Japan is now more open to hosting the Olympics compared with previous months, two new polls show.
The shift in the public's opinion comes as more athletes arrive in the country and the nation's vaccination program goes into high gear.
A poll conducted by the Yomiuri Newspaper found 50% of those surveyed was for the Olympics next month. This represented an 11% increase when compared with a similar survey conducted by the newspaper in May.
Respondents that opposed the games dropped from 59% to 48%; 2% was uncertain. Postponement of the games was not given as an option.
Meanwhile, the Yomiuri telephone poll found 50% of its 1,070 respondents said organizers should push through with the event. Around 26% said the games should proceed without spectators while 24% said there should be a limited number of fans allowed.
While the two polls may have shown a decrease in the public's opposition to holding the Olympic Games, national polls still tend to show a majority of respondents is opposed. Japan's vaccination drive has begun to pick up pace in recent weeks but the majority of the public still believe that not enough people have been inoculated.
Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga previously said that holding the Olympics will be proof of his administration's victory against the virus. However, many in Japan are concerned over the possibility of the games becoming a super spreader event.
A majority remains unconvinced virus measures for athletes and other participants are enough to prevent virus spread despite government assurances. Suga administration officials said they would ensure everyone's safety.
"It is important to create circumstances where the Japan public feels safe heading toward the Tokyo Games," chief cabinet secretary Katsunobu Kato said.
Event organizers will make an announcement later this month about new protocols to be imposed and on how many spectators - if any - will be allowed.
