The Tokyo Olympics are due to start in less than two months, despite a surge of Covid cases in Japan.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) insists the games will go ahead, even though Tokyo is in a state of emergency.
When and where are the Olympics?
They were postponed last year because of Covid.
The Olympics involve 33 competitions and 339 events, held across 42 venues. The Paralympics feature 539 events, across 22 sports, at 21 venues.
Most events are in the Greater Tokyo area. Some football games and the marathon are due to take place in Sapporo in Hokkaido, which also has a state of emergency.
What’s happening with Covid in Japan?
Japan has had relatively low numbers of Covid cases. Since last year there have been about 720,000 cases and 12,200 deaths.
But a new wave of infections began in April and some areas face restrictions until 20 June.
image copyrightReutersWhat Covid measures are in place for the Olympics?
Domestic spectators will be allowed, though it’s possible a worsening Covid situation could mean competitions go ahead with no spectators.
International athletes and support staff will be tested before departure and on arrival in Japan.
They won’t have to quarantine, but must stay in bubbles and avoid mixing with locals.
Athletes don’t have to be vaccinated, though IOC officials expect around 80% will be. Participants will be tested for Covid daily.
Do people in Japan want the Olympics?
Several towns set to host the athletes have reportedly pulled out over fears it could spread Covid and put pressure on the healthcare system.
In May, a doctors’ union told the government it was “impossible” to hold the Games, given the pandemic – and the leading Asahi Shimbun newspaper called for them to be cancelled.
What have athletes’ representatives said?
A number of bodies and experts have expressed concern.
Japanese athletes have largely kept a low profile, but the country’s biggest sports star, tennis champion Naomi Osaka, said there should be a debate.
What have other countries said about taking part?
No major countries have spoken out against the Games.
Team GB remains “fully committed to sending our full team to the Tokyo Olympic Games”.
Chinese President Xi Jinping has also pledged his support. China is due to host the next Winter Games in February 2022.
Could the Olympics be cancelled?
Yes, but normally only under very exceptional circumstances like war or civil disorder.
The contract between the IOC and host city Tokyo makes it clear only the IOC can cancel the event.
The IOC is thought to make around 70% of its money from broadcast rights, and 18% from sponsorship. If the Games don’t go ahead, it could severely damage its finances, and the future of the Olympics.
image copyrightPhotoshotIf Tokyo was to break the contract and cancel, the risks and losses would fall on the Japanese side.
The budget for Tokyo 2020 was set at $12.6bn (£8.9bn), although it’s been reported that the actual cost could be double that.
Even though all sides involved in the Olympics are heavily insured, losses would still be high.