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Please keep her away from anything to do with the Olympics.

I would advise that they think very hard before putting her in the Opening Ceremony

I don't see what the problem with her is. She's very Japanese, and very Japanesey. She's also very popular here. And for that matter, she has some semblance of popularity overseas, though of course nothing like here.

So why shouldn't they have her as part of the ceremony?

Because she's awful.

Then why is she so popular in Japan?

Or do the Japanese not count? Should they be making a western opening ceremony with all things and people the west love? If so, the why bother having it in Japan at all?

Not doubting the popularity. But that shouldn't be the criterion. IMHO

So what exactly is the criterion?

Talent? Ability?

She is popular in Europe, SE, etc. Add in she is her own manager and song-writer.

Have seen worse choices for the opening ceremony.

Add in she is her own manager and song-writer.

She also has her own fashion line if I recall correctly. She's quite the entrepreneur.

Talent? Ability?

She's a singer/songwriter who has managed to gain millions of fans. The proof is in the pudding.

Call me a dinosaur, but I'd prefer more conventional "face of the Olympics". I believe taiko drums or some kimono model would be much more Japanese-like and nice then just another from the myriad of "tarento", hardly different from, for example, Korean pop. Pop culture is almost the same in any country. The whole idea of "kawaii taishi" and so on went too far.

@asakase, reckon we will get a bit of both i.e traditional japan as well as quirky/cool japan (opening ceremonies are what, 90min-2h long, plenty of time to showcase different aspects of the country). Plus organisers want to reach & please a very broad audience so there will be something for everyone.

Am no fan of Pamyu Pamyu but I guess kawaii-japan has to be there somewhere during the opening ceremony so it may as well be her. Just hope it's not too risqué, not too cuty cuty. 18-20yo acting as if they were 12yo may shock some viewers and am not sure it's in Japan's interest to do so. (perso I don't really mind, gravure idols also ok ;)

I'd suggest the Emperor parachutes in to the opening ceremony, but think it's been done already.

I can just imagine the opening ceremony with the usual talentless hacks and lip-synchers.

I'd suggest the Emperor parachutes in to the opening ceremony

Maybe Botchan can fly in as Mario, but the way things are going, he won't be popular anymore by 2020.

@goldorak

I can agree with you. Just let's hope that in the opening ceremony they'll find a good place for some traditional Japan. Nothing bad if Cool Japan / J-pop is also represented, but to make this tarento the face of the Olympics is too much for me.