Japan’s Emperor May Have Concerns Olympics Could Lead to Virus Spike
- Highly unusual comment on politically sensitive topic
- Strong public opposition toward games due to start in July
Japanese Emperor Naruhito
Photographer: Pool/Getty Images
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Japanese Emperor Naruhito may have concerns the Olympics could cause coronavirus infections to rise, Kyodo News reported, linking the Imperial Household to a politically sensitive subject about a month before the games begin.
Kyodo cited the head of the Imperial Household Agency, Yasuhiko Nishimura, as telling reporters Thursday at a regular briefing he believes the emperor is worried about whether the Olympics would lead to an increase in coronavirus infections, given concerns that have been voiced by the public.