Japan’s reputation as an organised, high-tech society hangs in the balance as a porous quarantine system, relaxed restrictions and a system struggling to cope with the influx of thousands of visitors tests the country’s ability to stave off a health crisis.
Tokyo has been bracing itself for the strangest Olympic Games of all time. Getty
It was supposed to be Japan’s time to shine. After decades of economic stagnation and political challenges in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, there were high hopes the 2020 Olympics would symbolise the country’s bounceback.
It would not have been the first time: the 1940 Tokyo Olympics were relocated after Japan invaded China (and then cancelled due to the outbreak of World War II). Tokyo finally had its moment of glory in 1964 when a successful Games heralded its return to the international arena.
Michael SmithHealth editorMichael Smith is the health editor for The Australian Financial Review. He is based in Sydney. Connect with Michael on Twitter. Email Michael at michael.smith@afr.com
