International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach's visit to Japan this month will likely be canceled, sources told The Yomiuri Shimbun on Friday.
Bach was planning to visit Japan to participate in a May 17 torch relay event in Hiroshima, and then travel to Tokyo to meet with government and organizing committee officials on May 18.
However, following the government's decision Friday to extend the state of emergency for Tokyo, the IOC decided to first consult with the Japanese side to review the plan. According to the sources, it is highly likely that Bach's visit will be canceled.
Seiko Hashimoto, president of the Tokyo Games organizing committee, said at a regular press conference on Friday: "It would be a great burden on Bach to come during the extension of the state of emergency. I personally think it will be very difficult."
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