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Japan’s new prime minister vows to host Olympics next year

Published:Friday | September 25, 2020 | 9:05 PM
In this photo made from UNTV video, Suga Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, speaks in a pre-recorded message which was played during the 75th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Friday, Sept. 25, 2020, at UN Headquarters. (UNTV Via AP )

Japan’s new prime minister says he’s determined to host the Tokyo Olympic Games next summer as “proof that humanity has defeated the pandemic.”

The Games this year were postponed because of the coronavirus outbreak that has spread around the world and there’s widespread doubt about their future. Yoshihide Suga said in a recorded speech Saturday at the U.N. General Assembly in New York that he will “spare no effort in order to welcome you to Games that are safe and secure.”

Surveys have shown that a majority of Japanese companies and the public don’t think the Olympics will, or should, happen next year. A poll published in June by Japanese broadcaster NHK said two-thirds of sponsors were undecided about extending for another year.

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