Officials cast doubt on Tokyo Games

Two officials in Japan’s ruling LDP party on Thursday said changes could be coming to the Tokyo Olympics. One suggested they still could be canceled, and the other said even if they proceed, it might be without any fans. Toshihiro Nikai, left, the No. 2 and secretary general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, mentioned the cancellation only a day after Tokyo reached the 100-days-to-go mark Wednesday. “If it seems impossible to go on with the games, they must be definitely canceled,” Nikai said in a TV interview. “If there is a surge in infections because of the Olympics, there will be no meaning to having the Olympics.” Asked if a cancellation was still an option, Nikai said: “Of course.” But he also added: “It is important for Japan to have a successful Olympics. It is a big opportunity.” Tokyo organizers said they, the IOC and the International Paralympic Committee “are fully focused on hosting the games this summer.” COVID-19 cases have been rising across Japan. Taro Kono, the government minister in charge of Japan’s vaccine rollout, said even if the Olympics go on, there may be no fans.