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Tokyo 2020 President "100 percent" convinced the Games will go ahead

Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto says she's "100 percent" convinced that the Olympics will go...
Will O'Callaghan
Will O'Callaghan

11.38 3 Jun 2021


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Tokyo 2020 President "100...

Tokyo 2020 President "100 percent" convinced the Games will go ahead

Will O'Callaghan
Will O'Callaghan

11.38 3 Jun 2021


Share this article


Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto says she's "100 percent" convinced that the Olympics will go ahead, despite opposition in Japan.

50 days out from the scheduled start of the Games, parts of the country - including the capital - remain in a state of emergency as they battle COVID-19.

Polls have shown that up to 70% of the Japanese public are against the Olympics going ahead but Hashimoto is convinced they can deliver the event safely.

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"I believe that the possibility of these Games going on is 100% that we will do this," she told the BBC. "The question right now is how are we going to have an even more safe and secure Games.

"The Japanese people are feeling very insecure and at the same time probably feel some frustration at us talking about the Olympics and I think that is giving rise to more voices opposing having the Games in Tokyo."

"The biggest challenge will be how we can control and manage the flow of people. If an outbreak should happen during the Games times that amounts to a crisis or an emergency situation then I believe we must be prepared to have these Games without any spectators.

"We are trying to create as complete a bubble situation as possible so we can create a safe and secure space for people who come in from overseas as well as people who are in Japan, the residents and citizens of Japan."


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