Hiroshi Mikitani (Photo Credit: Reuters)
Japan E-commerce Giant Rakuten’s CEO Hiroshi Mikitani mentioned he was in opposition to having the Tokyo Olympics this 12 months.
- AFP Tokyo
- Last Updated:May 15, 2021, 10:09 IST
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Holding the Tokyo Olympics this summer season can be a “suicide mission” as the coronavirus pandemic continues to rage around the world, the head of Japan’s e-commerce giant Rakuten has warned. “It’s dangerous to host the big international event from all over the world,” CEO Hiroshi Mikitani mentioned in an interview with CNN. “So, the chance is just too huge and… I’m in opposition to having the Tokyo Olympics this 12 months,” Mikitani said, describing the Games as “a suicide mission”. On Friday, Japan prolonged a coronavirus state of emergency because the nation is battling a fourth wave of virus infections. The surge has put strain on the nation’s healthcare system, with medical professionals repeatedly warning about shortages and burnout.
With simply over 10 weeks till the Games open on July 23, public opinion stays opposed, with most favouring an extra delay or cancellation.
On Friday, a petition to cancel the Tokyo Olympics with greater than 351,000 signatures was submitted to the town’s governor.
Mikitani, who has been vital in regards to the authorities’s dealing with of the pandemic and internet hosting the Tokyo Games this 12 months, mentioned it was not too late to scrap the occasion, saying: “Everything is feasible.”
But organisers say they can safely hold the Games thanks to virus countermeasures and point to a string of successful recent test events, including some featuring overseas athletes.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also told reporters on Friday: “It is possible to hold safe and secure Games. We want to firmly go ahead with preparations.”
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