Dear MEL Topic Readers,
Tokyo Olympics: Why doesn't Japan cancel the Games?
A coronavirus state of emergency has been extended in the capital Tokyo and five other major prefectures as cases continue to rise. Also, Japan’s vaccination rate is one of the lowest among developed countries. While polls show about 70% of the responses are not in favor of hosting the games, the International Olympic Committee and Japan’s government and games organizations remain committed to the sports event. Why?
The contract between the IOC and host city Tokyo states that the cancellation is only opted by IOC. So, if the host city wants to cancel the Olympic games, it will likely have to bear all the risks and losses, including the penalty to IOC, costs for already-completed event facilities, associated expenses, sponsorship obligations, and indirect expenses of the organizers, sponsors, local governments, and related businesses such as hotels, transportation, and travel agencies. In case both parties agree not to have the event, there will be another business that has to endure the financial burden, insurance companies. In fact, only three modern Olympic Games have been canceled so far, the one in 1916, 1940, and 1944, all of which were scheduled at a time of world wars.
As the Beijing Winter Olympic Games scheduled in February next year, another rescheduling doesn’t seem to be an option for Tokyo/Japan. So, even though six prefectures including Tokyo are under coronavirus state of emergency and despite the criticisms and concerns by athletes around the world, doctors’ union, business executives, and some politicians, it is still unclear if and how the already-postponed event is held.
Enjoy reading the article about the doomed Olympic games.
https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-57097853
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