This time, I must disagree. The Olympics have become all about money and little about sports. The charade in Tokyo cost taxpayers billions with no tourists or fans in the stadium to offset costs. I am sure your Japanese is sufficient to understand "sakura". Tom
Well Thomas, a lot of those costs were sunk costs. This way, Japan at least walked away with some pride, goodwill and whatever they got for the broadcast money!
Just curious: Have you ever lived in Japan? With different assignments, I total about 12 years When 70%, or more, of the population, opposes something, and the government ignores that opposition, there is no pride for Japan. Goodwill? How did baning tourists and fans at competitive events create goodwill? Next up is the PRC. Will everyone pretend there is no politics in sports?
Your comment is a little incoherent, but I will address the parts that I feel like is of value.
** Yes. If 70% of the Japanese population is still against having held the Olympics, then that creates a problem for the ruling party the next time there’s an election.
** What is it? Covid is so serious we should have cancelled the games? Or Covid is so unserious we should let in the fans?
I think the Japanese government was in a tough spot and made a tough call. Now it’s up to the ppl of Japan to decide how to reward or punish that call. As a citizen of the world, I enjoyed the games.
Hi Angelica! As always thank you for another eminently entertaining, refreshing, and insightful post. Previously I'd heard the point about bronze medalist being happier than silver, but never knew there was scientific study to substantiate the claim and its debilitating effects. Your posts consistently enrich and provide added value to whatever subject you write on.
I'm with you--I wasn't particularly excited about these Olympics. But in retrospect, I felt they provided a much needed boost to our "shared humanity" perspective that has been under great stress. Thank you for promoting that message and highlighting several heart warming incidents I wasn't aware of.
Public opinion is fiendishly fickle. Let's hope the Japanese public comes to appreciate the difficult position their government was in and respect the choice that was made to go forward under less than ideal conditions. They certainly put on a great show and appeared to be excellent hosts.
I enjoyed your column. In general, I have no use for for sports , but your positive interpretations are spot on. Thank you.
Thanks Thomas! This Olympics somehow captured my heart despite me being against it at first!
This time, I must disagree. The Olympics have become all about money and little about sports. The charade in Tokyo cost taxpayers billions with no tourists or fans in the stadium to offset costs. I am sure your Japanese is sufficient to understand "sakura". Tom
Well Thomas, a lot of those costs were sunk costs. This way, Japan at least walked away with some pride, goodwill and whatever they got for the broadcast money!
Just curious: Have you ever lived in Japan? With different assignments, I total about 12 years When 70%, or more, of the population, opposes something, and the government ignores that opposition, there is no pride for Japan. Goodwill? How did baning tourists and fans at competitive events create goodwill? Next up is the PRC. Will everyone pretend there is no politics in sports?
Your comment is a little incoherent, but I will address the parts that I feel like is of value.
** Yes. If 70% of the Japanese population is still against having held the Olympics, then that creates a problem for the ruling party the next time there’s an election.
** What is it? Covid is so serious we should have cancelled the games? Or Covid is so unserious we should let in the fans?
I think the Japanese government was in a tough spot and made a tough call. Now it’s up to the ppl of Japan to decide how to reward or punish that call. As a citizen of the world, I enjoyed the games.
Hi Angelica! As always thank you for another eminently entertaining, refreshing, and insightful post. Previously I'd heard the point about bronze medalist being happier than silver, but never knew there was scientific study to substantiate the claim and its debilitating effects. Your posts consistently enrich and provide added value to whatever subject you write on.
I'm with you--I wasn't particularly excited about these Olympics. But in retrospect, I felt they provided a much needed boost to our "shared humanity" perspective that has been under great stress. Thank you for promoting that message and highlighting several heart warming incidents I wasn't aware of.
Public opinion is fiendishly fickle. Let's hope the Japanese public comes to appreciate the difficult position their government was in and respect the choice that was made to go forward under less than ideal conditions. They certainly put on a great show and appeared to be excellent hosts.