2020 Olympics

In the past week, multiple Japanese organizers and International Olympic Committee officials have said that the Tokyo Games will proceed regardless of the state of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Japanese organizing officials said Wednesday that they want to "streamline" the games, which may include seeking to reduce the total number of participants. They haven't provided specific details.

Most of the money will go toward helping the International Olympic Committee mount an Olympics one year later than planned — something it's never done before.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said it would be "impossible" to hold the already delayed Summer Olympics and Paralympics in 2021 if the disease is not brought under control.

"We want to organize the best Games possible," IOC President Thomas Bach said, adding that "this postponement will require sacrifices and compromises from all parties."