Japan poll finds 80% say Tokyo Olympics should not take place this summer

A new survey in Japan found over 80% of respondents thought the 2021 Tokyo Summer Olympics should be canceled or postponed, or believe they will simply not take place. 

The International Olympic Committee, which postponed the games last year as the coronavirus pandemic surged, maintains that the games will be held beginning July 23.

Tokyo continues to battle the novel virus, heading last week into a government declared state of emergency as cases surge.

Even as he declared the emergency, Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga expressed confidence about the event going ahead as scheduled.

Japan, a county of 126 million, has attributed just 3,800 deaths to the novel coronavirus. However, the surging case numbers have caused some to question the wisdom of bringing 15,000 Olympics and Paralympic athletes into the country, in addition to coaches, officials, and other olympics personnel. 

The Tokyo Broadcasting System poll, which asked if the Olympics can be held this summer, found 81% of respondents said "no," compared to 63% saying no in a similar polls in December.