Tokyo Olympics: Organizers ponder options amid coronavirus crisis

Postponing emerges as most likely, while full cancellation still unlikely

A woman wearing a face mask walks past a countdown clock for the opening ceremony of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics in Tokyo on March 23. The International Olympic Committee has said that it will make its decision on whether to cancel, postpone or go ahead with the games within four weeks.(Photo by Karina Nooka)

FRANCESCA REGALADO, Nikkei staff writer

March 23, 2020 11:55 JST

TOKYO -- The International Olympic Committee has given itself a four-week deadline to decide when to hold this year's summer games in Tokyo. While the official start date remains July 24, the IOC board announced after a Sunday teleconference that it is open to changing the start date of the Games and will step up "scenario planning."