Business Jul 26, 2020
Olympic postponement leaves makers of official merchandise reeling
Six official stores selling Olympic merchandise have closed over the pandemic and 17 more are due to shut next month.
National / Politics Jul 26, 2020
Abe's legacy seen as hinging on holding delayed Tokyo Olympics
Japan's longest-serving prime minister may have to call a snap election to keep his grip on power and prevent the cancellation of the games in March.
Olympics Jul 8, 2020
Since February, Japan has been strengthening travel restrictions for inbound visitors as part of its border control measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
National / Social Issues Jun 30, 2020
Film producer takes diplomatic approach in campaign to inspire 'barrier-free minds'
by Takaki Tominaga
Bengt Yamada has been taking the stories of children with disabilities to Tokyo's embassies.
National Jun 25, 2020
The Tokyo Games organizing committee said Thursday they are considering simplifying the ceremonies celebrating the arrival of the Olympic flame along its route across Japan during the torch relay next summer. Organizers intend to consult with each of the 47 prefectures aiming to keep only ...
Business Mar 26, 2020
Companies sponsoring the Tokyo Olympics appear ready to continue supporting the games, but are likely to be burdened with extra work following a decision on the postponement of the event due to the COVID-19 pandemic such as negotiations to extend their sponsorship contracts. "Shouldering additional ...
National Mar 25, 2020
In Japan, disappointment but understanding over postponed Olympics
People in Japan reacted with bitter disappointment Tuesday at news the Olympic Games the nation was set to host had been postponed after years of preparations, but many said they understood the move in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. Even shortly after the announcement Tokyo's ...
National Mar 25, 2020
Japan makes history by putting Tokyo 2020 on hold in favor of 'recovery Olympics' next year
by Dan Orlowitz and Ryusei Takahashi
The one-year deferral announcement for the quadrennial sporting event amid the COVID-19 pandemic marks the beginning of a fresh chapter in what had already seemed an uphill battle for Japan.
Business / Economy Mar 25, 2020
In coronavirus-hit world, sponsors to stand by delayed Tokyo Olympics
Major corporate sponsors of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are standing by the International Olympic Committee after the games were postponed and experts familiar with the deals said the companies would not likely seek the return of billions of dollars committed to the agreements. Fourteen global ...
Olympics Mar 24, 2020
It's official: Tokyo Olympics delayed until 2021 due to coronavirus
by Ryusei Takahashi
In a stunning but foreshadowed move, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe announced late Tuesday night that Japan had reached an agreement with International Olympic Committee chief Thomas Bach for the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games to be postponed until next summer at the latest as ...
Olympics Mar 24, 2020
2020 Tokyo Olympics will be postponed, IOC member Dick Pound says
The International Olympic Committee has decided to postpone the 2020 Tokyo Games because of the coronavirus pandemic, IOC member Dick Pound said on Monday, as a window slowly began to open that would allow the showcase to be staged next year. Major sporting nations Australia ...
National Mar 23, 2020
2020 Tokyo Olympics in doubt as Abe hints at delay for first time
by Ryusei Takahashi
The prime minister says it may be the only way to avoid exacerbating the coronavirus pandemic.