Olympics-Emperor 'appears concerned' about COVID-19 spread by Games, says steward


FILE PHOTO: Japanese Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, wearing face masks, arrive at the National Theatre to attend the national memorial service for the victims of the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, in Tokyo, Japan March 11, 2021. Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Pool via REUTERS

TOKYO (Reuters) -Japanese Emperor Naruhito "appears concerned" about the possibility the Olympic Games could cause the coronavirus to spread as feared by many members of the public, the head of the Imperial Household Agency (IHA) said on Thursday.

While the emperor's concern was framed as the official's impression rather than something he explicitly expressed, the rare insight into the monarch's thinking on the Games lit up social media, with many wondering whether there would be a formal address on the topic.

The Star Festive Promo: Get 35% OFF Digital Access

Monthly Plan

RM 13.90/month

Best Value

Annual Plan

RM 12.33/month

RM 8.02/month

Billed as RM 96.20 for the 1st year, RM 148 thereafter.

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Others

Olympics-Owners recount panic after Nazgul gatecrashes race on doggy day out
Olympics-Berlin still a 2036 candidate despite concern over Nazi Games anniversary
Olympics-Biathlon-Michelon's stunning last lap delivers women's mass start gold for France
Factbox-Olympics-Most prolific gold medal winners at a single Winter Games
Olympics-Freestyle-Canada's Sharpe to miss women's halfpipe final after crash
Olympics-Bobsleigh-Brilliant Lochner on course for double gold
Olympics-SkiMo-France's Harrop and Anselmet win inaugural mixed relay gold
Olympics-Germany pained by slide in medals table and status as team with most fourth places
Olympics-SkiMo-American pair strive to push through Europe-dominated ski mountaineering ranks
Olympics-Biathlon-French entertainer Jacquelin finally finds freedom to be himself

Others Also Read