Some 60 Japanese companies, which have paid more than $ 3 billion for sponsorship rights to the postponed 2021 Olympics, are now faced with the dilemma of whether or not to link their brands to an event that so far has not garnered strong support. popular.
Just four days before the opening of the games in Tokyo, 68% of those surveyed in a survey by the newspaper Asahi expressed doubts about the ability of the organizers to control COVID-19 infections, while 55% were against holding the event.
Three-quarters of the 1,444 people who participated in the telephone survey said they agreed with the decision to ban spectators from the events.
As COVID-19 cases rise in Tokyo – which is under its fourth state of emergency – public concern grows that holding an event with dozens of miles of athletes, representatives and journalists could accelerate rates of infection in the Japanese capital and introduce more infectious or deadly variants.
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee, has said that he hopes the Japanese will be favorable to the Games when the competition begins and local athletes begin to win medals. The sporting event will be held from July 23 to August 8.
“We will continue to cooperate and work closely with organizers such as the Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Tokyo 2020 and the IOC (International Olympic Committee) to ensure that we have a safe environment for the Games,” said Katsunobu Kato, the Chief Cabinet Secretary, in an appearance before the media.
Olympic Games officials on Sunday reported the first case of COVID-19 among competitors at the Olympic village in Tokyo, where 11,000 athletes are expected to be housed during the event. Since July 2, organizers have reported 58 positive cases among athletes, officials and journalists.
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