Controversy continues to dog Tokyo 2020. This Friday, a petition calling for the cancellation of the delayed Olympics (which gathered more than 350,000 signatures in nine days) was sent to the organisers.
This is yet another demonstration of growing public disapproval of the multi-sport event as Japan suffers the effects of a fourth wave of Covid-19 infections.
Kenji Utsunomiya is the organiser of the “Stop Tokyo Olympics” campaign and has sent a clear and strong message: The Games should take place only when Japan can welcome visitors and athletes wholeheartedly.
“We are not in that situation and therefore the Games should be canceled, precious medical resources would need to be diverted to the Olympics if it’s held,” said the activist at a press conference.
The massive petition was submitted to both the heads of the Olympic and Paralympic Committees, as well as to Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike.
With just over two months to go before the start of the sporting events (scheduled for 23 July), Japan added three more areas to a state of emergency now covering Tokyo, Osaka and four other prefectures amid a worrying rise in coronavirus cases.
Governor Koike told a press conference that “even though there is a global pandemic, it is important to hold (a) safe and secure Tokyo 2020 Games.”
