TOKYO: Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato said Tuesday that there was no problem with International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach’s stroll around Tokyo’s Ginza district.

“President Bach arrived at Japan on July 8, and the 15-day period had passed,” the top government spokesman told a press conference.

According to the Tokyo Olympics’ Playbook, officials visiting Japan for the Games were not allowed to use public transport, walk around Tokyo or eat out during the first 14 days after their arrival.

Bach drew criticism for visiting on Monday the posh shopping district in Tokyo, which is under a coronavirus state of emergency due to a surge in infections.

Regarding the large number of discarded lunchboxes for Olympic staff, Kato said the Tokyo Olympics “took sustainability into consideration” and that the Games organizing committee will give an explanation.

JIJI Press