Emperor Naruhito may avoid using the word "celebrating" or similar terms when he declares the opening of the Tokyo Olympics as expected this week, a government official said Tuesday.
Considering the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the government and the organizing committee are planning to omit the word, commonly used in past Olympic opening ceremonies, according to the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
The emperor will attend the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics, the Imperial Household Agency said, as organizers of the global sporting event enter the final stage of preparations amid the coronavirus pandemic.