All around the world there has been great anticipation for the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo, however events took a different course when the Covid19 outbreak rapidly changed international plans. Now Japan, who has spent billions of dollars on constructing new stadiums, advertising, and staff faces increasing opposition to the Olympics both locally and internationally. Originally, the plan was to move the Olympics to the summer of 2021 in the hopes that the virus would dissipate over the course of a year. This view received full approval and is still continuing on despite heavy opposition. The proponents believe that hosting the Olympics will show the world that we can beat the virus and that we must continue to go on as normal, while those opposing fear that hosting the Olympics will spread the virus in Japan's main mega-city.
Thus far Tokyo has remained quite well protected from Covid19 with maximum infection levels reaching around 1000 per day at the most, which is quite incredible for a city of 38 million. The current total numbers in Japan for Covid19 infections are about 830,000 out of 126 million people. The death total is around 15,000. Interestingly enough the population is largely unvaccinated. Tokyo itself has cycled through seasons of lockdown and no lockdown depending on the infection numbers. Currently the new lockdown is in effect until August 22nd. Officials originally decided to allow spectators at half capacity of the stadiums, then decided a maximum of 10,000 spectators, and now they are saying no spectators. There was talk of letting limited foreign spectators come, but that was eventually decided against as well. Now there will only be 1000 special spectators allowed for the Opening Ceremonies.
Concerning athletes, they will need to live under strict conditions with constant Covid19 testing, social distancing, masking, and very limited interaction or travel in the city. They are also required to return home after all of their events are completed. Already some athletes from Uganda tested positive for Covid19 upon arrival, were isolated, and disqualified. Japanese media has focused on foreigners without masks which has stirred up fear as it is a common belief here that foreigners are the cause of virus spreading! Overall Japan has remained very strict when it comes to entry and departing with many mixed families (Japanese married to foreigners) still not able to see each other due to being caught overseas during the initial virus outbreak. Is it a good idea to have the Olympics? Will it be held? That still remains to be seen as mounting pressure increases. Please pray for us as we are going to attempt street evangelism during this tense time.
