One of Japan’s largest newspapers is calling for the cancellation of the Tokyo Olympics.

In an explosive editorial published Wednesday, The Asahi Shimbun said that it is “simply beyond reason to hold the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics this summer.”

In a piece headlined “Prime Minister Suga, please call off the Olympics this summer,” the paper’s editorial board noted that the COVID-19 pandemic “has yet to be brought under control,” adding that it is inevitable the state of emergency orders will have to be extended to other areas of the country.

“We demand that Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga evaluate the situation calmly and objectively, and decide against holding the Olympics and Paralympics this summer,” the editorial reads in part.

One of the oldest newspapers in Asia, the Asahi is one of the country’s four major dailies. With a reported morning circulation of 5.16 million, and 1.55 million for its evening edition, it is the country’s — and the world’s — second-largest circulating newspaper.

The Asahi — which according to The Associated Press, is seen as a liber al-leaning publication that often opposes the prime minister’s ruling party — is also a sponsor of the Games.

The announcement could potentially further complicate matters for the COVID-19-era Olympics, which are set to open in less than two months.

The editorial cited a “truly astounding remark” made last week by John Coates, vice president of the International Olympic Committee, in which he stated that the Games could be held under a state of emergency.

“Coates’ thinking was clearly at odds with popular sentiment in Japan, and his attitude of saying “yes” to the Games without presenting any supporting evidence served only to remind us anew of the IOC’s self-righteousness,” the board wrote.

Even admitting that cancellation of the Games “is certainly best avoided,” the editorial adds that, “Our biggest fear, needless to say, concerns the Games’ impact on the health of citizens.”

“There is no guarantee that the infections will be brought under control in the days ahead. In fact, the emergence of COVID-19 variants has made the situation even more alarming,” the board wrote, adding that mass vaccinations are still limited to seniors, and that the country “certainly” will not reach herd immunity anytime soon.

According to the AP, currently there’s no indication that the editorial has changed any minds.

“Of course, different press organizations have different views. And that’s very natural,” Tokyo organizing committee CEO Toshiro Muto said after the editorial was published.

He added that sponsors continue to offer their support.

Originally planned for July and August 2020, the Tokyo Summer Olympics were postponed early last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The multi-sport event is now scheduled to be held from July 23 to Aug. 8 — with no spectators from overseas.

Over the last few months, Japan has struggled to control new COVID-19 cases ahead of the start of the Games.

In April, Suga approved stricter rules to control the spread of the deadly coronavirus in three prefectures — including Tokyo — as more contagious variants of the virus pose a growing threat to the population, The Japan Times reported.

Earlier last month, the state-of-emergency areas were expanded to nine prefectures.

“I understand there are various difficulties, but the priority is to stop the further spread of infections and protect the people’s lives and health,” Suga said during a news conference on May 14.