It is known that Prime Minister Suga's official residence was disappointed when Emperor Naruhito did not use the word 'congratulations' when he announced the opening of the Tokyo Olympics.
It is also expected to act as a negative factor for the Suga regime, which is aiming to increase approval ratings through hosting the Olympics.
This is because there is a possibility that it will be labeled as an Olympics that has not been celebrated by the Emperor, which is considered a symbol of national unity in Japan.
At the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games, Emperor Naruhito declared the opening of the Olympic Games, saying, "I am here to declare the opening of the Tokyo Games to commemorate the 32nd Modern Olympiad."
The Olympic Charter stipulates that the opening declaration shall be read by the head of state.
Emperor Naruhito's use of the word 'commemoration' instead of the word 'congratulations' used by his grandfather is interpreted as taking into account the Olympic Games to be held amid the spread of COVID-19.
Asahi said, citing an official, that it was decided as a commemorative expression after consultation between the government and the Games Organizing Committee, as concerns were raised that the use of the word congratulations could be taken as the emperor's blessing on the Tokyo Olympics amid the COVID-19 disaster.
The Tokyo Shimbun called it "an unusual judgment" for turning the celebration into a commemorative one.
Kyodo news agency said, "There is a lot of discouragement at the Prime Minister's office, which aims to boost the government at the Olympics."
(Photo = Yonhap News)