Tokyo 2020 organizers are planning to cut the number of officials attending next year’s Olympics and Paralympic Games by 10 to 15 percent as a cost-cutting measure.
Organizers have been working on reducing the cost of the Games since they were postponed in March as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The cut to the number of officials attending, which would mean less money spent on food, drink and transportation, is part of a package of cost-reduction proposals.
A total of 52 items are expected to be proposed in the measures.
Tokyo 2020 are also expected to suggest infrastructure reforms that will reduce the amount of lighting and additional temporary power supplies for venues, and the elimination of ceremonies at the Athletes’ Village and prior to the Opening Ceremony.
Decoration of venues is set to be reduced by 30 to 40 percent.
The measures are being discussed during virtual meetings between the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Coordination Commission, Tokyo City, and Japanese Government officials, and members of the Organising Committee.
They are also working through possible coronavirus countermeasures.
IOC President Thomas Bach addressed organizers over a video conference call, urging them to “work diligently and work comprehensively”.
“Nobody can expect from us that we know already, exactly what needs to be done in 10 months from now to ensure a safe environment for everybody,” he said.
“We should not give in to some people who maybe interested to put some pressure on us and already to make announcements now.”
Government sources claim Japan is planning to ease travel restrictions for foreign travellers from next month.
It is understood the Government is considering allowing about 1,000 foreigners to enter the country a day for stays of three months or longer, with increased testing capacity at airports to accommodate them.
Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshirō Mutō also hinted the Japanese Government may relax entry restrictions to allow athletes to train during a 14-day quarantine period prior to Tokyo 2020.
Japan has seen more than 80,000 COVID-19 infections with a death toll of over 1,500 and has an entry ban for 159 countries and regions.
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