Interview | What would Happen if Tokyo 2020 were Cancelled? | Yoshikazu Kato

Posted on Monday, March 2, 2020

As the possible cancellation of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics looms due to the coronavirus outbreak, Asia Global Institute Adjunct Associate Professor Yoshikazu Kato analyzes the significance of the event to the Japanese, telling Global Times that "It is seen as an opportunity to unite the entire Japanese nation after a long period of economic stagnation, boost Japanese people's self-confidence, and increase Japan's international visibility, especially after Japan has experienced a 'lost 30 years' and continuous decline of its international status," and also a "political task to the Abe administration". (Photo credit: Marco Verch / Flickr)