People who are assessing your qualifications can quickly tell the difference between an authentic life narrative and a third-party account
Japan’s prime minister on Friday dismissed claims that the country’s emperor is “concerned” the Tokyo Olympics could spread the coronavirus, saying the comments were the opinions of an imperial household representative.
On Thursday, Yasuhiko Nishimura, the head of the Imperial Household Agency that manages royal affairs, told reporters that Emperor Naruhito is “very worried about the current infection situation of Covid-19”, Japanese media reported.
Nishimura said he believed the emperor “is concerned that while there are voices of anxiety among the public, the holding of the Olympics and Paralympics... may lead to a rise in infections”.
He noted that he had “not heard such words directly from his majesty” but believed he “feels that way”, Kyodo news agency reported.
While the emperor holds no political power, he is an important symbolic figure in Japan.
But the remarks were dismissed Friday by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga, who told reporters Nishimura had “expressed his own opinion”.
The line was echoed by Olympic minister Tamayo Marukawa and top government spokesman Katsunobu Kato.
Nishimura “was asked to comment on his own feelings about the Olympics, and... (he) discussed his feelings”, Kato told reporters.
“I understand that he said he has come to form this sense as he holds daily conversations with his majesty. It has to be stressed that he was speaking about his own thoughts,” Kato added.
Japan’s US-drafted post-war constitution strictly limits the role of the emperor to a symbolic figurehead with no political role.
On Thursday, Kato insisted the government remained committed to hosting a “safe and secure” Olympics, Kyodo reported.
Public opinion has for months been firmly opposed to holding the Games this year, though recent polls suggest opposition may be softening.
No overseas fans will be allowed and domestic spectators will be capped at 10,000 per event.
Japan has seen a comparatively small virus outbreak, with around 14,500 deaths despite avoiding harsh lockdowns.
Its vaccine rollout started slowly but has picked up pace in recent weeks, with nearly nine percent of the population fully vaccinated.
People who are assessing your qualifications can quickly tell the difference between an authentic life narrative and a third-party account
Arab-Canadian public speaking coach and author of The Million Dollar Speaker Maher Elusini on how to make your speech command value for time and money
The legendary Greek-Russian conductor Teodor Currentzis, who is all set to perform at the Dubai Opera next week, on music transcending cultural and language barriers
Not every kid is meant to go to university or college. So, it makes sense to teach them entrepreneurial skills early
Some hotels quote Dh1,000 to Dh8,000 for standard hotel room that would usually start at around Dh345 per night
When feeling stuck in life, it's important to revise your thinking patterns
A guide on the channels to report complaints about violations at your workplace
The standout performances came from Arwa Saleh, Mohammed Al-Dhahouri and Amna Al-Loughani on the Taekwondo mat