LONDON — Japan still is considering a bid to host the 2020 Olympics despite the earthquake and tsunami that ravaged the country.

The Japanese Olympic Committee told The Associated Press today it is “surprised” at recent comments made by Italian IOC member Mario Pescante, who said he was told by Japan’s ambassador in Rome that Japan decided not to pursue a bid.

Yasuhiro Nakamori, the JOC’s international relations director, said today “we have not changed our policy.”

He said the committee will hold a strategy meeting next Tuesday and make a final decision on whether to bid in July.

Tokyo staged the 1964 Summer Olympics. The Japanese capital bid unsuccessfully for the 2016 Games, which were awarded to Rio de Janeiro.