Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Demonstrators gathered in front of the building housing the 2020 Olympic Games Organizing Committee in Tokyo on Monday to protest against the declarations of the G7 leaders in favor of the holding of the Olympic Games.

With just over a month to go before the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games, the demonstrators placed portraits of leading International Olympic Committee figures Thomas Bach, John Coates and Dick Pound denouncing them.

The three members of the International Olympic Committee said the Games could be held despite warnings from Japanese scientists and doctors about the impact of Covid-19.

Two weeks ago in May, former Olympic swimmer Pound said: “Barring Armageddon, there’s no likelihood of cancelation.”

Prime Minister SUGA Yoshihide and the Governor of Tokyo Yuriko Koike welcomed the decision of the G7 members to host the Olympic Games.

“It is very encouraging to note that support for the holding of the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020 was expressed in the G7 Summit communiqué,” Koike said. “I believe that the G7 leaders reiterated their support for the Games in recognition of the initiatives taken by Japan and Tokyo.”

Near the Olympic Stadium, a protester carried a mannequin bearing the image of a skull and carrying a large sickle on which was written, “Welcome, Mr. Coates, to Armageddon, Tokyo 2020.”