Tokyo Olympics shaping up as TV-only event with few fans

The pandemic-delayed Tokyo Olympics are shaping up as a TV-only event with few spectators if any being allowed when they open in just over two weeks.

Japan's AsahiShimbun newspaper, citing multiple unidentified government sources, said on Tuesday the opening ceremony at the 68,000-seat National Stadium is likely to be limited to only VIP guests, another downgrade for the Games that have had their pomp and spectacle tarnished by the novel coronavirus.Once promoted as an extravaganza to showcase Japan to the world, the Games appear in danger of taking place largely without spectators in a country closed to visitors from abroad because of the pandemic and with areas around Tokyo still under restrictions.

The Games, already delayed a year, are set to open on July 23 despite concern that an influx of tens of thousands of people from around the world could trigger new waves of infections.

Plans for the opening ceremony remain under wraps but the Asahi newspaper, ahead of talks with the International Olympic Committee and other organisers, reported that the government would slash the number of VIPs, such as sponsors' guests and diplomats, at the opening ceremony from an initial estimate of about 10,000.During the Games, events at large venues and those after 9 p.m. would also be held without spectators, the paper said.

Organisers have already banned spectators from overseas and set a cap on domestic spectators at 50% of capacity, up to 10,000 people.

With the public nervous about new clusters of infections, medical experts have said no spectators would be the least risky option.

The question of spectators is due to be decided at five-way talks also expected on Thursday that will include the Tokyo governor and IOC President Thomas Bach, who arrives in Japan that day.