The Emperor said he hopes athletes will be able to compete safely at the Games during a meeting with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach at the Imperial Palace on Thursday.
The Emperor, who serves as the honorary patron of the Games, gave an address in English to Bach and 18 other IOC officials at the palace.
"Managing the Games while at the same time taking all possible measures against COVID-19 is far from an easy task," he said. "I would like to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the management of the games for their efforts."
Bach assured the Emperor that the IOC is making utmost efforts to ensure that there is no danger to the people of Japan.
According to the Imperial Household Agency, Emperor Showa met the IOC president shortly before the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic organizing committee requested the meeting between the Emperor and Bach.
The Emperor was to attend the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday to declare the official start of the Games.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
