[Newton:] The Olympic flame has made his way to Japan. Just a few hours ago it arrived at an air base north of Sendai. It now begins a 121-day trek across the country. This comes amid calls to, of course, cancel the games outright. Yes, cancel the Olympics. On Thursday U.S. President Donald Trump said he talked to Japanese Prime Minister Abe earlier this week, but Mr. Abe hadn't made a decision on whether to postpone or cancel the Olympics. We want to bring in journalist Kaori Enjoji, who joins us from Tokyo. This has been a debate back and forth, and you know, the eyes of the world are on Tokyo right now. There are some athletes, IOC members, even, saying what's the holdup? It's just time to postpone these things. The deputy prime minister in Japan even called them cursed. You know, athletes can't train properly. What's the holdup here? Why don't they make a decision?
[Kaori Enjoji, Journalist:] Well, Paula, that's a question that the Japanese public has been asking, as well, for weeks. And I think part of that answer lies in that ceremony that happened this month, with the Olympic flame arriving here in Japan in the area that was devastated by the 2008 tsunami and earthquake. And I think this shows that, from the day that Japan and Tokyo won the bid to host the Olympics, this has been more than just convening athletes from around the world. This has been a battle for Japan, and an effort by Japan, to prove to the world that Japan is back. Back from the 2011 disaster, which killed thousands of people, and back from decades of recession where the economy has faltered and given up the No. 2 spot to China. And I think politicians have been very, very eager, and spent a lot of capital, to ensure that they are going to go ahead with the Olympics to show that Japan is back. And the fact that they chose to continue with this flame ceremony in this area today, despite the fact that it was an empty plane bringing that flame. There was no children that were scheduled to be there to greet them. The athletes that were supposed to be part of that ceremony were not there. But still, the head of 2020 Tokyo said who is also a former prime minister, said that they are still going ahead. I think the political capital that has been spent on this has been just too much.
[Newton:] And if you could clear up some confusion that I've had over the last few days, is it the IOC's decision, or Japan's decision?
[Enjoji:] Technically, it is the IOC's decision, Paula. But as you know, it's there are a lot of people banking on this. And by banking on this, I mean $12 billion is the official estimate on how much Japan has spent to bring the Olympics here. But we everyone knows that the actual figure is significantly higher on that. Take into consideration the dozens hundreds of sponsorship deals that would be canceled in the event that the Tokyo Olympics don't go through. Not to mention, the millions in ticket sales that have gone through, and the expectations that businesses have built over the years in anticipation of this. The tally for that would be phenomenal. So technically, it is an IOC decision. And I should point out that, compared to the rest of the world, Japan is a very, very consensus- driven society. It's frowned upon when a leader comes out and makes a unanimous [SIC] decision to do this or that. There's a lot of behind- the-scenes maneuvering and consensus building, before that final announcement is is made. I think that partially explains some of the uncertainty that has been going on here over the last couple of years.
[Newton:] Well, many athletes all over the world and they're the ones that really have a lot on the line here are waiting to see what that decision is. Thanks so much. Really appreciate the live update there from Tokyo. Now, the U.K. reports 144 deaths from COVID-19 amid more than 3,000 cases. In London, landmarks are mostly empty, but the streets are not, and as the city's nine million residents try to prepare for the unknown. Here's CNN's Nic Robertson.
[Nic Robertson, Cnn International Diplomatic Editor:] London's most iconic landmarks are almost deserted. The flags are out, but the tourists, and most everyone else, are gone. [on camera]: Trafalgar Square, normally bustling, but even this tiny scattering of people may be too many to slow the spread of the virus. The prime minister has said that people must follow government instructions ruthlessly. [voice-over]: This couple, taking a last ride before a rumored London lockdown.
[Unidentified Male:] Yes, I'm waiting for it to happen, honestly. Yes, we're all working from home already. Just trying to get out today to get the last bit of kind of fresh air that we can.
[Robertson:] The prime minister, though, ruling out a hard lockdown of the capital for now.
[Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister:] I want to stress that, you know, there is no prospect of us wanting to stop public transport in London or stop stop the tube or the buses. We're not going to be telling people that, under no circumstances, if they really need to go to work, can they go to work.
[Robertson:] A few miles away, neighborhoods still busy. In the lime outside the butcher shop, there is apprehension.
[Unidentified Male:] You keep the walk going on, and you have the little kids with you all the day. But we have
[Unidentified Female:] The U.K. is still reactive instead of proactive policy, but every country, a different culture. Hopefully, they will be inclined to stop any serious spread.
[Robertson:] Even without a full lockdown, though, changes are coming. Cuts in bus, rail services, as well as the city's fabled underground service, the tube. [on camera]: Up to 40 underground tube stations could be closed. The plan is to keep enough of the network running to allow people in vital professions to be able to get to work. [voice-over]: For some, it would be the end of the line for work.
[Unidentified Male:] I won't be able to get to work without the tube.
[Robertson:] Really?
[Unidentified Male:] Actually. Yes. That's my only option, is to get into Central London.
[Robertson:] So what happens then?
[Unidentified Male:] I don't know. I have to stay home, I guess.
[Robertson:] For others, a further step into the surreal.
[Unidentified Male:] Had a lot more family arguments recently since we've all been together. I don't know. It will be surreal. It's a bit weird. It's like being in a zombie film or something. Nic Robertson, CNN, London.
[Newton:] OK. Virus testing kits in the United States are too often in short supply right now, causing yet another crisis. We talked to the CEO of one company that's trying to change that by making testing available from home.