Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19, Koike says

Just cancel the Olympics and bank China from holding it for the next 200 years or so.

cancel it already and save money. No way countries like the USA can effectively train athletes considering the hole they are in now. Many countries will not send a team anyway.

Rather than trying to be a symbol of beating the virus, wait until it is beaten for real. Symbolism is meaningless without reality to back it up.

It was supposed to be a symbol of recovery for Fukushima. They've been thrown under the bus pretty quickly

with the disaster of the month

"I'm a contrarian. I now hate the Olympics."

You are far from being a contrarian. The Olympics are now so disliked that residents of Boston in the U.S. organized a grassroots movement to thwart the city's bid to host the 2024 games. They succeeded. Residents of cities around the world know how disastrous it can be to host the Olympics. The 1976 games wreaked havoc with Montreal's finances, the 2004 games in Athens arguably accelerated Greece's descent into economic calamity, and the 2016 games in Rio just made everything more miserable for people living in that city's huge slums. Tokyo 2020, from day one, was a vanity project for Ishihara Shintaro.

Nobody knows when this pendemic will be over. Nobody!

It is hard to imagine the US being clear of Covid by next ( year )

Oh, it will still be around everywhere but North Korea apparently, but it will be managed so that people can go about their daily lives.

It is hard to imagine the US being clear of Covid by next. It is hard to imagine the Olympics being held without the US. It can imagine so many countries pulling out because of the risk of infection that the Olympics would again have to be cancelled.

I can also imagine Koike and Abe saying there is no risk while at the same time risking the lives of those who live in Japan.

They weren't in charge of the cancellation, they are most certainly not in charge of resumption

Even if the situation is under control in Japan by that time next year, if it's continuing as it is right now in countries like the US, I don't think bring in people from overseas would be a great idea

They could bring in US athletes with a proper testing and quarantine regimen, but I don’t see any way they could let in American audience.

Even if the situation is under control in Japan by that time next year, if it's continuing as it is right now in countries like the US, I don't think bring in people from overseas would be a great idea.

Arrived in Japan 2016. Every evening news was about Tokyo 2020 and koike complaining about the high costs she had inherited. I quickly learnt that she is a true politician and I quickly lost all interest in Tokyo 2020. So 2024 or just forget it

(Above)

Yes. Funny talk when foreign residents of Japan are still not allowed back into the country.

I'm a contrarian. I now hate the Olympics.

It's just a con to throw contracts to companies, get kick backs, underhand cash to Olympic committee people, over priced nonsense with professional athletes now.

Everything in our lives is now crass commercialism and advertising.

Such a cliff hanger for those with game tickets - to go or not to go - Hoping for vaccine

Koike is delusional

Koike wants to hold the Olympics in 2021. This explains why Japan is testing so few people. Japan has to hide the covid-19 problem, to hold the Olympics even if the pandemics stays the same or gets worse.

At the same time Japan does not even allow in its foreign residents. It is one of the few countries to behave so badly. The covid-19 crisis has shown the ugly face of Japanese government. Its only concern is not to lose face. But with such a xenophobic behavior (keeping even foreign residents out) and their lies, the government is guaranteed to lose face. It is so sad for Japan!

Tokyo Governor said 'the Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming coronavirus'. The pandemic is far from over, where comes the 'overcoming'?

It seems too early for her to make such statement or prediction. Probably she is in a euphoric mood.

EXACTLY '! She is getting high off of the election dopamine spike for being re-selected as governor of Tokyo.

Definitely her high is speaking more than reality. I think Japan will be hit hard like New York sooner or later at this rate of JAV clumsiness. In the mean time... me being super smart i stay home and chillax. Stay safe as you bet your life on KO-IKE.

And what if the coronavirus has not been overcome?

She 'must' be off her rocker!

I agree. However, whilst statistically the deaths are minimal, people are still fearmongering and unless a vaccine is created then the games will probably not go ahead.

"The Olympic Games must go on next year" Too early to make that statement. But when do politicians ever make statements that make any sense?

And afterthought. Not a lot of people go to bars and theaters but millions take the cramped commuter trains every day. They are likely gold mines of infection.

Sports and games bring people together to celebrate the gift of life. Hope for a healthier world, a safer world, and a better world for all, is a positive attitude in these testing times.

"Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19, Koike says"

Here's the rub. If there is so much as a trace of the pandemic present at the 2020 {2021) Olympics there will be a disaster. It will a symbol of the stupidity and arrogance of Koike.

It is impossible to predict what the world will be in shape during this pandemic so why even discuss future events.

Japan should not have this Olympic Games since the beginning, they were planned just to cover their failure with Fukushima. The fire enter by Matsushima, which hasnt be that bad because of the tsunami but it was for the preparation for the OG. (they killed many trees).

Then, they were very stubborn to try to keep the Games, they even hide the numbers of Covid infected people until the Olympic Committee said ok we will move them to next year, the next day an actor was dead of Covid (that info was kept in secret ) the graphics showed the high numbers of ill people.

And why do they want that international event, if Japan doesnt care about foreigners, they treated very bad the people on the cruise.

Finally, this OG are very expensive, for those who pay taxes, we want to see our money in other useful things rather that OG.

I hope they get completely cancelled

but some people might still have some guts to come because Japan is in fact doing a very good job at slowing down the virus despite a more recent spike in cases.

Yeah, doing so well, they still won't let foreigners in, and I, as a long-term resident, can't leave without being locked out.

Savvy doesn’t mean smart. Fuku...Fukushima?

Objective: "Bringing only the athletes/coaches in may be the best solution if Japan is indeed intent on holding the games."

And would you allow such people from, say, the US right now? Would you demand they quarantine in a hotel (unable to train) for two weeks until the events start, taking time off their careers back home? Now, keep in mind, they are not letting in people from overseas except for business, so why should athletes and coaches be allowed? Are they immune? Are they free from carrying? No... if it's about safety they must be banned as well, plain and simple. And if it's not about safety, if it's just about the Games, then it is unsafe to have them.

"Must"?

She has gotta be kidding.

Bringing only the athletes/coaches in may be the best solution if Japan is indeed intent on holding the games.

Last week's Diamond League multi-city event definitely didn't work out too well. Noah Lyles running a "world record" 18.9 second 200m. Unfortunately for him it was only 185 m.

Logistics nightmare to do remote events where conditions are different and officials standards could vary.

Great - hold the Olympics for all countries which have overcome Covid-19. New Zealand takes all gold, silver, and bronze - by default of course since no other country can participate.

I think many dual citizen pro athletes based in Japan would fair well against NZ :)

Big Yen,

Fair enough. I probably should have picked out the parts a little more carefully.

In any case, I do agree with you that the way we interpret facts will be influenced by our experience and, to a certain extent, our brain wiring. I think it's important to try and look at things as objectively as possible based on reason and evidence, make logical connections and draw conclusions.

We may hear "The Tokyo Olympics will go ahead Next Year"... being said again, .... next year, and so on....

If they want to hold the games next year, the participants and staff will be able to quarantine just fine leading up to the competitions, but the spectators will be a whole different problem.

Time to get the insurance and promote the venues for all Japanese activities. Time to stop being a prisoner of the Olympics mindset. Move on

Must go on with the Olympics? No.

Forget it? Yes.

Tokyo Governor said 'the Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming coronavirus'. The pandemic is far from over, where comes the 'overcoming'?

It seems too early for her to make such statement or prediction. Probably she is in a euphoric mood.

Sorry, number are from the introduction ......

Big Yen, I spend loads of time, usually a couple of hours at least, reading through the news - mainstream stuff from the left and right (like the Australian, Age, SMH online - can't get the print editions) , and read/watch stuff that you would probably wrongly call "conspiracy rubbish" (for the record, not Infowars just in case you were going to throw that one out there). And I look for the facts, omissions and half-truths. Nobody has a monopoly on the truth, but applying a critical eye to the news and looking at different sources, primary if possible, helps to sort the wheat from the chaff.

BigYenToday  10:59 am JST

All these mixed messages are intentional, to confuse and anger the average person so they'll be begging the powers-that-probably-shouldn't-be for a solution

So you're suggesting Gov. Koike, the IOC, the organisers of the Gion Matsuri, the owners of Disneyland and presumably many others are all involved in a conspiracy to intentionally spread mixed messages among the community? Wow.

Ridiculous red herring. Festival organisers, Disney etc are just going along with what they think they're supposed to do, but I think they're over-reacting. The IOC are as corrupt as can be -- that's no secret or conspiracy. Koike, who the heck knows what she really thinks. But she's not doing much to suppress the climate of fear about this virus with manipulated reporting of the numbers, while still vainly trying or pretending to try to get the Olympics going next year. There's a huge mixed message right there.

If you've got all the answers, I'd love to hear them.

Mr Kipling, yes my friend........

From 2016 numbers Bank of Japan......

During the event, up to 920,000 spectators are expected to visit Tokyo per day.....

https://www.boj.or.jp/en/research/brp/ron_2016/data/ron160121b.pdf

The Government and people have invested probably there life savings in making this games a success. I spent silly crazy money on purchasing tickets for my nieces and nephews. Opening and closing ceremonies hotels you name it. You win some, you lose some.

How about just doing your job Ko-ike?

Koike's hyperbolic "must" is just par for another cheerleading official personality succumbing to the common occupational hazard of politicians: self-delusion in believing their own hype and vainly attempting to impose their hallucinatory visions on the reality of the world by means of wishful thinking. I'm assuming that Covid-20 will be around next summer, but I wouldn't go so far as to say that she doesn't have a prayer.

Maybe the slogan can be "Go To Olympics!"

Cant she be referring to Tokyo prefecture?

"I want to protect the lives and health of the people of Tokyo by addressing the immediate issue of policies for the coronavirus. That is my greatest mission."

Really?? She only wants to protect the lives of people in Tokyo. I need to move back from saitama to Tokyo so I can receive that special treatment. I feel sorry for the rest of the prefecture but it seems even though she is a governor but still only Tokyo??

A symbol of overcoming COVID-19? Does she have a crystal ball? Tokyo is far from controlling this virus and unless they take sone proactive on not reactive measures they will never be in control of it.

Its only rock and roll...The 2107 expectations for foreign tourists attending 2020 Tokyo Olympics is 920,000 in an around Tokyo per day ...

So on one day they are expecting almost THREE times as many foreign Olympic visitors than any other Olympic even gets during the entire games?

Over the month they could hope for 300,000-350,000 foreign visitors. About the same as the Rugby World Cup.

I see Fukushima has been KICKED to the CURB...…..

At least Koike is honest.

The only priority is to scrape some Yen back from the investment and construction.

Public health? Nah...

When the IOC pulls the plug, they’ll just hold the All Japan Sports Festival and allow audiences of 5000 daily.

Holding the Olympics is her goal but for it to happen in the proposed time frame countries and people need to work together to overcome the tough situation we're all experiencing at the moment.

I guess it's an exhortation to work together and if successful then the Olympics could well symbolize the effort.

Of course if we here are representative of what our countries will say and do then chances of it coming to pass is probably near zero

That will never happen.

Is there a prize for guessing what that panacea will be?

You tell us. What is it?

Use your imagination. It's not that hard to figure out if you read the news for more than 2 minutes a day.

And keep in mind that this is the very same woman who said the very same things about 2020 before postponement, saying they would be a symbol of not only the restoration of areas where people are STILL in shelters, and of course alleviate the suffering of atomic bomb victims ("the only nation ever to have suffered a nuclear attack"), and look where we are now. Imagine if we had listened to Abe and Koike's insistence on having the Games in a week. But for public and international pressure, they would have gone ahead with it for sure, and thousands upon thousands would have gotten sick and many of them died. Now, once again, she's using the same sorry rationale and predicting it'll all be over, etc., and all for her massive ego.

and of strengthened bonds among humankind

I can't honestly think of how bonds among humankind have been strengthened from this pandemic. Countries have closed their borders, an increased bitterness towards the Chinese, a distrust towards government and health officials, an increased wealth gap between the rich and the poor, widespread global unemployment, racial tensions, crime, and political instability in many countries. I can go on and on.

memoryfixToday  09:21 am JST

I support the Olympic plan. Not because of economy. Because of national depression. Talking about MOOD. MORALE. Talking about suicides! Talking about crime arising from depression. 

I was never a fan of the noisy Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. But cancelling it? That’s wrong! Okay, cancel crowded parades, street festivals. But not everything! Kyoto doesn’t even mention Gion Matsuri. This is wrong!

And Tokyo Disney. Cancelled Christmas celebrations for end of the year. There’s real mood uplifting for ya! Thanks a hellava lot. And “cancelling” does not just mean dancing and shows - You can be sure there will not even be a mention or Christmas dress costume.

So sad, pathetic!

All these mixed messages are intentional, to confuse and anger the average person so they'll be begging the powers-that-probably-shouldn't-be for a solution -- anything that will return things to a semblance of what they used to be.

Is there a prize for guessing what that panacea will be?

"I want to host them as a symbol of the world coming together to overcome this tough situation and of strengthened bonds among humankind,"

No, you want to hold them out of greed, reputation, and money. No one who wants the things you say you want would be willing to put people's lives at risk for sport.

The 2107 expectations for foreign tourists attending 2020 Tokyo Olympics is 920,000 in an around Tokyo per day ...

Even with a reduction of around 50%, how with the silent dangers and effects of a lethal pandemic can any politician with there head on the right way up be confident that there is not a danger of a catastrophic outbreak.    

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19, Koike says.......

Bonkers seriously, loony tunes.

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike said on Monday the Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming the novel coronavirus, even as her city grapples with stubborn spikes in cases.

World unity. Yeah. Sure. Overcoming something that shows no signs of slowing down yet. You go ahead. My cheeks will be united sitting on my couch watching whatever may be on and not really giving a bleep.

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19

Last time, the excuse was, for the benefit of Fukushima. Well, now that Fukushima has been swept under the rug, COVID is the new excuse. Japan may be doing better than Europe and the Americas, but that's not saying much. Unlike many of its neighbouring countries, Japan just cannot stop the 'bleeding' - it's as if there's no blood clotting and the open wound is getting bigger, slowly but surely.

"I want to host them as a symbol of the world coming together to overcome this tough situation and of strengthened bonds among humankind," Koike told Reuters in an online interview.

Sure, assuming of course the world has overcome the coronavirus by then. I mean if so, if the world has it under control enough the game to go ahead, then by all means have them go ahead. That would be great, and excellent symbolism.

But right now, it doesn’t look very good. And as some of you pointed out, if that’s the case, then no, let’s not have the Olympics. Or at least postpone it by another year anyway, if we still don’t have it under control.

No vaccine, then no games. The window is rapidly closing for Tokyo. Vaccinations will have to be universal worldwide in less than a year's time and I can't see that happening.

A media-savvy former television announcer who speaks English and Arabic, Koike is to many a paradox: a global thinker with a nationalist tinge; a political outsider who advanced with help from old-boy mentors, and a risk-taker who shied away from the big gamble of running for parliament in 2017 as head of her upstart Party of Hope.

Wow, hyping to the Nth degree.

Speaking English doesn't make one a globalist. Yea. DT is also a global thinker with a nationalist tinge MAGA

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19

Should read.

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of allowing COVID-19 run its course.

Or

Olympics must go ahead next year to celebrate herd immunity winning over massive testing.

Well in the later case, Gold will go to Japan, silver to sweden and bronze to any small island that was paid to attend.

@James

Athletes' nations will decide to let them go to Japan or not until end of the year. Most countries would not let them go to Japan if athletes and visitors come from such still biggest infected countries. Japan's Olympics is depending on their nations decisions.

They might come but have to lock down for weeks when they get home. Not the holiday I'd want.

@kwatt

but some people might still have some guts to come because Japan is in fact doing a very good job at slowing down the virus despite a more recent spike in cases. Athletes will come since they trained for years. I'm very certain that the Olympics will run very safe next year since Japan knows how to successfully pull of some crazy stuff. In fact japan for covid cases is very low and in my country Canada we are still ahead of Japan but doing a way better job overall then other countries

If America can't get COVID19 under control, we have to keep them out. They'll just have to watch on TV. Athletes can be checked. The tourists cannot be completely checked.

Be vigilant! They will do anything to get to this event. Travelers lie about how many cigarettes they have, they lie about any recent illness, so they will definitely lie about any Coronavirus tests.

I understand Koike. You have an election to win. Say what you need to say. We won't know until next year if you'll REALLY allow the World into Tokyo.

@James

"No one come" I said is too much, however not many people would come to Tokyo next year. Athletes who really don't care about the virus would come to get medals. As I said, not many. Olympics will be not Olympics any more.

I support the Olympic plan. Not because of economy. Because of national depression. Talking about MOOD. MORALE. Talking about suicides! Talking about crime arising from depression.

I was never a fan of the noisy Gion Matsuri in Kyoto. But cancelling it? That’s wrong! Okay, cancel crowded parades, street festivals. But not everything! Kyoto doesn’t even mention Gion Matsuri. This is wrong!

And Tokyo Disney. Cancelled Christmas celebrations for end of the year. There’s real mood uplifting for ya! Thanks a hellava lot. And “cancelling” does not just mean dancing and shows - You can be sure there will not even be a mention or Christmas dress costume.

So sad, pathetic!

@Kwatt

their will be a lot of athletes coming since they want to compete for a medal but maybe a small number of fans. Tokyo Olympics will run safely next year

Koike says Tokyo Olympics will be held. That is fine, but what if no athletes and no visitors came to Tokyo from all over the world next July? No one would not want to get infected in stadiums and crowds.

I'm confident that the Olympics will run next year 100% guaranteed

One aspect that is guaranteed from Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike whether a one line interview, or a customary press conference, one sound-bite will be followed by another.

“I want to host them as a symbol of the world coming together to overcome this tough situation and of strengthened bonds among humankind,” Koike told Reuters in an online interview.

On Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike landslide victory, Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike insisted, vowing to tackle COVID-19 crisis.

Tokyo Gov Yuriko Koike also pledged to make preparations to prevent another wave of viral infections, while at the same time putting in place effective measures for continued economic/business activity.

“The most urgent problem now is dealing with the virus.”……..

However, to state that the Olympics must go ahead next year is ill-considered and frivolous……

And then to decline to specify a deadline for deciding if the Games could go ahead will send broadcasters and sponsors into a nervous breakdown.

The virus will dictate that not you

The Olympics was why Japan was limiting testing in the first place. Now testing will never increase. The title of this article should be “Testing must remain limited so that we can continue to show fake virus case numbers in order to hold the Olympics.”

Japan is conducting only 2.5% of the number of tests other countries. That means the real case numbers might be some 40 times higher than reported. The Olympics “must” go ahead explains why very clearly

She’s nothing but Abe with a wig.

Think Aly all involved in this travesty have well and truly displayed their imbacilc personality, greed to an extent that's offencive.

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of overcoming COVID-19, Koike says

Let me fix that for you:

Olympics must go ahead next year as symbol of stupidity and complete disregard for public health by us with regards to COVID-19.

She's such a complete imbecile and a fool!

What is it when politicians constantly dangle some flashy side show piece of entertainment in front of the jobless electorate whilst jobs are being cut and people are living in shelters?

In context, the Olympics is just a wasteful extravaganza...

Great - hold the Olympics for all countries which have overcome Covid-19. New Zealand takes all gold, silver, and bronze - by default of course since no other country can participate.

You are forgetting non-Japanese residents already in the country. We can compete too! I can row a boat!

Unfortunately, all the US team need to do is join the military and fly in via Kadena.

That go to campaign will really help the odds of the Olympics. More like lets go Corona.

Must go ahead? Why? It's over. Just cash for the same people, and Fuckashima? Isn't that/wasn't that the whole point of having the Olympics being held in oppressive heat and humidity...the whole whole enterprise started in greed and madness looks like it will end the same way.

Everything about the modern Olympics -- the torch relay and grand pageantry was started by -- you guessed it -- the Germans at the 1936 Olympics -- cancel the Olympics -- they are racist and promote nationalism!!!

When events “must go ahead as a symbol” you know they have no meaning.

Snap election in November/ December..... Cancellation announcement in January.

How about overcoming covid-19 first then think about the Olympics

The very definition of “hell bent”

Sheer lunacy.

Don't go all Trump, Govener!

Am dying to see the Games, but would rather not risk dying..

Let's wait and listen to the experts.

"Koike," a big fish in a small pond.

Japan has not seen an explosive coronavirus outbreak as suffered in some other places

Why doesn't the news media also add, "But more than some other places" ie New Zealand.

And the Olympics should be held as a symbol of overcoming the coronavirus – Just as soon as the coronavirus is overcome; In Paris 2024 or Los Angeles 2028!

OK Koike

We heard this BS before when they claimed the Olympics was about Fukushima! Where is Fukushima in the Olympics equation?

It is about greedy companies like the ultra-conservative APA hotel trying getting some money from all the new hotels that they constructed in Tokyo. Notice how the push for the Olympics and the infection numbers all jumped after the elections.

The term "must" is riiculous. "Shoud" is fine provided the world has gotten COVID19 under control by then to be even able to participate.

Kitchener LeslieToday  07:05 am JST

“Japan has not seen an explosive coronavirus outbreak as suffered in some other places”

Such BS. Japan’s rate of testing for the virus is pathetic.

Look at their death numbers. And ICU capacities. Sure increased testing will raise case numbers, but that's meaningless. There is still no established treatment if a person tests positive.

The Olympics are good to go since Japan is in fact doing a better job at fighting the virus before you know it the Olympics will happen next year very safely

What!?!

is there not another article in the top headlines today with Koike complaining about Abe’s travel compensations?

It is like putting cooling and heating systems on at the same time. 

FYI Koike, you cannot celebrate overcoming something while you’re overwhelmed by it. At least you can’t do a good job

Koike san was voted in as the Gov ~ against my better thinking ~ so she must know something the rest of us do not. She can see the future. She can see a trend. She is superwomen. Go! Go! COVID ~ 19 Olympics!

Japan can run the games, but whether anyone turn up for it is another matter.

I don't think there's a lot of trust in the Japanese covid figures at the moment. Then there's how the rest of the world not exactly defeating covid.

An attempt to save face...

“Japan has not seen an explosive coronavirus outbreak as suffered in some other places”

Such BS. Japan’s rate of testing for the virus is pathetic.

Great - hold the Olympics for all countries which have overcome Covid-19. New Zealand takes all gold, silver, and bronze - by default of course since no other country can participate.

Olympics must go ahead next year as a symbol of world unity in overcoming the novel coronavirus

So no consideration about the realities of how the pandemic might play out - just continuing with the rhetoric and catch phrases to keep investors and sponsors happy.