Tokyo Olympics: Should Japan Pass the Torch?

The Olympic flame is already on its way through Japan in preparation for the planned opening of the Olympic Summer Games on July 23 in Tokyo. But while a cancellation or another postponement of the Games appears to be off the table, the Japanese public still isn't fully on board with holding the event this summer.

According to a monthly survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun, public support for Tokyo 2020 has risen to a record level of 34 percent in June as new COVID cases died down following a surge in May. The majority remains opposed to holding the games as planned, however, with 30 percent of respondents hoping for another postponement, while 32 percent would like to see the event canceled altogether.

In March, organizers had announced that the Olympic and Paralympic Games would be held without overseas spectators, dealing a tough blow to the event that normally attracts millions of visitors from all over the world. Domestic spectators will be allowed, but limited to 50 percent venue capacity up to a maximum of 10,000 people.