Chairman Nakamura’s Comments on Postponement of the Tokyo Olympic and
Paralympic Games and Measures to Tackle the Coronavirus Pandemic

March 26, 2020

The decision has been taken to postpone the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games by about a year.

I sympathize with the disappointment of everyone involved, including the athletes who have trained so hard with their sights set on reaching the pinnacles of their disciplines and organizing committee members and staff who have steadily prepared for the event. However, with no resolution to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic in sight, this decision was inevitable if Japan wishes to host the event in its entirety.

The JFTC has also made various preparations for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in collaboration with a range of partners, and we will continue to work with all those involved to ensure the success of this historic event next year, which will show the world that COVID-19 has been defeated.

In the face of COVID-19, the JFTC is also doing its utmost to prevent the spread of infection within and outside Japan with top priority given to ensuring safety and security, and to minimize economic and social impacts. Our member companies and the JFTC Secretariat are responding to the state of emergency declared in Tokyo yesterday by Governor Koike with further efforts to encourage working from home, and we will continue to take enhanced measures in close cooperation with the government, local public bodies, and other relevant agencies.