Japan bans Olympics spectators at Tokyo area venues

'Very difficult' decision marks latest setback for COVID-hit Summer Games

20210708N National Stadium

Stands at the National Stadium in Tokyo will be empty during the Olympics.  © Reuters

FRANCESCA REGALADO and RURIKA IMAHASHI, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- The Tokyo Olympics will be held without spectators at venues in the capital and three surrounding prefectures, the organizing committee announced Thursday, as the city enters a fourth state of emergency after a surge in COVID-19 infections.

After announcing a ban on spectators at Tokyo venues, the organizing committee consulted with Kanagawa, Saitama and Chiba prefectures and decided to hold events without fans there as well.

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