"It's precisely because we're in this situation that we need to remember the value of the Olympics -- that humankind can coexist peacefully through sport," he said, "If we can hold a big event like the Tokyo Olympics alongside the coronavirus, the Tokyo model will become one of our legacies."
France's Estelle Millot (L) challenges Italian wing Roberta Bianconi during the FINA Women's Water Polo Olympic Games qualification match between France and Italy in Trieste. Pic/AFP
Muto said it was "not desirable" to hold the Games without fans, but not out of the question. In November, International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, said he was "very, very confident" spectators would be allowed. "I don't know how possible that is, but basically, having no fans is not desirable," Muto said, adding that a decision will be made in the coming months. "What conclusions are reached in spring is something we'll find out later. I can't make any predictions." Muto acknowledged that anti-virus measures, which include a ban on fans cheering, will make the Tokyo Games unlike any past Olympics. But he added: "The emotion that the spectators feel when they watch the action won't change... as long as there is drama, it can have an emotional impact."
He said the "biggest challenge" was implementing the 53-page anti-coronavirus rulebook, which mandates regular testing for athletes, limits their movement and shortens stays at the Olympic Village. "If we don't plan this thoroughly, we can't hold a safe and secure Olympics," he said. While Japan has seen a comparatively small coronavirus outbreak, with just over 4,500 deaths so far, a recent surge in cases has renewed concern about the Games. A Kyodo news agency poll found 45 percent of Japanese want the Games to be delayed again and 35 percent favour outright cancellation. "The situation with coronavirus in Japan and around the world is very severe, so of course people are feeling anxious," Muto said. But he said the rollout of vaccinations, and slowing infections, would gradually change public sentiment. Japan is not expected to begin vaccinations before late February, focusing first on health workers and the elderly.
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Reports say other people will receive jabs from May, just two months before the Games start on July 23. Muto reiterated that organisers and Olympic officials "haven't discussed making the vaccine a condition" for athletes or fans. He said the virus was unlikely to be eliminated in the near future, but that it only reinforced the importance of the Games. "It's precisely because we're in this situation that we need to remember the value of the Olympics -- that humankind can coexist peacefully through sport," he said, "If we can hold a big event like the Tokyo Olympics alongside the coronavirus, the Tokyo model will become one of our legacies."
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