China News Service, May 10, According to Kyodo News, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Organizing Committee announced on the 10th that in view of the new crown epidemic, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Chairman Bach's scheduled visit to Japan in May has been postponed.
Bach earlier stated that he hopes to visit Japan on May 17 or 18. In addition to meeting Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, he also plans to go to Hiroshima to participate in the Olympic torch relay, but these schedules have not been finalized.
The chairman of the Tokyo Olympic Organizing Committee Hashimoto Seiko said on May 7 that due to the continuing deterioration of the epidemic in many areas of Japan, including Tokyo, the IOC President Bach's original plan to visit Japan in the middle of this month may not be possible.
Since the fourth wave of the epidemic in Japan has not improved significantly, the Japanese government has decided to extend the state of emergency in Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, and Hyogo prefectures until May 31. At the same time, it also decided to extend Aichi Prefecture from the 12th. And Fukuoka Prefecture is also included in the scope of emergency implementation.
Seiko Hashimoto said at a press conference held that day: "Frankly speaking, I think it is very difficult for him (Bach) to visit now."