Even shortly after the announcement Tokyo’s famous Shibuya crossing thronged with late-night crowds of young people, with Japan not having been subject to the same restrictions on movement imposed by much of the rest of the world.
At Shibuya crossing, Momoko Doku, an IT engineer, stressed that the health of the athletes should take priority. “It is disappointing for sure, but when you think about the health of athletes as well as spectators, I understand,” he said. “The new coronavirus is spreading so fast in the world, and this is a very serious issue internationally.”
With only four months to go until the Opening Ceremony was due to begin, the capital was already decked with posters and fliers, and tickets had been oversubscribed by residents.
