Japan "Allowing Alcohol in Tokyo Olympic Village" Controversy

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The Japanese government has announced that it will supply alcohol to the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Village, sparking controversy.

According to the Mainichi Shimbun on the 1st, the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Promotion Headquarters Secretariat, established within the Cabinet Secretariat of Japan, stated at a meeting attended by four opposition parties in the Japanese Diet held the previous day that the bringing of alcoholic beverages into the Olympic Village would be permitted.

The Secretariat explained, "The basic principle is to provide meals that meet necessary nutritional management and other needs in the Village," adding, "As part of this, a catering service system is in place for athletes' rooms assuming situations after competitions, and alcohol is included."

Opposition lawmakers attending the meeting criticized the Japanese government for declaring a state of emergency and restricting alcohol sales in restaurants while supplying alcohol to the Olympic Village, saying it is unfair and could lead to the spread of COVID-19 as athletes gather and drink together.

Miyoshi Yunoki, a member of the House of Representatives from the Constitutional Democratic Party, said, "Telling stores not to serve alcohol while giving special treatment to athletes cannot gain public understanding, and since they may not drink alone, there is a risk of infection spreading when drinking together."

Akira Koike, Secretary-General of the Japanese Communist Party, pointedly remarked, "If it is acceptable to serve and drink alcohol just because it is called the Olympics, wouldn't bars across the country rename themselves as 'Olympic Villages'?"

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.