Photo/Illutration Prime Minister Shinzo Abe answers a question from an opposition party lawmaker concerning the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games at the General Affairs Committee at the Upper House on March 19. (Takeshi Iwashita)

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ruled out holding the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer without spectators even if the new coronavirus outbreak is still not under control.

“As a given, the Olympics must be held in a way that athletes and spectators feel safe and secure,” he said at a session of the General Affairs Committee of the Upper House on March 19. “The size of the event will not be scaled back and spectators will also enjoy the excitement of the Olympics. That is the way I hope the events will be held in Japan.”

Abe's remark was in response to a question from Toranosuke Katayama, a member of the opposition Nippon Ishin (Japan Innovation Party).

Katayama asked Abe to clarify a comment he made to reporters that “the holding of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games in a complete format obtained the support of the G-7.” He made the statement after a video conference with other Group of Seven leaders on March 16.

When Katayama further pressed him whether “complete format” also meant sticking to the opening the Summer Games as scheduled, Abe said, “I have never referred to the cancellation or postponement.

“What I have just said (at this session) is all what I can say,” he added.

The Summer Olympics and Paralympics are due to open in late July and late August, respectively.

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