Tokyo Olympics

Tokyo Olympics: 72 percent of Japanese polled want the games canceled or postponed over slow vaccine rollout

The majority of people polled do not want the Tokyo Olympics to happen this summer

The Tokyo Olympics are only three months away now, but there is still a lot of uncertainty and concern surrounding the event, specifically among those living in Japan. Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic and not everyone in the country being vaccinated, many are worried the games -- which have already been postponed once -- will not be safe to hold.

On Monday, a Kyodo News poll showed that the majority of those asked in Japan are in favor of postponing or canceling the games altogether. Here are the stats from a Kyodo News poll:

"Amid lingering concern over a fourth coronavirus wave and the slow progress of vaccination, the poll found 39.2 percent believe the postponed Olympics and Paralympics should be canceled, while 32.8 percent think they should be rescheduled. Only 24.5 percent responded that the games should be held as scheduled."

According to the Wall Street Journal, only one percent of Japan's population is vaccinated against COVID-19.

As noted in the Kyodo News report, and highlighted by the Wall Street Journal information above, the concern for the Olympic events come in large part due to Japan's COVID-19 vaccine rollout which, because it is relying heavily on getting vials from other countries, is not moving as fast as desired.

According to nationwide telephone poll conducted and reported on by Kyodo News, 60 percent of people in the country are "dissatisfied" with the how the vaccine is being distributed. On Monday, Japan moved on to the phase of the rollout that includes vaccinating those who are 65 and older. Before Monday, health care workers were prioritized.

The poll also touched on the torch relay, with 13.2 percent saying it should continue, 49.3 percent saying in areas with high COVID-19 rates it should be canceled and 35.9 percent saying it should be canceled entirely. The torch relay began on March 25 in Japan. 

Nearly all polled are concerned about COVID-19 cases rising, as Kyodo News wrote that "92.6 percent said they feel anxious about a resurgence of novel coronavirus infections."

2021 Summer Olympics: Foreign visitors will not be permitted at Tokyo Games, which will go ahead as scheduled

The Summer Olympics are set to start in late July

Fans will reportedly not be allowed to travel to Japan for the Tokyo Olympics or Paralympics this summer, according to multiple reports. The country made the decision to ban foreign visitors from the Tokyo Olympics due to the threat of the coronavirus pandemic. The report came on Tuesday from the Kyodo news agency, citing Japanese government officials. The news has not yet been confirmed by the Japanese government or Olympic officials.

While the news may be disappointing to those wanting to make the trip, the country is being on the safe side. At one point, fans were unsure if there would even be a Summer Olympics, after the games were delayed from 2020 to 2021 and amidst growing worry regarding the pandemic. They still plan to have the Olympics in summer of 2021 despite the pushback from many fans, media members and Japanese citizens.

Japan has a population of over 126 million, and has reported just over 8,000 deaths from COVID-19, according to CBS News.

Even without allowing visitors from abroad, there is still concern about the spread of the virus, given how many athletes and personnel will be making the trip.

Last month, officials released a 33-page playbook detailing the health and safety protocols that will be in place. There are many guidelines in place for athletes, including tracking, tests and mask mandates. Fans will not be allowed to cheer or sing loudly, but are allowed to clap.

The officials have asked that athletes get vaccinated before participating, but say they will not require a vaccination before attending.

The Tokyo Olympics are set to start on July 23 and last until Aug. 8.

text by CBS