national

IOC's Bach brings attention to Hiroshima — some of it unwanted

50 Comments
By STEPHEN WADE

The requested article has expired, and is no longer available. Any related articles, and user comments are shown below.

© Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

©2024 GPlusMedia Inc.


50 Comments
Login to comment

Why on earth is this individual and his cohort visiting FAR, FAR from where the Olympics are supposedly being held? Madness. What happened to the assurances that travel would be minimized to prevent any additional virus risks?

Prepare for the slow trainwreck. Worst olympics since 1936.

47 ( +48 / -1 )

They believe that because that’s what they see in the media and that’s what their “leaders” tell them. Japan could and still can easily stop it

11 ( +14 / -3 )

Taken as a whole, it’s hard to know who’s getting the biggest middle finger out of all this: Tokyo, Hiroshima, Nagasaki, or Fukushima.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

Talk about tone deaf.

19 ( +20 / -1 )

Isn’t it the Tokyo Olympics?

Bach is going on a sightseeing trip now?

The tragic comedy continues to …Hiroshima…

17 ( +20 / -3 )

Bach san, please stop to go to our sacred places, which could tarnish them!! go back to your home country, so you can enjoy games as a previlege group of Olymic.

9 ( +14 / -5 )

So as usual the "victim" Japan thing over shadows everything.

What happened to the Tohoku recovery thing?

5 ( +13 / -8 )

Isn’t it the Tokyo Olympics?

Bach is going on a sightseeing trip now?

The tragic comedy continues to …Hiroshima…

Come on we all knew this was coming.

2020 was to end on July 9th 2020

Coincidence? No way

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

So much to unpack here. 1.) Why is Bach allowed to travel when the rest of Tokyo is not? Bach's photo op is hardly an "urgent matter." 2.) Does Bach not realize that he is one of the most hated members of one of the most hated organizations on the planet? 3.) How much more will the public take before people start lashing back at the spineless Japanese government and its double standards?

18 ( +19 / -1 )

Correction that should read August 9 the 2020

-5 ( +3 / -8 )

Forgotten already about celebrating recovering from the tsunami and earthquake, he barely remembers Japanese people, this glorified event producer is not a real president like Obama.

11 ( +13 / -2 )

I wonder what insensitive/bullying thing he'll do to further alienate everyone during his HIroshima photo op.

I don't think he's insulted local food yet, so I'm guessing he'll go with that. But really its anybody's guess at this point.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

“Many Japanese believe that that IOC strictly forced Japan to have the Olympics this year,” Yasushi Asako, a political scientist at Waseda University, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “Many Japanese believe that it is their (IOC’s) fault for having such an international event during the pandemic, and there is a high possibility that the pandemic becomes more severe after the Olympics.”

He is right.

At the end of the day, Japan decides for its own territory which event to organize or not. The final decision always depends on Japan, not the IOC. But Japan has contracts with the IOC, and any change can be subject to huge compensation fees

6 ( +8 / -2 )

. 1.) Why is Bach allowed to travel when the rest of Tokyo is not?

Money talks, and there’s nobody with the spine to talk him out of it.

2.) Does Bach not realize that he is one of the most hated members of one of the most hated organizations on the planet?

He probably does, but he wouldn’t get to his position without incredibly thick skin. He probably just doesn’t care.

3.) How much more will the public take before people start lashing back at the spineless Japanese government and its double standards?

At an educated guess? Another five or six successive LDP governments’ worth.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

. 1.) Why is Bach allowed to travel when the rest of Tokyo is not?

Nothing prohibit the rest of Tokyo to travel. Let's see next next week with the 4 days break.

But Bach who is not quarantined, should not travel for the first 14 days of his trip. It would be a minimum of respect for the Japanese and those who have to quarantine for 14 days

15 ( +16 / -1 )

My wife was telling me the other day that the workers in Hiroshima (Peace Park) were threatening to go on strike if he comes. I hope they do so.

The man is completely disconnected and aloof to what people are thinking. He obviously has no concern or respect for Japan or the Japanese people and exhibits all traits of a sociopathic narcissist.

This is reminiscent of the European colonialism which existed a century or more ago.

Do these people have no shame or respect?

This trip is also not necessary and is being undertaken merely to satisfy his lust for self gratification and what is obviously his very large ego.

Disgraceful.

21 ( +23 / -2 )

I wonder what insensitive/bullying thing he'll do to further alienate everyone during his HIroshima photo op.

There’s a bingo game’s worth of options.

1) Refer to Hiroshima as “Nagasaki”

2) Refer to Hiroshima as “Nanking”

3) Refer to the “Chinese people” who died in the blast

4) Get the date wrong

5) Other

6 ( +13 / -7 )

Fitting, somber images with the article. - wish Bach regarded the place in the same manner and not just as a photo op for his image.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

IOC's Bach brings attention to Hiroshima — some of it unwanted

Some of it?? I'd say ANYTHING Bach brings, including himself, is unwanted.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

A tawdry political gesture from an organisation that has banned political gestures from the athletes that create its wealth.

Hypocrisy beyond belief. If I were a Hiroshima resident I'd be disgusted with Bach, Coates and the IOC, but equally to blame is the Japanese government for allowing this foul spectacle to proceed.

22 ( +24 / -2 )

This disgusting critter just continues with his insulting behaviour doesnt he, him and coates and that dick pound all need a lesson in manners and etiquette , some real reason to dislike this bunch keeps coming into focus everyday !

Time they were put in their rightful place c'mon people of Japan show these creeps where the exit is so they can leave !

Absolutely disgusting !

9 ( +12 / -3 )

This man just goes ahead of what he wants to do regardless. He is stepping on every understanding of the situation. By employing more guards and escorts for his protection may create a spreader.

Stop visiting places and just go directly to the event so as not to create crowding! For heavens sake - are they even thinking? Just because he probably has already been vaccinated. How about those who have not!

11 ( +12 / -1 )

Bach and Coates are using the backdrop of the cities, hit with atomic bombs by the United States in 1945, to promote the first day of the so-called Olympic Truce, a tradition from ancient Greece that was revived by a United Nations resolution in 1993.

what ?? you for real ? wow

2 ( +4 / -2 )

“Many Japanese believe that that IOC strictly forced Japan to have the Olympics this year,” Yasushi Asako, a political scientist at Waseda University, wrote in an email to The Associated Press. “Many Japanese believe that it is their (IOC’s) fault for having such an international event during the pandemic, and there is a high possibility that the pandemic becomes more severe after the Olympics.”

This is exactly it. Country leaders are elected to serve its people, and doing otherwise is a disservice to it's residence, as we have seen with COVID and the health and safety of the people here.

He will not be welcome by everyone.

That's for sure.

“President Bach using the image of ‘a peaceful world without nuclear weapons’ only to justify holding of the Olympics by force under the pandemic is a blasphemy to atomic bombing survivors,” the group said in a statement. “An act like this does nothing but do harm to the global nuclear weapons ban movement.”

It definitely is blasphemy and insulting to Japan. It's also sick to use this Olympics as a rebound of "pride" from Fukushima. These events are totally different and have no relation to the Olympics. By correlating tragedies in Japan with the Olympics is really insulting and just plain sick. I'm sure we all can see past his propaganda.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Look this was the plan all along!

Bach in my opinion is a reprehensible, dishonest person.

That said this trip has more than likely been planned by the Japanese people a long long long time ago.

Come on the original closing date of the Olympics was August 9th 2020.

Anyone care to guess what is special about that date?

Now it is the 8th because the 9th is a Monday but turns out just nicely right between the 6th and 9th of August.

5 ( +7 / -2 )

A tawdry political gesture from an organisation that has banned political gestures from the athletes that create its wealth.

Alfie, spot on as usual.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

@Aly

Your comment made me laugh!

Also, it is not just Bach on his sightseeing trip-his handlers, interpreters, secretary etc are all going with him.

The average Japanese would not for a moment, consider doing what Bach is doing

全然彼は空気が読めない人だ

1 ( +4 / -3 )

disgustinger and disgustinger. it'll be interesting to see the longterm effects of this Olympics on the institution in general. in recent years more countries/cities have been saying "no thanks", and I hope the current disgraceful performance will spur many more to follow suit. the Olympics is past it's use-by date, my view.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Until the Japanese people are willing to hold their elite to account, this sort of disgrace will continue.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

After all, the Games will be held during the pandemic. Will the IOC chief say, looking at the A-bomb monument in Hiroshima, “I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds”?

9 ( +10 / -1 )

@Antiquesaving,

Great comments.

I agree completely.

0 ( +4 / -4 )

Well at least President Baha won Gov Koike's heart today on her 69th birthday. He gave her a beautiful bouquet of flowers. I just saw it on the news. Lovely gesture.

-16 ( +1 / -17 )

AntiquesavingToday  05:39 pm JST

Look this was the plan all along!

Bach in my opinion is a reprehensible, dishonest person.

That said this trip has more than likely been planned by the Japanese people a long long long time ago.

Come on the original closing date of the Olympics was August 9th 2020.

Anyone care to guess what is special about that date?

Now it is the 8th because the 9th is a Monday but turns out just nicely right between the 6th and 9th of August.

What the heck is wrong with it being originally planned such way?

-13 ( +1 / -14 )

I don't think anything wrong Bach visiting Hiroshima. His visit will remind people of the world about the disaster of the atomic bomb. There are always people who do not take things straight.

-23 ( +1 / -24 )

I don't think anything wrong Bach visiting Hiroshima. His visit will remind people of the world about the disaster of the atomic bomb. There are always people who do not take things straight.

Why? Honestly what makes it any difference from the rest?

March 9/10 1945 80,000 to 130,000 casualties Tokyo conventional & firebombing.

What is the difference?

The swiftness of one, While the other they burned slowly for hours?

It gets tiring the same old victim card year after year while ignoring everything done that lead up to those 2 days.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

Reports out of Hiroshima say the security will be similar to what was in place for President Barack Obama's visit in 2016.

wait...............so you're telling us that 2021 BACH is on the same level that Obama was in 2016?

WOW, talk about losing perspective in all of this.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

"Why on earth is this individual and his cohort visiting FAR, FAR from where the Olympics are supposedly being held?'

Bach wants publicity which he hopes will bring him money and more money. He does not give a damn about Hiroshima and Nagasaki outside is personal interests.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

The Bushido does not exist anymore. Too bad. We are yamato

jiji XxToday  05:57 pm JST

disgustinger and disgustinger. it'll be interesting to see the longterm effects of this Olympics on the institution in general. in recent years more countries/cities have been saying "no thanks", and I hope the current disgraceful performance will spur many more to follow suit. the Olympics is past it's use-by date, my view.

1( +2 / -1 )

englisc aspyrgendToday  06:02 pm JST

Until the Japanese people are willing to hold their elite to account, this sort of disgrace will continue.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Why is this sentence included in Every article:

The official cost of the Tokyo Olympics is $15.4 billion, though a government audit suggests it is much more.

Why can’t the article writers or copiers just write:

The cost of the Tokyo Olympics is $31 billion.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

The average Japanese would not for a moment, consider doing what Bach is doing

I don't buy that for a second

0 ( +0 / -0 )

kurisupisuJuly 15  04:28 pm JST

Isn’t it the Tokyo Olympics?

Bach is going on a sightseeing trip now?

The tragic comedy continues to …Hiroshima…

Hiroshima is the place where the first atom bomb was used in warfare, so it's common for various people that visit Japan to pay respect.

In fact, it would be strange if it was not visited as part of the Olympic agenda, and I expect people would be complaining on here that Bach does not care about it.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

So much to unpack here. 1.) Why is Bach allowed to travel when the rest of Tokyo is not? Bach's photo op is hardly an "urgent matter." 2.) Does Bach not realize that he is one of the most hated members of one of the most hated organizations on the planet? 3.) How much more will the public take before people start lashing back at the spineless Japanese government and its double standards?

Who told you you cannot travel?

My train was packed today so seems like you're the only one that got the memo.

3.5 million travelled through Shinjuku today. I think you need to forget about the vaccinated and tested Olympic people, and worry about those millions of commuters.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

He is a complete idiot!

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Who told you you cannot travel? 

My train was packed today so seems like you're the only one that got the memo.

Memo from the guvmint regarding the SoE:

https://corona.go.jp/emergency/

日中も含めた不要不急の外出・移動の自粛について協力してください。

Please refrain from non-urgent, non-essential outings or travel, during the day (as well as at night).

不要不急の帰省や旅行など都道府県間の移動は、極力控えてください。

Please minimise as much as possible travel between prefectures, such as for non-urgent, non-essential trips to your parental home or recreational travel.

The poor millions going through Shinjuku every day are there to earn a living. Most folk would consider that pretty essential.

A photo-op is not urgent and not essential.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

cleoToday  03:30 pm JST

Who told you you cannot travel? 

My train was packed today so seems like you're the only one that got the memo.

The poor millions going through Shinjuku every day are there to earn a living. Most folk would consider that pretty essential.

A photo-op is not urgent and not essential.

I saw plenty of families and tourists.

Also, there are a lot more people that could work from home as was proven last year. It's the working culture of some companies that can't trust their people to work from home.

Not sure if you're familiar with the working culture here in Tokyo, but if you are I would not need to explain it.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I saw plenty of families and tourists.

... who were obviously not following the SoE guidelines.

Neither, I imagine, were they guests of the Japanese government.

Also, there are a lot more people that could work from home as was proven last year. It's the working culture of some companies that can't trust their people to work from home.

Exactly. Blame the companies, not the poor workers who are simply trying to keep the wolf from the door.

Bottom line is still that Bach's photo-op trip across the country was totally unnecessary and unjustifiable.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Login to leave a comment

Facebook users

Use your Facebook account to login or register with JapanToday. By doing so, you will also receive an email inviting you to receive our news alerts.

Facebook Connect

Login with your JapanToday account

User registration

Articles, Offers & Useful Resources

A mix of what's trending on our other sites