Japan to exclude overseas spectators from Tokyo Olympics

Decision on domestic viewers expected to be made separately in April

20210319 Olympic rings

Olympic rings at Odaiba Marine Park in Tokyo. The organizers of the 2020 Games have decided to hold them without overseas spectators. © Reuters

RURIKA IMAHASHI and FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writers

TOKYO -- Organizers of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics on Saturday agreed to hold the games without overseas spectators in an effort to prevent COVID-19 infections.

The "unavoidable decision" was initiated by Japanese government officials, who informed the International Olympic and Paralympic Committees at a Saturday meeting. Foreign arrivals this summer will be limited to athletes and support staff, games officials, accredited media, and sponsors with operational roles at the games.

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