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'Can't help but cheer': Some in Japan warm to Olympics

91 Comments
By Hiroshi HIYAMA

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I was discussing with a student last night about this phenomenon, and she said she is cheering for the athletes that are giving their all, but still she is angry at the IOC, and the LDP for being so selfish and bullying.

I wonder if a lot of people feel the same. But when the games end and that warm feeling dissipates, the anger will return as the Covid cases rise.

21 ( +23 / -2 )

It might be no coincidence that the change of heart has coincided with a winning streak for home athletes.

Not surprising in the least.

Japanese people are the biggest bandwagon fans there are.

Someone does well or wins, they are the best and people suddenly become “lifelong fans from day 1.”

Someone loses or does poorly, they abruptly become forgot about.

When’s the last time someone talked about Yu Darvish, Nishikori Kei or rugby on a grand scale?

18 ( +18 / -0 )

Comedy gold. Even the writer seems embarrassed at having to pen such a ludicrous puff piece.

"Stores have become explosively busy," said Hikari Iinuma, of Tokyo 2020's licensing department.

"The trend is very clear in Tokyo," added Iinuma, who declined to give figures on sales, but said popular items included T-shirts, mugs and towels.

Yeah, no data, no problem. The motto of the Japanese govt for the past 18 months.

17 ( +26 / -9 )

It's kind of depressing to realise that even a well-educated populace (like Japan's) is vulnerable to cheap psychological tricks. "Quick! Cases up! Win some gold medals! Hey! Proles! Look! Medals! No, don't look at the corona cases, look at the nice shiny medals! Medals!"

17 ( +18 / -1 )

'Can't help but cheer': - …from outside the events!

15 ( +20 / -5 )

This was one of the biggest dangers with allowing the Olympics to go ahead. The virus is invisible unless it directly affects you or those close to you - so it’s natural that people will drop their guards and want to go out and have fun.

Unfortunately the numbers are going to keep going up over the next few weeks because it’s going to spread.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Many people were and still are against carrying out the Olympics in the middle of a pandemic. Myself included.

But I have to admit it's refreshing to watch something on TV that isn't Covid related and bad news all the time.

13 ( +18 / -5 )

Can’t help but cheer?

‘Can’t help but vote LDP?

13 ( +14 / -1 )

It would be a surprise if this was not the result - after relentless coverage across all tv channels only about Olympics, focused mainly on Japanese athletes (who cares worlds best athletes are here) and govt absolute focus on everything they do is spinning a positive story towards Olympics (like Suga phone call to gold medal winner shown across all channels repeatedly - lifeless, fully scripted n totally without any enthusiasm)……

one of those masterful experiments where population is force fed olympics updates & then on top of this type of PR news that how the residents opinion os shifting in favor - was bound to happen….

11 ( +14 / -3 )

This is of course understandable, people more easily believe what makes them feel better, and instinctually resist things that makes them stressed, forgetting the pandemic and embracing a celebration is as natural as refraining from reading an article about the health problems associated with alcohol and instead reading how a drink or two every day could be good for you.

This is of course part of the reasons why the games are such a big risk, making people stop thinking about preventive measures and congregating to celebrate sports victories can have a deeply negative impact on the spreading of the pandemic.

9 ( +21 / -12 )

Pity some people will have to die over it all... Time and place, this isn't the time.

9 ( +20 / -11 )

Ya, I understand how they feel.

Athletes = good.

Government contempt towards the public = bad.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

Propaganda works, especially on short memory populations. Next week a new thing. What happens to these athletes in the future? they have achieved their goal, are forgotten, them what? For them.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

As expected :) Yep - I'm watching as is everybody I spent time with. Thoroughly enjoyable.

I don't see what's wrong with that per se.

It's the subtext and context that grates. The fact that there was ostensibly widespread opposition to these games, but now that several events are going favorably for Japan, it transpires that the aforesaid opposition was a transient display of resistance at best and that people are literally as shallow as a puddle.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Shiny objects.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

In my Japanese house everyone is going crazy about the Olympics, Covid speak is totally taboo now. It's fine, they are happy. The TV coverage is so pro-Japan, always has been, Absolutely zero coverage of any sport that doesn't give Japan a chance. As a foreigner here at this time I feel terribly alone and homesick.

I'm not going to die in Japan from Covid. But what troubles me is as the cases go up here the ease of me returning home, goes down. I really want to go home.

7 ( +12 / -5 )

Despite the positive “spin” here,

most of Japan’s ‘conflicted’ populace remain . . . ‘conflicted’.

14 days more, …

… and this tatame will give way to the honne.

6 ( +12 / -6 )

socrateosToday  07:51 am JST

I love people doing this, simply following their own instincts and interests, ignoring official rules.

Apart from if they're protesting AGAINST the games: Bad instinct, down!

Selective acceptance.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Also, I was never against the Olympics and never expected them to be cancelled.

Which is why I say that there's nothing wrong with enjoying watching them if that's your preference. But then again (unless you've taken citizenship) you can't vote, so you won't be as guilty as the self-styled "opposition" who will flock to the polls in October / November and dutifully cast their vote for the LPD with the images of gold medals in their eyes.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

We are opposed to the IOC and The Japanese Government holding the games at the time of the pandemic in Japan not the athletes.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

2,848 new daily virus cases

Expect those numbers to keep going up, especially in the next week or two as these Pandemic Games continue.

I am proud to say I haven't watched a second of this farce. I just keep on flipping channels or turn on a DVD.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

The good people of Japan, doing their duty to stand by their government no matter what.

”Yes, they’re responsible for a significant uptick in cases, and yes, they’re holding the Olympics against all scientific and medical advice… but I know that they really care for us because it said so on National State Television (we abbreviate it as NHK here!)”

3 ( +19 / -16 )

People are so fickle.

3 ( +8 / -5 )

"Can't help but cheer..." as Tokyo tops 3000 new Covid-infections thanks to said cheering and gathering where they have been asked not to. Well done, people!

3 ( +8 / -5 )

I understand, as there is a certain gap between olympic leadership and the athletes. I have never been keen on the IOC or olympic leadership, but supporting and watching athletes at the top of their game always trumped that for me. This time though, the audacity and seriousness of what the IOC has pulled off is a way bigger issue. I am probably just as much to blame for enabling them to get to this point by continuing to watch the Olympics for years.

Personally, I haven't watched a second of olympic coverage and won't. I don't begrudge people who do want to consume it, it's their prerogative and priority, but I feel that if I watch any olympic coverage I am just giving the IOC a pass. They will feel justified that no matter what kind of BS they do, even causing the deaths of thousands, people will still watch and they will get their sponsorship bucks. They may very well be right.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

What stops you, seriously?

It's complicated, my wife's father died of cancer and the family needs me here right now. But thanks for your concern Zoroto.

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Why would any nation not cheer there own athletes? That is a ludicrous notion..

And totally unrelated as to whether these 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games should have gone ahead in a pandemic never witnessed before, in a city the size and density, with numerous risks of exposure to a number of highly infectious variants, and lackluster vaccination program.

No!!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Not surprising in the least.

> Japanese people are the biggest bandwagon fans there are.

> Someone does well or wins, they are the best and people suddenly become “lifelong fans from day 1.”

> Someone loses or does poorly, they abruptly become forgot about.

> When’s the last time someone talked about Yu Darvish, Nishikori Kei or rugby on a grand scale?

Well said that man.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I will be honest, I don't know anyone that is really bothering with the Olympics.

The vast majority of my clients, family, business suppliers are far to busy just trying to stay afloat or keep their jobs as this pandemic drags on.

My son's company just went under as they depended on location clients and audience, all 10 locations will be closed permanently by Friday over 500 will be out of work.

Doubt a single one has the slightest interest in the Olympics

2 ( +6 / -4 )

For some in similar situation the games are a welcome distraction and bring some joy back into their lives. 

Are you for real?

How can this stuff be left up!

Day in day out we are subjected to this.

500 people lose their jobs and he think they will be cheered up by the Olympics!

I guess rent, bills, food are optional for some people.

Please spare us this it is getting way to much to ignore anymore

2 ( +6 / -4 )

The fact Japan has started out so well of course boosts public interest and increases happiness amongst the population.

Presumably a significant number of bar owners, etc., are not included in that group.

It sounds like you prefer the idea of a docile, non-thinking, and easily controlled population than one which can actually express a negative opinion about...anything. Sounds like Japan is absolutely ideal for you.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I don’t even understand, why just only this group of people is so extraordinarily celebrated, applauded and financed for doing their hobbies. If anyone else of us wants to do his or her sports or any other hobby or leisure activities, you have to pay for the equipment, facilities, transportation and also organize competitions or meetings all by yourself and all in your free time. The rest of the time on average you just work for a living and bills or sleep some hours. No one at all supports you or finances you your personal hobby, sports or a big international meeting with similar minded people.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

For the millions of,Japanese on zero hours contracts and the many who have lost jobs, it is kind of difficult to cheer….in a pandemic

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Roll on my premium Friday, it has effected my life as much as the Olympics. Hang on have to adjust my Abe mask to cover one nostril. Finally I can cheer the what exactly?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

My friend became infected at a drinking party.Being diagnosed at that time meant a 10 day home stay.Having had to deliver food to that Covid sufferer, I avoid inside drinking establishments.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Anyone thinking the Olympics is about sportsmanship.

Take a look at the front page on any country's news sites including this one.

They are all focused on whichever of their athletes is in the running for or has won a medal.

Then look a bit further down (not far down just a bit) and prominent on all of them again including here are the medal counts and even if their country only has a single bronze medal they will display it at the top or as near as possible even if they are in 50th place.

The Olympics is the greatest gathering of permissible and promoted Nationalism in the world.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Once it became impossible to cancel the Games, people began to consider the facts, which are (1) that a much higher proportion (4x) of those inside the Bubble have been vaccinated versus the rest of Japan and that everyone’s being tested regularly, (2) that as of early July the Delta variant already accounted for roughly a third of all new cases, with the National Institute of Infectious Diseases forecasting a rise to 100% by sometime in August, and (3) since no fans are permitted, there will be no noteworthy change in the behavior of the Japanese. In light of all this, the locals’ fundamental love of sports resumed.

It has never been practical to keep Delta out of Japan, and it was already entrenched prior to the arrival of the Olympic teams. While the media has universally led with the base assumption that the Games will kill many of us, no one has (by my reading) never bothered to explain in any detail just how the very, very strict controls in place will be inadequate.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

“*Some in Japan warm to Olympics” and, some . . . think ‘the heat’ is unbearable*:

“ 'I can die': Medvedev survives extreme heat at Tokyo Games” - Today  3:11p

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Good for you Steve, and the other Resident s to enjoy things ‘as they are’ now that Tokyo’s Games are here.

@ffs 1:28pm: “The Olympics make me happy and that’s good enough for me.”

So, perhaps then, there’s no longer a need to bang on about finding some kind of ‘positivity’ in the ‘daily numbers’ anymore?

The Games are here and will ‘run their course’.

(Sadly, so will the Delta variant here even before the Games started.)

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I am one of them......said I wouldn't watch.....but I have been and I've been enjoying it.

I haven't been watching the NHK feed though, been ummm....creative with watching on BBC iPlayer.....which means I can see events outside of Judo and ping pong ;)

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Here the link about the Nikkei pools :

https://www.nikkei.com/article/DGXZQOUA21DZ60R20C21A7000000/

It is subscribers only, you can not see much. There is some warning at the end about the possibility to compare as the polling was not different than in the past.

Without an audience was appropriate : 37%

A limited audience should have been : 25%

Normal audience should have been : 3%

Postponing again or canceling should have been : 31%

As far as I understand the part I have access to. I do not see any reference to what was actually asked.

There is also 56% the protection measure were unsuitable.

So seems there was several questions.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

snowymountainhellToday  07:07 am JST

'Can't help but cheer': - …from outside the events!

Bread and circuses. Note these spectators have masks on. Who paid them to cheer on the Olympics?

itsonlyrocknrollToday  10:25 am JST

Why would any nation not cheer there own athletes? That is a ludicrous notion..

And totally unrelated as to whether these 2020 Tokyo Olympics Games should have gone ahead in a pandemic never witnessed before, in a city the size and density, with numerous risks of exposure to a number of highly infectious variants, and lackluster vaccination program.

No!!

NO!!! This has to be a stunt. PM Suga who is acting more like a Sukkup to the IOC knows that his political career is on the line. And this 'cheer squad' is a bunch of stooges.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Japan feels like the human population in Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan). They are spoon-fed with ideologies, have nothing to say, trust the old wise men and are being played with.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

The Olympics make me happy and that’s good enough for me.

Oh dear.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Life is a precious gift. Athletes inspire people to aim high. It's time to join our athletes in celebrating the gift of life.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I bet many actually want to support the athletes, and are actually frustrated with the impotent government. Japan's extraordinary judo results for example, who wouldn't cheer on that?

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

"GO!"

Lol! Adorable!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I am very concerned with the consequences of the Games, despite people with euphoria.

now how many victems will there be because of the Games?

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Why would any nation not cheer there own athletes?

I'm not being deliberately obtuse here, but why would they?

Look at it objectively.

"This person comes from the same country as I do. He has won a medal at a sports event. As a consequence, I feel better about myself and am going to imbibe much alcohol".

I seriously have trouble getting my head wrapped around why, for so many people, they have this need for vicarious success.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Perhaps we Both ‘mistaken’(?) @starpunk 11:37am or, like a rear-view mirror: “images are closer than they appear”:

*[@7:07am; “ 'Can't help but cheer': - …from outside the events! ”] - @11:37a: “Bread and circuses. *Note these spectators have masks on. Who paid them to cheer on the Olympics?

THAT was on 1 photo that ‘fit the narrative’ of Koike’s 3C’s. It was from a LARGE public event, with MANY unmasked yet NONE socially distanced. Here’s the actual caption for the image here:

Cycling - Road - Olympics: Day 1 - OYAMA, JAPAN - JULY 24: Fans cheering the peloton during the Men's road race at the Fuji International Speedway on day one of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on July 24, 2021 in Oyama, Shizuoka, Japan. (Photo by Tim de Waele/Getty Images)

contrary to the the meager, ‘counter-measures’ caption above:

- “Several Olympic events held on public roads have attracted Japanese fans eager for a taste of the action  Photo: POOL/AFP/File” -

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

Not everyone has something to “cheer” or take joy from the last 18 months events leading up to the Games. Sincerely sorry for your families’ business losses @Antiquesavings 12:01p and the & the loss of loved ones like @knittyelf. - “Peace” to ALL. -

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

For the millions of,Japanese on zero hours contracts and the many who have lost jobs, it is kind of difficult to cheer….in a pandemic

Well for most but others it seems drinking in a bar in Osaka every night makes everything look great.

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

I see all seven in the photo warming to the Olympics. Where is the canned sound track of them screaming?

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

There will be loads of data to crunch later when the 3000+ Infections in Tokyo news is released at 16:45. Looking forward to your calculation infections/tests etc later for my journey home.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

"The trend is very clear in Tokyo," and

- “Tokyo reports record 2,848 new coronavirus cases; nationwide tally 7,629“ - Jul 27, 2021

“I feel people are forgetting the coronavirus,"

-2 ( +12 / -14 )

Good attitude to have.

The Olympics has been pretty good so far, outside of the bad ceremony.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Snowy

Today was rather hot 8, went for lunch, had a walkabout and a swift pint. Crashed out exhausted for an hour at home, must be hard dashing about in this heat .

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I am proud to say I haven't watched a second of this farce. I just keep on flipping channels or turn on a DVD.

Same. Our TV has been in storage ever since we moved a few years ago, because there's literally nothing worth watching at the best of times.

I've seen a few moments of the games by mistake, passing by electronics stores, etc, but like you I haven't actively watched a single second. Nor will I.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

It's already paid for and happening whether or not we wanted it to happen. Might as well try to enjoy it at this point! :)

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Snowy

Of course not everyone is having a ball, that’s what I said about it providing some relief for people and it is as the article states. We can’t all wallow in sadness from our own misfortunes and expect others to have no joy in their lives. I doubt many have been through half of what I have the last two year, but it’s my problem, I don’t burden on others.

The Olympics make me happy and that’s good enough for me.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

The Olympics signify unity, hard work and cooperation and they are a positive force in the world. 

That is if you ignore all the politics like the Athletes that pull out over Israel, the South Koreans and their banner, etc ..

Then sure we can live in the delusion that suddenly everything is just peachy, lovey-dovey and the whole world is United.

Let's forget that all any country is interested in ( including Japan) is how many medals it can win by beating the other countries.

-3 ( +4 / -7 )

er...give it up @Antiquesaving: We get you don't have any interest.

On topic - good to see some crowds out for the Time Trials right now if anybody is watching.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Snowy & Resident

Good humoured banter, that’s more like it. Too much negativity on this site, however the tide is slowly changing.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Its called 'living' Zoroto. If you want to stay locked up forever, your choice. Not stopping you.

-4 ( +4 / -8 )

I'm sorry that your son has lost his job - I really am. But I must point out that the topic of this article was the Olympics and the those that are taking joy from it.

-4 ( +3 / -7 )

As predicted, the Japanese will be in favour once the splendour begins. I’m so pleased it’s all working out and people are having a wonderful time.

-6 ( +2 / -8 )

Fans are barred from almost all events over virus fears, and have been asked to stay away from competitions on public roads.

But they've been showing up anyway, determined for a glimpse of Olympic action.

"If you see these athletes running in front of you, you can't help but cheer for them," said 42-year-old Hirochika Takeda, who popped out of his apartment to see the women's triathlon passing by in the rain.

I love people doing this, simply following their own instincts and interests, ignoring official rules.

-7 ( +5 / -12 )

Nothing succeeds like success, and some of the early triumphs were a godsend for Japan. As always public opinion either fades or turns on a dime. How we traveling there J readers? Are you even warming to the stories of glory? Can you?

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

@Tokyo-m. Get online - - NHK or Gorin. They're showing everything streamed live. No need to miss anything from the GB team. If you have a VPN and get NBC from the US, their app is even better.

-7 ( +2 / -9 )

12.01 poster

Im sorry to hear you and your friends are finding things difficult due to the current situation. For some in similar situation the games are a welcome distraction and bring some joy back into their lives. The fact Japan has started out so well of course boosts public interest and increases happiness amongst the population.

-7 ( +3 / -10 )

I find some of the negativity here rather upsetting. The athletes are masters of PMA, they are in inspiration to us all especially the children. They show that hard work and dedication pay off, this will inspire millions worldwide.

The Olympics signify unity, hard work and cooperation and they are a positive force in the world. The Japanese people are seeing this and are enjoying the spectacle. It’s been a hard 18 months, this is just what the people need and I support it fully.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

2.18pm poster

Sadly the world is not perfect, probably it never will be. However the Olympics bring out the best in humanity and show us the rewards for hard work, perseverance and a positive mindset.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

As expected :) Yep - I'm watching as is everybody I spent time with. Thoroughly enjoyable.

-10 ( +3 / -13 )

This is of course understandable, people more easily believe what makes them feel better, and instinctually resist things that makes them stressed, forgetting the pandemic and embracing a celebration is as natural as refraining from reading an article about the health problems associated with alcohol and instead reading how a drink or two every day could be good for you.

The most meaningless and absurd sentence of the day. Congratulations. And what about you learn to use punctuation marks?

-10 ( +2 / -12 )

I said weeks ago was expecting no spectators and that it would be a TV event - Really has been and quite superb. Also, I was never against the Olympics and never expected them to be cancelled.

-11 ( +2 / -13 )

I have to admit I was cheering for the Japanese surfers yesterday. Go Japan Go.

-13 ( +13 / -26 )

I already said that a few days ago, everyone I know in Japan, my friends, my commuter friends, my coworkers...and also my wife... everyone is watching the Games.

My wife cheers up Japan in each game they are involved.

In my Mom and Pops Izakaya, everyday Olympics is on the TV...and Japan is cheered up by the guests.

-14 ( +9 / -23 )

[W]hen the opening ceremony rolled around on Friday, thousands of people crowded around the Olympic Stadium to soak in the atmosphere and see the fireworks from outside, far outnumbering a group of anti-Games protesters.

Political activists - noisy minority - protest the Games. Normal people - quiet majority - enjoy the event.

-15 ( +5 / -20 )

Yes, go out and cheer these athletes, they need your cheers so they can go on, enough of this lock down and stay away BS, go and enjoy the games safely.

-16 ( +7 / -23 )

I am not surprise. Japan made impressive feats breaking history by winning at table tennis, skateboard and judo. And now today we defeated US with softball too. You cannot help but cheer them on.

Shame about Naomi. It's weird the website isn't putting her news on the headline. She didn't even made it to the quarter finals.

I am cheering for Nishikori today.

-21 ( +9 / -30 )

Not surprising and as I had been saying for months, the Japanese actually do want the Olympics to be held here.

All that 80% against or whatever was just the part of Japanese culture that only a resident here would understand.

-37 ( +15 / -52 )

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