THE Tokyo Olympic Games are just around the corner despite intense pressure.

Japan has just lifted a state of emergency in many prefectures, and decided to allow up to 10,000 spectators in its venues. Can the Games be successfully held in the face of the pandemic? The eyes of the world are focused on Tokyo.

Major regions in Japan, including Tokyo and Osaka, lifted a state of emergency Tuesday, switching to “priority measures including contagion prevention” that are less severe.

Tokyo reported 435 new confirmed cases Tuesday, the third consecutive day with a higher number than the corresponding day the previous week. The average number of new confirmed cases in the seven days ending Tuesday was 406, eight percent higher than the average number of confirmed cases in the previous week, indicating that Tokyo’s pandemic control remains at a stalemate.

Japan has opted to limit the number of spectators at the Tokyo Olympics, despite experts advising the government that it would be best to hold the Games without spectators.

A maximum of 10,000 local spectators will be allowed into each event and no more than 50 percent of the stadium’s capacity will be filled, officials said Monday. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga also said that if a state of emergency is declared during the Tokyo Olympics again, the government will not hesitate to hold the Games with no spectators.

Alcohol will not be served at Olympic venues, organizers said Wednesday, in a bid to reduce crowds and the risk of infection.

In order to ensure the smooth hosting of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Japan is stepping up its vaccination campaign, especially for Olympic-related personnel, while deploying Olympic-related pandemic prevention measures. (Xinhua)