Japan Inc. Olympic sponsors shy away from Games

Panasonic joins Toyota, Asahi in deciding to skip Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony

Panasonic said it would only send to Olympic venues staff who are indispensable to the operation of the Games. © Reuters

FRANCESCA REGALADO and RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writers

July 20, 2021 19:27 JST

Updated on July 20, 2021 21:27 JST

TOKYO -- A string of top Japanese companies have distanced themselves from the Olympics three days before the opening ceremony, underscoring concern in corporate Japan about the negative publicity surrounding the Games.

Consumer electronics conglomerate Panasonic is the latest domestic sponsor on Tuesday to confirm to Nikkei Asia that it will not send executives to Friday's festivities.