According to local reports the Japanese government will arrange for the opening of Tokyo 2020 to be viewed by reduced VIP spectators
The Asahi newspaper has also made claims on other restrictions that will be in place at Olympic events.
Events that are held after 21:00 and other large events would not have any spectators. Only VIP guests such as sponsors’ guests and diplomats will be allowed to attend the opening ceremony.
The local newspaper cited multiple unidentified government sources to verify this information.
The attendance at the opening ceremony is greatly reduced from the initial estimate of 10,000 fans in the stadium.
VIPs allowed at #Tokyo2020 opening ceremony, but no fans: report.
Under plans currently being discussed, organisers are rethinking attendance limits as concerns grow over rising virus cases in Tokyohttps://t.co/7KhIPUqT3H pic.twitter.com/d9jfBpTheW
— AFP News Agency (@AFP) July 6, 2021
This Olympic game has already been delayed a full year due to the Covid19 pandemic. A recent television survey in Japan showed that only one-third of the Japanese would like the Games to continue with reduced crowds. A big 31 percent of the voters wanted the competition to be outright canceled.
It is highly unlikely that Tokyo 2020 will be canceled due to the money and resources that the Japanese government and Sports Council have put into the event.
Instead, they will be hoping to have 10,000 spectators, or 50 percent capacity at every event. Although overseas fans will not be allowed in the stadiums, they are hoping there will be a big turnout of Japanese sports fans.
Normal celebrations such as high-fiving, autograph-hunting, and towel-waving will all be off-limits to spectators in Tokyo.
Happy July! 😎 We have officially entered the month that #Tokyo2020 will begin.
We have just 2⃣2⃣ days to go to the Opening Ceremony of the @Olympics #UnitedByEmotion #StrongerTogether pic.twitter.com/wCsmzd4VQT
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) July 1, 2021
What we will miss from the Opening Ceremony
The opening ceremony of an Olympics is meant to be a jaw-dropping event that leaves you excited for the rest of the tournament.
This year will not be the same with Japan having reduced crowds and reduced performers in the stadium. After watching the Euro 2020 opening ceremony last month, do not expect it to be much bigger. Let’s hope that the Japanese can get creative with what they have.
RTE will be broadcasting the opening ceremony for those of us stuck at home on Friday, 23rd July.
