Japan and Tokyo 2020 Officially Restrict Foreign Visitors
Widely expected after months of speculation, the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee announced this morning that foreign visitors will be restricted for the upcoming Games this summer. As a result of the on-going Covid-19 pandemic, Japan as a nation continues to restrict entry by foreign nationals, and the feasibility of such restrictions eased for a mass of varied nationalities for a condensed period of time is just not possible. Strategic guidelines already issued for the athletes, officials, and operations staff needed for the Games to even happen at a stripped down level indicate the level of precaution the local government wants to preserve.
It has been concluded that overseas spectators will not be allowed entry into Japan for #Tokyo2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
— #Tokyo2020 (@Tokyo2020) March 20, 2021
We will continue to deliver a safe and secure Games in the hopes that they will be a light of hope. https://t.co/oGUJ1hv8JC
Not having overseas fans attend will surely be different. The Olympics represent a glorious global gathering, on the playing field and extended to supporters throughout the world. Attending the Games is a special, unique experience that underscores the multinational, positive spirit. But these are unprecedented times, for sure.
The Summer Games will go on. At its heart, the Olympics are about the athletes, and the number one priority should be about how to ensure a safe and secure experience for 339 events across 19 days and 42 venues, for those competing, organizing, and hosting.
From International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, "...the first principle is safety. Every decision has to respect the principle of safety first...the IOC's top priority was, is, and remains to organize safe Olympic and Paralympic Games for everyone...".
For foreign fans, television coverage it is! But for the athletes' sake, I hope that the Japanese public are able to - and will - pick up the slack in attendance, as much as allowed by local organizers.
The Summer Games will go on. At its heart, the Olympics are about the athletes, and the number one priority should be about how to ensure a safe and secure experience for 339 events across 19 days and 42 venues, for those competing, organizing, and hosting.
From International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach, "...the first principle is safety. Every decision has to respect the principle of safety first...the IOC's top priority was, is, and remains to organize safe Olympic and Paralympic Games for everyone...".
For foreign fans, television coverage it is! But for the athletes' sake, I hope that the Japanese public are able to - and will - pick up the slack in attendance, as much as allowed by local organizers.
Success in track and field is really built around your team. Coaches, massage, PT, etc. But the true team is your family and friends that helps support and push you each day. For them to be not be able to be in Tokyo is gut punching.
— Clayton Murphy (@Clayton_Murph) March 20, 2021
For this one specific fan, not attending these Games, and not visiting bucket-list destination Japan is a huge disappointment, though the bigger picture of the Covid-19-ravaged world is paramount. Wish me, and all would-be in-person fans luck in navigating what to do next! Games and Rings will continue its athlete-based highlights and roundups.
Tokyo, Japan (IOC/Getty Images)
"However, the essential of the Games will remain unchanged, as athletes give their utmost and inspire the world with transcendent performances...Even if you are no longer able to come to Japan this summer, we hope very much that you will continue to support the Tokyo 2020 Games."
- Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto
- Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto
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