The International Olympic Committee decided that the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic games will be postponed by one year because of the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Despite the Olympic games taking place from July 23rd, 2021 to August 8th, 2021 and the Paralympic games taking place from August 24th, 2021 to September 5th, 2021, the games will still be called Tokyo 2020.

IOC President Thomas Bach stated that was was confident that working together, "we can master this unprecedented challenge" while International Paralympic Committee President Andrew Parsons state that those involved "must be to focus on staying safe with their friends and family during this unprecedented and difficult time."

Organizers of the games confirmed that purchased tickets will be valid for rescheduled events, or a refund could be requested. This is the first time in the Olympic Games' 124-year modern history that the games have been delayed, though they were cancelled altogether in 1916, 1940, and 1944 due to the World Wars.