• Emperor Naruhito of Japan is concerned about hosting the 2021 Olympic Games in Tokyo because of the Coronavirus Pandemic.
• Over 80% of the athletes and anyone else involved with the competition will be vaccinated by the beginning of the Games.
• The 2021 Summer Olympics is set to begin on July 23 with the Paralympics beginning on August 24, also in Japan.

TOKYO – Emperor Naruhito of Japan is very hesitant to host the 2021 Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, fearing a further spread of the Coronavirus, the Imperial Palace reported on Thursday.

There is exactly one month left until the torch is lit, signifying the beginning of the Olympics Games. The country has been speaking out with their concerns, urging for another delay of the event which originally was supposed to be held in 2020 or an overall cancellation.

The issue most are having is due to the fact that many people from all over the world will be coming to Japan to compete. More than 80% of the athletes and those involved in the Olympics will be vaccinated by the time it all begins on July 23.

Tokyo will also be hosting the Paralympics that is scheduled to begin on August 24.

What’s Concerning Japan

It’s not mandated that everyone be vaccinated to compete in the Olympics. However, Japan is asking everyone to please take every possible measure available to contain COVID-19 and not create a fourth wave of the Coronavirus for the country.

"His majesty is extremely worried about the current situation of the COVID-19 infections," said Yasuhiko Nishimura, grand steward of the Imperial Household Agency. "While there are voices of unease among the public, I believe the emperor is concerned that holding the Olympics and Paralympics may lead to the expansion of the infections."

The Olympics will look a little different this year with COVID-19 still looming. This will affect everything from how the events are held to Olympic betting odds because not every athlete in the world that is known to be the best for each sport will be competing. We all know that a popular event in the Summer Olympics involves hurdles but the pandemic is giving that category a run for its money with the number of hurdles Japan and all of the athletes competing have had to jump through to get to this point.

"In order to overcome this challenge, it is important for all of us, in and outside of Japan, to bring our hearts together and cooperate," said Emperor Naruhito.

The Emperor was expected to open the Games, however, those plans have yet to be made official due to the health concerns of COVID-19 and the safety of the 61-year-old’s own health.

Moving Forward

Japan and the competitors are all readying themselves for the Tokyo 2021 games set to begin on July 23. Sportsbooks across the U.S. have started listing a few wagers on the events.

The 2021 Olympics is expected to be on track, ironically enough as that’s an event to be seen during the Games, to start on time this year. Anyone interested in wagering on Tokyo 2021 will have their pick of various wagers and Olympic betting odds on sportsbooks as the competition grows nearer.