Yuriko Koike

Tokyo Olympics 2020 likely to open during COVID-19 'state of emergency' as infections surge

The present quasi-state of emergency ends on Sunday. Tokyo reported 920 new cases on Wednesday, up from 714 last Wednesday. It is the highest total since 1,010 were reported on 13 May.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: City to scrap public viewing sites to reduce risk of COVID-19 infections

Having postponed the Games for a year because of the pandemic, Japan has already banned overseas spectators — in an Olympics first — while reducing the number of participants, volunteers and guests.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Japan to expand virus emergency as 350,000 sign 'Cancel Olympics' petition

With Tokyo and other areas already under emergency orders until the end of May, three more regions - including northern Hokkaido, which will host the Olympic marathon - are set to join them.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: More tests for athletes, but questions about the Games remain

The Tokyo Olympics open in under three months and there are still more questions than answers despite the rollout on Wednesday of new rule books to explain how the games will take place in the middle of a surging pandemic in Japan

Tokyo Olympics 2020: The clock ticks down to 200-days-to-go mark for the Summer Games

It's nearing deadline time for Tokyo Olympic organisers, the International Olympic Committee, and various Japanese government entities as they try to pull off the Games in the middle of a pandemic.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: City governor sees 'no circumstances' for cancelling Summer Games

A poll released by national broadcaster found just 27 percent of respondents support holding the Games next year, with 32 percent backing cancellation and 31 percent favouring a further postponement.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Governor Yuriko Koike says vaccines give hope for Games

As host city, Tokyo will do “whatever it takes” to successfully achieve the Games, which were postponed for a year until next July because of the pandemic, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Japan can host Summer Games despite virus spike, says Tokyo governor

Japan has experienced an uptick of the infections this month with a nationwide daily total exceeding 2,000 as the government tries to balance preventive measures and business activity without further hurting the pandemic-hit economy.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: IOC president Thomas Bach arrives in Japan as cheerleader for next year’s Games

IOC president Thomas Bach will be in Tokyo making the rounds, shaking hands and posing for photos in his first visit since the Olympics were postponed seven and a half months ago.

Tokyo Olympics 2020: Four-nation gymnastics hints at how pandemic Games might work

Some 2,000 fans in face masks sanitised their hands regularly, checked their body temperature and remained socially distanced, while being encouraged not to shout support to avoid spreading droplets.