Tokyo (Reuters) - Nearly 70 percent of Japanese firms want the Tokyo Olympics either cancelled or postponed, a Reuters survey found, underscoring concerns that the Games will increase coronavirus infections at a time when the medical system is under heavy strain.
With just nine weeks to go before the Games, states of emergency have been imposed in much of Japan until the end of the month to counter a spike in infections that has resulted in a shortage of medical staff and hospital beds in some areas.
The country’s vaccination program has also been particularly slow, with just 4 percent of the population inoculated, the lowest rate among the Group of Seven nations.
The Corporate Survey, conducted May 6-17, showed 37 percent of firms were in favour of cancellation, while 32 percent want a postponement.
In particular, those calling for a cancellation have increased from February when the same questions were asked in the monthly survey. Then, 29 percent were keen on a cancellation while 36 percent favored a delay.