On March 25, the torch relay for the Tokyo Olympic 2020 has started.

Can the Olympics be held in the first place? No one has the answer.

The government is positively coordinating for the held. However, it seems that a lot of people are negative about it, according to polls and social media comments. We can understand the idea that the event should be canceled while the Covid-19 infection has still not been resolved.

Should the Olympics be held? It cannot be concluded with simplistic point of view. It needs to be carefully taken in consideration of not only measure policy for infectious, also the economy, especially the living of the citizen.

Some studies show that the economic loss of canceling this Olympics would exceed USD 40 billion. Many Japanese companies have invested largely, since 2013, when the held in Tokyo determined. And then if it could not recover them, it would be a considerable impact.

At this moment, the question comes up; which is more important, human life or economy?

Let me introduce one data below.

According to a public agency survey in Japan, the number of suicides in October last year was higher than the death by Covid-19. In addition, the report by Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfarethe shows the number of suicides in 2020 increased for the first time in 11 years (3% compared to the previous year). We should realize this fact, though Japan is one of top of “suicide country”.

It is easy to emotionally cry out the cancelation of the Olympics. However, opinions should be made with consideration in impact of economy and the relation between it and the people’s lives.

The government has already abandoned for receiving foreign spectators. How can we minimize whole damage to the society? It is time to rack our brain.