English translation of an archived publication. The roles, rules and references cited reflect its original publication date.
On Saturday 20 March, the organisers of the Tokyo Olympic Games decided not to admit spectators travelling from abroad because of the pandemic.
This decision will have significant budgetary consequences.
Refunding tickets sold outside Japan will be complex, and the shortfall against the original budget is undeniable. In this context, television broadcasting rights will be all the more crucial.
A further decision remains to be taken on spectator capacities at Olympic venues for residents of Japan.
Although the Japanese government launched a vaccination programme for healthcare workers in February, most of the country’s population is not expected to be vaccinated by the Olympics.
Vaccination has not yet been made mandatory for participants, but the IOC strongly encourages it.
Japanese public opinion, meanwhile, remains overwhelmingly opposed to holding the Games, preferring another postponement or outright cancellation.
Photo credit: BEHROUZ MEHRI, AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE ARCHIVES