It may come as no surprise that the Japanese government and the International Olympics Committee (IOC) have announced that the 2020 Games will be postponed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.
That’s right. No Summer Olympics in 2020.
But there’s a light at the end of the tunnel (a very Olympic-torch-shaped light). The Summer Olympics won’t be held in 2020, it’s true, but you can look forward to them coming to Japan no later than the summer of 2021. The Olympic torch will even remain in Japan during this time as a beacon of hope.
The Games will also retain the “2020” logo and name. But with over 11,000 athletes attending—not even to begin counting spectators—postponing the games definitely seems like a step in the right direction. It's hoped that this year-long postponement will give Japan the time it needs to make even more amazing attractions and put more thought into the heavy flow of incoming traffic. Even if that’s not the case, it’s great that Japan and the IOC have the world’s health in mind first.
So, while you might not be going to the Olympics in 2020, that’s no reason to let the Coronavirus blues get you down. Plenty of museums and facilities in Japan are starting to offer virtual tours, live camera feeds, and e-galleries. You can even catch the cherry trees of Chidorigafuchi Park blooming. Have your own hanami at home or in your backyard.
Even if social distancing has you feeling a little stir crazy, you can “visit” Japan and plan your amazing 2021 Olympics and Paralympics trip to a healthier and better Japan.
Update:
The 2021 dates for the Olympics Games will be from July 23 to August 8.
The 2021 dates for the Paralympic Games will be from August 24 to September 5.
Spectators from abroad will not be permitted at the games due to the ongoing COVID-19 situation.
