Japan’s Emperor Kaiser Naruhito has received International Olympic Committee (IOC) president Thomas Bach on the eve of Friday’s opening of the Tokyo Olympics.
While receiving Bach, Naruhito noted “??that staging the Games amid the coronavirus pandemic was “far from easy.”
Kyodo news agency said that the meeting on Thursday took place without food and drinks and that social distancing was observed.
“Under such circumstances, the managing of the Games, while at the same time taking all possible measures against COVID-19, is a far from easy task,” Kyodo quoted Naruhito as telling Bach in English at the Imperial Palace.
“I will like to pay tribute to all those who have been involved in the management of the Games for their efforts at various venues.”
The Tokyo Games were postponed by one year owing to the pandemic and now take place among strict health protocols.
Kyodo said that Bach promised to the emperor that maximum efforts would be made to prevent risks to the people of Japan.
Tokyo is under a state of emergency owing to rising infection rates, and almost all Olympic events will be held behind closed doors.
Friday’s opening ceremony is to be attended only by 950 VIPs.
Emperor Naruhito, an honorary patron of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, is to be among them.
According to the Olympic Charter, he is also expected to officially open the July 23 to Aug. 8 Games.(dpa/NAN)
