Statement on foreign spectators for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games
The five parties, the International Olympic Committee (IOC), the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), the Tokyo Organizing Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games (Tokyo 2020), the Tokyo Metropolitan Government (GMT), and the Government of Japan, they have held a virtual meeting. During the meeting, the IOC and IPC have been informed, as described below, of the decision of the Japanese parties not to allow foreign spectators to enter Japan for the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, due to the prevailing COVID-19 pandemic. Tickets purchased from the Tokyo 2020 Organizing Committee for the Olympic or Paralympic Games by residents outside of Japan will be refunded.
Since the 2013 election of Tokyo to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games, the five parties have prepared for the Tokyo 2020 Games with the aim of welcoming local and foreign spectators, being able to celebrate alongside athletes, and embody the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
However, following the postponement of the Games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Japan COVID-19 Action Coordination Meeting at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games issued an interim summary in December 2020 that included the following statement on foreign spectators: “The decision on foreign spectators will be made in spring 2021, considering the situation of COVID-19 in Japan and abroad, the immigration regulations in force at that time, and the regulations in force to attend to sporting events ”. The five parties agreed on March 3, 2021 that a final decision would be announced at the end of March.
Currently, the COVID-19 situation in Japan and many other countries around the world is still complicated and new strains have emerged, while international travel remains highly restricted globally. Therefore, based on the current pandemic situation, it is highly unlikely that entry into Japan by people from abroad can be guaranteed this summer. In order to offer clarity to those who have their entry and who live abroad, and to allow them to adjust their travel plans at this point, the parties on the Japanese side have concluded that they will not be able to enter Japan at the time of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. This conclusion will help ensure a safe and secure Games for all participants and the Japanese public.
In line with their principle of safety first and foremost for all participants, and out of respect for all parties on the Japanese side, the IOC and IPC announced today, at the five-party meeting, that they fully respect and accept this decision.
Under these circumstances, those who have purchased tickets from abroad will soon be informed about the refund mechanism.
Accredited participants traveling to Japan this summer should follow the safe Tokyo 2020 Games guide (also called Playbooks) for their group. A second version will be published at the end of April.
We will continue to do our best to hold a safe and secure Games, in the hope that the Tokyo 2020 Games will be a beacon of hope for people around the world.
Remarks by the President of Tokyo 2020, HASHIMOTO Seiko
“In many ways, the Tokyo 2020 Games will be completely different from any previous edition of the Games. However, the essence of the Games will remain intact, with the athletes giving their best and inspiring the world with their extraordinary performances. Right now, we are working on specific plans to remotely share support from around the world and to bring people together in a way appropriate to our times. Even if he can no longer travel to Japan this summer, we hope he will continue to support the Tokyo 2020 Games. ”
