Yamaguchi: Athletes’ health and safety first for Olympic Games

March 24 , 2020

Yamaguchi at a party Covid-19 policy response meeting on Mar. 23Yamaguchi at a party Covid-19 policy response meeting on Mar. 23

On March 23, Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi addressed a meeting of his party’s Covid-19 policy response group regarding the possible postponement of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer. He said he spoke with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on the possibility and expressed support for the decision—which is based on Abe’s resolve to safeguard the health and safety of participating athletes above all else—if it should be made. What was important, Yamaguchi explained, was the International Olympic Committee’s view that the Games will be postponed, not canceled.