors, if the sponsors don't see any safety for their investment then they will no longer be willing to sponsor any more games.

So simply put, the IOC needs Tokyo to unilaterally cancel, so sponsors can get their money back, the IOC gets it insurance money.

4 ( +7 / -3 )

The British Medical Journal has published an article explaining why the Games must be cancelled due to it being a superspreading public health hazard.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

I do have the solution that will force the IOC to cancel.

Declare a national emergency, set a temporary law that requires all non residents entering the country must be fully vaccinated at least one month before with the Vaccines approved in Japan!

With this in place most countries will pull their teams from the games and the IOC will have no choice but to cancel.

Tokyo cannot at that point be held responsible because it would not be Tokyo government but the national government, and a national emergency is clearly covered by the usual Force Majeure clause.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

finally richToday  01:35 pm JST

Tokyo 2024

Paris 2028

LA 2032

This is what they should have done in early 2020. Cant imagining anyone protesting about this decision.

In theory yes, but a 3 year delay would be a disaster for the many including the athletes, business and people that have signed up to buy apartments in the Olympic village.

I think a delay to 2022 is more workable. I would hope Paris can still be 2024, or even moved to 2025/2026 if needed.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

I am amused at the sympathy the regular Joes of the world have for athletes who train for the olympics.

Those athletes live in the moment, doing their thing, that's the secret to personal happiness you know, to throw yourself at something with zero expectation of returns.

They are fit, healthy and engaged in life, that right there is better than a gold medal.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Honestly I couldn't care two bits about the poor athletes and how hard the prepared for the games.

I just walked back home from the bank machine, saw how little is in my account due to loss of business during the pandemic, on my way home I looked at all the closed businesses on our shotengai, the Izakayas, the kisatens, Ramen shops that will never reopen and couldn't survive the closures, the 20:00 closing time, etc...

Many of these athletes, didn't stop training, their sponsors, their governments still kept up paying for their training.

Most are young an have time to do more in life.

The local Kisatens near my house that closed was the only income for the couple that owned it, they are just reaching their 60s and lost everything, they don't have 20, 30 years to start over.

Cancel the games, someone use common sense.

26 ( +28 / -2 )

The British Medical Journal has published an article explaining why the Games must be cancelled due to it being a superspreading public health hazard.

won't matter much if there are no fans to super spread

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

won't matter much if there are no fans to super spread

there will be Japanese fans, and staff, and other athletes, and security, and camera crew, and more.

all of them will use public transportation and convenience stores, and restaurants, and gyms.

We'll have a mix of virus mutations from all over the world.

An International Corona mash-up.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

“Quick! C.Y.A.!” Why the change at 4pm?? The lunchtime headline read “LDP Official says Olympic cancellation still an option”. NOW, they’ve added “2 Top” and “no fans” still an option.

- Someone didn’t’ want to be ‘caught out alone in the cold’ if public sentiment and/or the situation changes drastically. -

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The best option for the organization of the Olympics is to postpone Tokyo and Paris games all together.....to 2024 and 2028. This option is fairer.

10 ( +11 / -1 )

Ludicrous. More than 1.4 million people died in Japan last year. 9500 due to Covid. Most of whom world have died of another cause. Sad as every death is, cancelling the Olympics and the overall effect on society has become unpalatable. Sheer madness.

-14 ( +2 / -16 )

Failed businesses, disruption, suicides, lack of treatment of other illnesses..

1 ( +7 / -6 )

cancelling the Olympics and the overall effect on society has become unpalatable. Sheer madness.

Sadly for you, your opinion is wildly out of touch with most Japanese. The Olympics has become "unpalatable" with most. FACT.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Sadly for you, your opinion is wildly out of touch with most Japanese. The Olympics has become "unpalatable" with most. FACT.

FACT People only listen to the polls that they agree with. If you dig further into the poll that you are talking about, more people want the Games delayed than cancelled. This means they still want the Games but not this year.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

Only thing about postponing is that it will cost the tax payer.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Cases are surging world-wide, not just in Japan. Small countries, such as New Zealand, intend to vaccinate all their athletes. NZ, a population just less than five million. Larger countries are still problematic, with an ongoing fourth wave.

Only 1% of the population has been vaccinated. If Suga and Koike and other responsible parties wish to have the Olympics', it should be contingent on inoculating the citizenry with the covid-19 vaccine. If they are no capable of vaccinating the populous, no Games.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

finally rich: "This is what they should have done in early 2020. Cant imagining anyone protesting about this decision."

Why should Tokyo get 2024 after Paris successfully won the bid? It simply does not, nor should not, work that way. Tokyo, if cancelled, should be guaranteed the next open spot. It would be unfortunate, but you can't expect the other nations, and no doubt Paris is already preparing, to suddenly wait four more years because it can't be held in Tokyo now.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

This whole fiasco should end now. It's an embarrassment that will haunt the country of Japan for years to come.

Why not just wait for another opportunity to host the Olympics when things get better rather than having to deal with all of this?

It's beyond anyone's sensibilities.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

Toshihiro Nikai, the No. 2 and secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, suggested the cancellation

I’m displeasured by this guy, but the most important thing is to save Japanese lives before pride.

as I predicted, the new B..1.617, Indian strain, the double mutant strain, will take infection to new levels.

ban foreign introduction until 2022.5.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

so many negative comentaries on here! i fully and firmly accept the olympics will happen and will bring cheer and happyness to ALL people, now we are beating this pathetic virus in Japan and in other places! Mina-san! Ganbatte Kudasai!

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

Japan should swallow the pride here , cancel the Olympics.

With a capacity of just 100 ICUs Tokyo is not in a position to hold the Olympic Games.

The IOC should also rethink their position.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Damn those politicians playing with the hopes of the people, it is not going to happen but hanging the possibility of a cancellation in front of everybody's noses should be a crime.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Testing the water of public opinion, and evaluating the blowback from the interested parties.

Not a bad move....

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If cancelled, who pays compensation?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Japan should swallow the pride here , cancel the Olympics.

At this point it is 30% pride for some 70% liability costs for others it is 100% the liability cost.

If the IOC cancels then Tokyo is off the hook for any liability.

If Tokyo cancels then the IOC gets it's insurance Money and the sponsors can claim damages and reimbursement for losses from Tokyo something they cannot do as per their contracts with the IOC.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

If cancelled, who pays compensation?

I detailed as much as I could find despite the secretive nature of some contracts.

If the IOC cancels, basically no one gets any compensation, it even looks like the cancellation insurance doesn't pay out.

If Tokyo cancels under the original contract it has to pay the IOC penalties but some reports say that part was removed under the deal to move the Olympics to this summer.

But what is clear is if Tokyo cancels then the IOC gets it's insurance pay out, the sponsors can take action to recoup losses from Tokyo.

So in a nutshell the IOC will never cancel because it can only get money if Tokyo cancels

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Great job Abe.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Wise choice is to cancel.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Your intention means the torch relay only right , but the games should be cancelled in the current environment .

For the Olympic faults , there presses a bad stigma impression that Japan looks a dangerous and unsafe country to the international communities.

Going ahead to the Olympic forcibly open , the IOC decision truly it’s absurd gamble and then we Japan has to walk on a tightrope.

You want to say IOC crazy !!

Some of the competitions in the games will be happened away from Tokyo area, out of Tokyo for the venues planning . For example Marathon takes place in Sapporo.

Could be the IOC thought is very focus on there. This place becomes the lower infection level compared to Tokyo something like that . Although in Tokyo happening competitions no go in this status ,other venues in Japan , should go right .

TheGames excluding Tokyo, can be happened possibilities likely .

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

David Shawn Kanda

Apr. 15 07:45 pm JST

This whole fiasco should end now. It's an embarrassment that will haunt the country of Japan for years to come.

> Why not just wait for another opportunity to host the Olympics when things get better rather than having to deal with all of this?

> It's beyond anyone's sensibilities.

Well. If you were an athlete who trained for the Olympics last year, couldn't compete, but told: "Look, guys, just wait a year." Alright. Next year: "Not this time. Maybe later?" And realizing that next year and the year after that is likely to be canceled. By then your whole sport might be canceled. Not much confidence and hope for the athletes. Can you imagine? I am sure you can if you look at it from the athletes' perspective, their parents, brothers, sisters, friends and fans, their years of training, their dreams, you will know the games are a little bit more than making a city like Tokyo look good.

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

The games must go ahead, they will go ahead without any covid related problems, what every one has missed is that the games are held before 9PM we all know that covid virus only comes out to play after 9pm can some one pass this onto the IOC board please.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Who says it's up to these two bozos?

The rest of the world already cancelled the Olympics months ago!

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Glorious covid safe Olympics showing mankind’s victory over the virus with no spectators

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Well. If you were an athlete who trained for the Olympics last year, couldn't compete, but told: "Look, guys, just wait a year." Alright. Next year: "Not this time. Maybe later?"

Can you imagine all the small privately owned, Izakayas, Kisatens, Ramen shops that had to shut their doors permanently because the restrictions made it impossible to go on while billions are spent on the Olympics and these athletes are still being supported by sponsors and governments?

I am sure you can if you look at it from the athletes' perspective, their parents, brothers, sisters, friends and fans, their years of training, their dreams, you will know the games are a little bit more than making a city like Tokyo look good.

I am NOT sure you can imagine, the children parents of those that lost their jobs, their businesses, basically everything asking why they have to sell everything and move to government housing because covid restrictions closed down their businesses or ended their jobs.

Young healthy Athletes with years ahead of them to do far more.

I have no care, I would rather see my favourite Kisatens reopen but that will not happen as they lost everything and at nearly 60 don't have to many options left.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Would be sign of the Times if the Tokyo events get cancelled because of Corona hype, but the Beijing ones go ahead as planned, accompanied by controlled pro-regime media.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Brian Wheway

The games must go ahead, they will go ahead without any covid related problems, what every one has missed is that the games are held before 9PM we all know that covid virus only comes out to play after 9pm can some one pass this onto the IOC board please.

You are not up to date. The virus changed its mind again and became active after 8pm now once more. Wish that virus would make up its mind!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites