Japan tests sports games capacity ahead of Olympics

Avid Japanese baseball fans are returning to the stands with masks on -- as the country tests its capacity for major sporting events ahead of next year's Tokyo Olympics.

Various COVID-19 countermeasures were in place for the Yomiuri Giants game at the Tokyo Dome on Thursday.

Spectators underwent temperature checks, disinfected their hands and gave their contact information to staff before entering the venue.

And Giants' spokesman Masatoshi Yamada says that's not all:

"We have proposed a new cheering style, which is to cheer without shouting, as well as disinfection of seats and distribution of alcohol wipes."

Professional sports stadiums in Japan have been capped at half capacity so far.

But Yokohama Stadium, which will also be used during the Olympics, confirmed in a statement that they would host three games later this month at around 80% capacity.

Yamada says that Olympics officials had visited the Tokyo Dome and seen the precautionary health measures for themselves.

And fans like Yoshiko Matsuo say they felt safe and thrilled to be back watching their favorite team.

"If one's mask is not in a proper position, a security staff immediately approaches that person and asks to wear it properly. Also, there are alcohol disinfection kits everywhere."

Tokyo Games organisers have yet to decide whether to allow fans inside venues during the Olympics.

Over seven million tickets have already been sold for the Games.