Tokyo: Thirty percent of Japanese believe the Tokyo Olympic Games should be cancelled, according to a poll published by the NHK broadcaster on Monday, less than two weeks before the games commence.
On Thursday, Japan declared a new state of emergency due to the rising number of COVID-19 cases. In consultations of regional and national authorities with Olympic and Paralympic officials, it was decided to bar spectators from games in Tokyo and three neighboring prefectures and allow a limited number of fans in Miyagi, Fukushima, Ibaraki and Shizuoka. Fukushima’s local authorities, however, later decided to ban all spectators.
As far as 22% of Japanese are concerned, fans could attend the games but their number should be limited, while 39% think there should be no spectators. Only 4% of respondents suppose that Japan could host the Olympics without any limitations on the number of spectators.
The poll also showed that around 65% of respondents were dissatisfied with the Japanese government’s explanation of why the games are important. In addition, 57% were unhappy with the government’s policy to prevent the spread of the coronavirus during the games.
The survey was conducted from July 9-11 by phone among 1,224 people aged 18 and over. (UNI/Sputnik)
Third of Japanese think Tokyo Olympic games should be cancelled : Poll
