Liberal Democratic Party Secretary General Toshihiro Nikai caused a stir within the government and ruling parties after he mentioned that the Tokyo Games could be canceled if the spread of the novel coronavirus is not contained.
Nikai, who made the remarks during the recording of a TBS TV program Thursday, later made a comment to calm things down.
Nikai stressed that he wants the Olympics and Paralympics Games to be a success.
When asked during the TV program about his concerns over the spread of the virus increasing as a result of holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, Nikai replied, "If the situation comes to the point where we cannot take it anymore, we should call off the Games without hesitation."
"What's the point of holding the Olympics if it greatly spreads the infection?" he added.
Nikai has previously spoken preferably about a resolution to promote holding of Olympics. So after his comments aired, speculation spread within the government and the ruling parties, with some saying that the secretary general had flip-flopped. Foreign media also reported on the LDP's strongman's comments.
In a bid to dampen speculation, Nikai said: "My point was regarding being asked whether the Games should be held under any circumstance. I will continue to firmly support the holding of the Games."
When Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga was asked by reporters Thursday evening about Nikai's remarks about the possibility of canceling, he said, "Mr. Nikai later commented on them. The government will take all possible measures to prevent infection before the Olympics are held."
As for the timing of the dissolution of the House of Representative and a general election, Nikai expressed a negative view of the dissolution in spring. "Rather than right now," he said, "it would be better to wait until the novel coronavirus situation calms down a little."
-- Kono refers to 'no spectators'
Administrative and regulatory reform minister Taro Kono mentioned the possibility of holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics without spectators during a TV Asahi program on Thursday.
When asked if the Olympics could be held under the current infection situation while Japan's vaccination rollout is lagging behind those in other advanced nations, he said: "We will hold the Games in a way that can be held. There may be no spectators. I think the way of holding the Games might be different from how they are usually held."
In response to a suggestion that vaccinations be administered at night so that more people can receive them, he responded positively, saying, "We might take that suggestion into consideration."
Read more from The Japan News at https://japannews.yomiuri.co.jp/
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