Japan beats Australia 8-1 in softball as Tokyo Olympic competition opens

Olympic competition starts today with 3 softball games in Fukushima

And six football (soccer) matches in Tokyo, Miyagi, and Sapporo.

And softball was only returned to this Olympics because it's a sport that Japan has a chance at getting a medal!

Look at that heat. Someone is bound to collapse.

Why do they start softball and soccer before the opening ceremonies?

What a treat for the fans!

Oh, wait…

What a treat for the fans!

Oh, wait…

I can watch it on TV and cheer for women players.

Let the games begin! Who needs an opening ceremony anyways?!

I was a bit surprised Ueno was still playing.

Yubaru:

And softball was only returned to this Olympics because it's a sport that Japan has a chance at getting a medal!

The same media who fed the hysteria that led to games being played in empty stadiums even though baseball and soccer have been played with fans.

Now wants us to get excited about the games?

Why do they start softball and soccer before the opening ceremonies?

Its quite common in many sports/events to start matches/competition before the official ceremonies.

It's actually happening, I'm happy for the athletes and hope they can enjoy themselves!

A win to kick off the Olympics!

I'm sure all the JT commenters will join me when I say well done Japan!

Come on organizers - let some fans in.

Just do it the same way it's being done for baseball, football and sumo.

I was a bit surprised Ueno was still playing

38 isn't crazy old for softball. Presumably this will be her last.

Actually had tickets for softball for the Olympics. Game would have been this Saturday and I would have been able to see Japan's game while sippin' on one of Yokohama Stadium's craft beer choices. The refund will allow me to buy many cases of beer to drink at home I guess.

@mokuyobi

I'm happy for the athletes and hope they can enjoy themselves!

Me too! Imagine the exhilaration of playing in the olympics in front of a crowd like that! It's probably like nothing they have ever imagined! I mean, I remember my little league days and, wow, FIFTY people?!?! They must be enjoying the hell out of this experience!

The game ended early because of the Mercury rule. It was unhealthy to continue. So big call calling it a win, when it didn’t actually go the full distance.

KumagaijinToday  10:29 am JST

Why do they start softball and soccer before the opening ceremonies?

Its quite common in many sports/events to start matches/competition before the official ceremonies.

That doesn't answer the question though.

The soulless Olympics.

@Cricky

A mercy rule not a mercury rule. Quite a big difference 2 letters can make

Once again we see the Japanese women excelling in sports. Well done ladies!

Anyone whats a App in Japan that is good for watching the games on, i dont have a TV.

Anyone whats a App in Japan that is good for watching the games on, i dont have a TV.

Doesn't NHK have a Japanese version of the iPlayer? Or do they upload programs to fax machines?

@ still more, auto correct? But you know, I hope you know what was intended.

@Cricky

I would have assumed your intention had you not written, “it was unhealthy to continue.” That implied to me that you thought it was too hot (high mercury), when in reality a mercy rule is about sportsmanship.

Why do they start softball and soccer before the opening ceremonies?

Short answer is because no one watches softball and Olympics soccer is seen as below 3rd level by true soccer/football fans.

Long answer.

Softball: to many teams, few viewers internationally and the need to get as many of the games bout of the way for sports that will bring in more TV or paying viewers.

Soccer/football:

Basically the same as softball but still far more popular in the countries that can for once win a game or possibly a medal internationally when otherwise in most international soccer/football events like the world Cup the can't even get past the earliest rounds.

Poor Australians, unfair advantage to the Japanese team who have led a normal life whilst the Australian team could not train in lockdowned Australia and the restricted closed up bubble after arriving in Japan. Plus they are not used to this type of heat the poor things.

anyhow no problem there is always 2032 in Brisbane as long as Australia is still not lockdowned then still trying for zero covid cases

You are 100% correct. That’s a miss named rule for a summer Olympics. So who did what to trip that? I can’t find an explanation. The article I read talked about the heat, so I jumped that conclusion.

Although not happy to see the Aussies go down, you couldn't have asked for a better piece of news for Japan right now than this. Finally, the focus can shift onto the athletes. Good luck to both teams! Must've been hot out there!!!! Massive respect.

Poor Australians, unfair advantage to the Japanese team who have led a normal life whilst the Australian team could not train in lockdowned Australia and the restricted closed up bubble after arriving in Japan. Plus they are not used to this type of heat the poor things.

anyhow no problem there is always 2032 in Brisbane as long as Australia is still not lockdowned then still trying for zero covid cases

Wow. You sound really bitter.

behind 39-year-old pitcher Yukiko Ueno

Not to be picky, she is still 38. Her birthday is tomorrow.

anyhow no problem there is always 2032 in Brisbane as long as Australia is still not lockdowned then still trying for zero covid cases

at least theyll have spectators

Burakunmin, it's a good look isn't it? The B(itter) team.

This is pathetic. Either do a hard lock-down or let the vaccinated people attend the games!

Well, it's happening. Might as well bring out the popcorn and enjoy this little escape from reality for the next few weeks. All the best to the athletes! Stay safe everyone!

It felt so sad watching the start of this game. All those beautiful seats and a great Japan team to cheer on.

At some stage, at outdoor venues, we are going to have to let vaccinated people to participate as spectators. Even in cities which decide not to strictly control the spread of the virus. This time next year would have been a good time for that.

Is it true that Abe was offered the chance by the IOC to postpone the Games till 2022? But declined in the hope that he would still be PM by the time they were held in 2021?

Fans?? Sure there were fans. In the dugouts and in the dressing rooms. With all that heat you would expect to have fans, even the hand held mini electric type.

Defending softball gold medalist Japan have started their campaign on the front foot. Congratulations to Reika Utsugi and her winning side. Well played.

Japan ladies soccer is going to put a beating on Canada ladies team.

klausdorth:

You can watch it on your smartphone. Just go to the NHK site!

https://plus.nhk.jp/watch/ch/g1

You're right! I'm very surprised. NHK normally doesn't give anything for free.

Hang on - does this mean NHK is going to charge a fee to everyone with internet connection?

Why do they start softball and soccer before the opening ceremonies?

It's all about schedule

The Olympics is only a couple of weeks, so they have to fit all the games before the closing ceremony, while giving athletes enough time to rest between games - especially soccer players who need a couple days rest in between games

So in order to get everything done before the closing ceremony, they have to start before the opening ceremony to get in more days