Tokyo Olympics seek COVID-19 defenses, but what exactly?

What defences if athlete can’t/ won’t come?

Keeping all us ticket holders in suspense.

I think it’s just going to be another spectatorless sports event

Everybody knows but rarely says that the Tokyo Olympics is finished. The organizers should start thinking seriously about how to refund ticket holders.

The best defence is just to bin the whole thing.

The defences should be putting on a brave face and saying goodbye to the idea of holding them. Instead of wasting more money on something that won't happen, start spending it on the things that will help Japanese people NOW.

Total waist of time, was from the start will be at the end. Virus or not. Just elites getting more money they won't spend, leaving workers with more tax. Vile.

Everybody knows but rarely says that the Tokyo Olympics is finished. The organizers should start thinking seriously about how to refund ticket holders.

I agree.

The best defence is just to bin the whole thing.

Bingo.

The defences should be putting on a brave face and saying goodbye to the idea of holding them. Instead of wasting more money on something that won't happen, start spending it on the things that will help Japanese people NOW.

VERY WELL SAID!

The fact of the matter is that EVEN IF they hold the olympics, the event is not going to be the money making machine they were hoping for no matter what they do due to the virus. It is best to take a triage approach and cut your losses while you still can. Anyway you slice it, the olympics are not going to be successful from a monetary point of view. Best to spend money on rebuilding lives in Tohoku and Kyushu.

If held, the Olympics will be athletes and support teams only. And plastic EVERYWHERE.

36 years later, no HIV vaccine, but treatments are available for infected people to live almost normally, as long as they take precautions.

Today, Covid-19, no vaccines, no treatment available in anything like the quantity required, prolonged first wave or second wave infections rising, global travel in turmoil, millions unable to work around the world, even training for athletes is difficult.

As I wrote earlier, it is looking more and more like a 2022 Olympics, but maybe best to just cut the losses, cancel it outright, and move on to 2024 in Paris and 2028 in Los Angeles. 2032 Tokyo anyone?

Just reset the Olympic cycle. Paris can't possibly be advance in prep for 2024 - and I would imagine would be grateful for 4 year extensiom to get their own house in order/

Since the money (your tax!) has already been spent on the organisation and facilities I'm at a bit off a loss by the excuses by readers of Japan Today NOT to hold the Olympics when it is safe.

Denial is a pretty good defense in terms of what's worked for them so far. That and ignoring reality, the voices of the people, and listening to the desire for fame and riches.

Unless international air travels starts becoming normal again NEITHER fans or athletes can even get to Japan.…..there is no way they are going to pay for airline charters to bring in athletes, coaches etc from what 200+ countries.

A lot HAS to happen & as of now NOTHING good is really happening that points to summer 2021 being able to freely travel......

The world economies ae on their knees. Press fast forward and move on. Tokyo has a nice new stadium but Olympics in 2020 or 2021 seems rather tone deaf.

I hope Tokyo Olympics is held in Japan next year, but I doubt it very much. Corona virus infection would last for a couple of years all over the world. If so many foreign visitors came to Japan, it would be super pandemic in Japan.

2021 is a no go, no one will be ready, certainly not worldwide. Also why would anyone attend? it's already operating at a loss and it isn't even running yet

The best defence... is insurance. Time to write it off

Spoiler Alert!!!

There won't be Olympic Games next year.

Call me pessimistic, but It's unrealistic to expect that the infection risk significantly decreases within the next 12 months in all participating nations.

Send the invoices to China.

The fencers will be ok, I guess.

It's not worth the risk.

Rigged system of selling ticket, the leader of Joc who is not sane, etc.

“Aikokushin...Orinpikku

That’s money down the drain

(Mottainai)

Y’all some dumb muhf*#%

Even without the covid-19, if someone handed me free tickets I wouldn't care.

Free tickets? Yeah, I'd probably go.

Abe will make it Japanese spectators-only and Aso will re-quote his healthy Japanese quote. Mark my words.

Unfortunately, as things stand now, even if Japan is ready by then, it's doubtful if the rest of the world would be.

I totally agree with you i@n. And as the pointed out above the economy worldwide is totally shot to bits. Tokyo is ready to go come 2024 with everything in place and ready to go. As I said above, France would probably be happy to push to 2028 as it stands. #Tokyo2024!

Pointless posturing. By next year, the virus will have become largely harmless, as they always do.

Mable:

Spoiler Alert!!!

There won't be Olympic Games next year

Will you be here next year? I will remind you about your failed prediction.