Increasing optimism over Games

TOKYO: Aggressive lobbying by Japanese Premier Yoshihide Suga has bolstered expectations within the Government that the Olympic Games will go ahead next year, marking a sharp turnaround from just a few months ago, multiple insiders have said.

Suga has more flexibility in talks with the International Olympic Committee, one of the sources said, because he is not tied to the promises of his predecessor, Shinzo Abe, who told the public the Games would be held in ‘‘full form’’.

As recently as several months ago, lawmakers and bureaucrats in Tokyo were growing more sceptical about the viability of the Games, despite the official government stance that they would go ahead.

But sentiment began to shift after Suga replaced Abe last month, according to politicians and government officials close to the new premier.

‘‘The Government’s tone is quite different now from when Abe was prime minister,’’ a senior finance ministry official who speaks frequently with Suga said.

‘‘There’s a growing sense now that holding the Games is possible.’’

Suga also seems more flexible on what the Games might look like, although the IOC has the final say.

‘‘It’s easier to propose alternative ways to host the Games under Suga,’’ the official said.

‘‘There’s a stronger sense that while it may not be in the usual style, there will definitely be a Games next year.’’

The Government and local organisers have not decided whether to allow spectators, two sources said. That will probably be determined by yearend.

The sources declined to be identified because the information is not public.

IOC president Thomas Bach said yesterday organisers assumed there would be international spectators next year.

The Japanese Government and the IOC postponed the 2020 Games in March until next year because of the Covid19 pandemic.

The tide in Japanese political circles turned dramatically in late September, when Bach voiced confidence in holding the Games, officials say.

His remarks came days after a phone call with Suga, in which the premier promised to cooperate on holding a safe event.

Suga is now laying the groundwork for holding the Games through a campaign to promote domestic tourism and by gradually reopening Japan’s borders, Masahiko Shibayama, a senior ruling party official close to him, said.

‘‘His administration is clearly pacing up preparations to hold the Games,’’ Shibayama said.

‘‘If Tokyo can host the Games despite the pandemic, it will become Suga’s legacy.’’ — Reuters