Japan’s slow COVID-19 vaccination progress has led to a significant number of new cases and ongoing state of emergency measures. With reports of up to 6,000 daily COVID-19 cases, the priority for many Japanese citizens lies in controlling the virus rather than hosting the Tokyo Olympics.
An Asahi Shimbun survey of 1,500 individuals revealed that 83% favored either postponing or canceling the Summer Games. Additionally, 73% expressed doubt about the safety of hosting the Olympics despite Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga’s assurances.
In response to these concerns, Japanese citizens have taken to the streets in protest and launched petitions against the event. Demonstrators in Tokyo have displayed signs with messages like “Olympics kill the poor” and “put people’s lives ahead of the Games.” Over 370,000 Japanese citizens have signed a petition on Change.org urging the government to cancel the Olympics. Echoing these sentiments, 6,000 primary care doctors sent a letter to Prime Minister Suga warning of the potential strain on hospitals if the games proceed.
As the Tokyo Games draw closer, Japan grapples with a state of emergency due to rising COVID-19 cases and sluggish vaccination efforts.
Citizens demand the cancellation of the Games, with protests unfolding in Tokyo’s streets.⬇️ https://t.co/d1L5BZOCGv pic.twitter.com/gHVaCZt24g
— Insider Asia (@InsiderAsia) May 20, 2021
Prime Minister Suga, acknowledging the growing opposition, emphasized the importance of protecting public health over hosting the Olympics. He stated, “My priority has always been safeguarding the lives and well-being of the Japanese population. Our primary focus should be on curbing the virus spread.”
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