GENEVA -- International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach is scheduled to visit Tokyo on Sunday, his first trip to Japan's capital since the decision in March to postpone the Tokyo Games to next summer, the IOC announced Wednesday.
Bach is to meet Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga during his four-day stay.
When asked whether cancellation of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will be discussed, Bach denied the possibility with a "no" response during an online press conference following an IOC board meeting.
Even amid the novel coronavirus infections running rampant again in Europe and elsewhere, Bach said the visit is essential.
"It [the trip] is important because we are now coming to a crucial stage of putting this toolbox together with COVID-19 countermeasures to get the feeling [of] what will be needed next year," he said.
The IOC chief also said he plans to visit the athletes' village and the National Stadium.
In addtion, Bach spoke about the notion of allowing spectators to attend the Games.
"[The IOC is] more and more confident that we will have a reasonable number of spectators," he said of the numerous trials that are taking place at various sports events in Japan.
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
