tokyo 2020 olympics

Tokyo Olympic chief anxious with one month to go until Games open

75 Comments
By Ayano Shimizu

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Can't wait for the COVID games to start! Ganbare athletes.

-18 ( +5 / -23 )

I think what needs to be done has become clear.

Yes very clear: Cancel!

24 ( +30 / -6 )

”Hope, hopefully’, and ‘earnestly hoping” seems to be a consistent mantra in Seiko Hashimoto’s assertions the Games should continue.

13 ( +16 / -3 )

She asserts ‘all the IOCLDPJOC planning & waiting’ has been for Japan to show the world what should be done.

“Hashimoto said following a 1 year postponement. "I think what needs to be done has become clear. I think this is the first time that the entire world has faced the same issue, . . . To solve the issue, it's now time for Japan to take action." -

-2 ( +2 / -4 )

Are there more press than protesters?

Maybe someone should tell people in Tokyo that they shouldn't stand so close to each other.

4 ( +8 / -4 )

"Earnestly hoping" may not be quite enough...

11 ( +12 / -1 )

They cancelled the kids sports day, undoukai. I cared much more about that than any Olympic event.

15 ( +18 / -3 )

"Safety and security are inseparably linked to each other. I have always thought that people would not feel secure unless they fully understand that it is safe."

Such penetrating insight from Ms. Hashimoto, I can see why she was chosen for such an important and well-paid position.

Did she attend the same school of content-less cliche quote as Suga-san? They know that in their political sphere there is zero dialectic so nothing they say matters.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

"...I want to recover the original great aspects of the Games." Her naivete is dangerous and a sign of sheer incompetence.

12 ( +14 / -2 )

"To solve the issue, it's now time for Japan to take action."

Well, with the stable door swinging on its hinges in the wind many people have been thinking the same thought for some time now:

Yes, be anxious, be VERY anxious!

5 ( +7 / -2 )

Maybe she’s anxious because this is a really bad idea.

and testing all 11k athletes and most of their support staff will increase daily testing in Tokyo by several fold. How lucky we are that these visitors can get tested free of charge daily and the rest of us basically need to be symptomatic to get someone on the phone.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

Hashimoto said she thinks the Japanese public is not yet convinced that the Olympics and the Paralympics can be held safely during a global health crisis, and pledged to continue explaining organizers' efforts to mitigate the risk of infections.

Not yet convinced?? With 4 weeks to go do these people think they can convince people with more words, promises and pledges? Seriously out of touch with reality. At this point NOTHING will convince the public short of the pandemic miraculously resolving itself next week. Not going to happen. And neither should the Olympics.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

Show us the show you have come up with.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

They cancelled the kids sports day, undoukai. I cared much more about that than any Olympic event.

You're lucky.

-12 ( +3 / -15 )

I would like the reporters to ask her the real difficult questions, like what situation exactly would merit the cancellation of the games and push until a clear answer is given. Then again we don't need yet another person going to the hospital for exhaustion.

10 ( +14 / -4 )

Every single posters on here guest this would happen.

0 ( +5 / -5 )

I managed to read about halfway through this sycophantic, mendacious hackpiece before I had to run to the bathroom and regurgitate my breakfast. What a whitewash from Kyodo.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

The growing size and scale of these protests is alarming. Put the water canon on them if they become unruly.

-15 ( +2 / -17 )

Hashimoto said she wants this summer's Games to be a "turning point" in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive society in which protection of the environment is vital, gender equality is embraced and everyone, regardless of differences and disabilities, can live at ease.

Her buzzword salad of vague, unmeasurable "goals" should be easy to achieve.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

Hashimoto said she wants this summer's Games to be a "turning point" in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive society in which protection of the environment is vital, gender equality is embraced and everyone, regardless of differences and disabilities, can live at ease.

Her buzzword salad of vague, unmeasurable proclamations sounds like an achievable goal.

3 ( +6 / -3 )

EyeblackToday  07:05 am JST

They cancelled the kids sports day, undoukai. I cared much more about that than any Olympic event.

Sorry to hear that. The school near me had theirs, so it can be done.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

If she’s “anxious” now, with another Ugandan athlete testing positive, I wonder how she’ll be feeling when the thousands of other athletes and hangers-on arrive.

Anyone want to bet she steps down a week or two before the games start, citing “nervous exhaustion”, and hands the reins over to another octogenarian geezer?

2 ( +6 / -4 )

Referring to the organizing body's repeated promises to stage a "safe and secure" Games, Hashimoto, an athlete-turned-politician, said, "Safety and security are inseparably linked to each other. I have always thought that people would not feel secure unless they fully understand that it is safe."

I fear even more for “safety and security” it is not only about 2 people out of a group of 9, what about the other people on the flight into Tokyo?

I hope the IOC, JOC and Government are looking into the timescale of the people receiving there vaccines. Was there a big enough gap from last jab and travelling here. This time there is enough time to quarantine the group for at least 2 weeks. That will not be the case for teams arriving just before the Olympics village opens.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Guess someone’s idea of ‘the Japanese people’s National “spirit” has changed from…

Jun 20:”A little disturbing to see the growing scale of these protests. Do you even know Olympic is for the spirit of the Tohoku people and the light of the world post pandemic. Be more heartful everyone!” -

… to:

@8:07am:”The growing size and scale of these protests is alarming. Put the water canon on them if they become unruly.” -

A ‘party member’s’ sentiment or some outsider trolling?

-1 ( +3 / -4 )

Seiko Hashimoto, president of the organizing committee, is earnestly hoping that the coronavirus pandemic will not stand in the way of hosting the global sporting showpiece and delivering a lasting positive impact on Japanese society and the rest of the world.

They say it’s the hope that kills you. In this case it’s more likely to be the COVID.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Oh Hashimoto san - you are so full of yourself (as is the IOC and all other supporters of these games)

....earnestly hoping that the coronavirus pandemic will not stand in the way of hosting the global sporting showpiece and delivering a lasting positive impact on Japanese society and the rest of the world.

Really? Please elaborate.

The lasting impact on Japanese society is likely to be increased Coronavirus infections and will certainly be debt.

Hashimoto.....You are an arrogant fool.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Written like a good bit of propaganda.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

At any rate, I want to recover the original great aspects of the Games.

Unfortunately for you, the bribery was so massive by the previous regime, you can never achieve this goal...

0 ( +3 / -3 )

"I really want them to open without any major disruptions,"

The Olympics are the disruption.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

Where is the promised IOCLDPJOCOlympic spiritand the commercialized & much-lauded, Japanese “Omotenashi” for their current Ugandan “guests”?

“Hashimoto expressed that measures provide an international "model" for how to welcome visitors from abroad” -

The relatively small Ugandan team, now disparaged and dwindling in members, are facing many issues: quarantined, culturally isolated, ‘on their own’, without a coach, etc.

Yet, the Jnews media are focused only on its members testing positive. We’re seeing none of the ‘heart-warming stories like the training camp city’s “Mayor’s Welcoming” yet, nationalistic comments made to the Australian teams last week?

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

"To solve the issue, it's now time for Japan to take action."

Yes. By calling off the Games before everyone arrives and holding them next year. She then goes on to try and soften perception of her by saying people mistakenly think

‘I am committed to holding them no matter what.’

but those are exactly the terms you have stated, every week for the last three months.

Another paper thin propaganda piece from this insidious group of tax leeches.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

Where are the gutsy reporters with the hard-hitting questions? Oh yeah, this is Japan.

4 ( +9 / -5 )

"I want people to think it was good that we went ahead with the Tokyo Games," she said. "I want people to say 'these things became common following that Tokyo Games.'"

Are "these things" COVID cases? Because that is definitely something people will be saying.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

When you’ve lied so many times and proven you have no ability to control the epidemic, and that money matters more, of COURSE you can’t convince the public by simply saying we should trust you.

all Hashimoto and the government has done is accept money, and pray that all the bad will go away and the good work out. At BEST the enduring legacy of this Olympics will be “Why on earth did Tokyo do that?” At worst… we’ll, a lot of terrible things could happen.

1 ( +5 / -4 )

The insipid rhetoric, presents no actual means for or genuine reason to hold the games, other than the evident underpinning, which is the desire of the IOC and its master Comcast to profit from the games in any form. Nor is there any, not one iota, of genuine concern about the health and welfare of the Japanese public. The intent to hold the games at any cost (uttered by IOC's Coates) is apparent - the inclusion of spectators, up to 10,000 or so, to present a backdrop is complete madness.

Hashimoto: "I think what needs to be done has become clear."

Apparently not. Without any sense of irony: Hashimoto expresses hope that the measures to be taken during the Olympics can provide an international "model" for how to welcome visitors from abroad and bring back social and economic activities. A model, perhaps, for despots ignoring the will of the people or the common good.

And continues: "Everyone wants to reclaim their social lives as early as possible, even by a day, a minute or a second," she said. "We're showing by means of evidence it is absolutely possible for that to happen through the Olympics and Paralympics." Evidence? Another statement that is complete drivel, though missing the typical keyword: hope.

The day of reckoning for all those who forced the Olympics to be held during an ongoing, worldwide epidemic, will be atop a pile of bodies. SARSCoV-2 is a deadly disease. To ignore that very present fact is quite insane.

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The problem is if and when the Olympics turn things to the worse, NO ONE will take the blame, finger pointing already happening, and ONLY THE POOR WILL PAY THE PRICE.

0 ( +3 / -3 )

I am earnestly hoping to sit on a gold toilet one day…. But I won’t hold my breathe.

These Olympic people live in a fairy land devoid of reality and solely focused on their own greed and benefits at the expense and now life, of the peasants they feel are below them.

Nobody deserves to die so the Olympics can go ahead.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

While there are countless challenges, the roughly 11,000 athletes will be tested for the virus on a daily basis, in principle, and interaction with others will be limited.

I like the term “in principle” the best, it leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

Those who infringe COVID-19 rules will face penalties, ranging from fines to losing the right to compete in Tokyo.

I also wonder who is going to enforce those rules. In the end it will be something like traffic regulations for cyclists and pedestrians: “If you see a red traffic light you may stop if you like.”

0 ( +2 / -2 )

apart from the headline, there's nothing in the quite long article to indicate that she is "anxious". so why the headline I wonder. and who decided to insert that word?

(to forestall those who might misinterpret my post as being somehow pro-Hashimoto, or pro-Olympics, or pro- or anti- anything else come to that.... I'm simply wondering about the article per se).

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

One thing that does not add up to the "80% opposed" to the Olympics I keep hearing about.

Why have so few tickets have been returned for refund?

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

One poster comes here on a daily basis stressing their confidence that the Games will be 100% safe a secure, and emphasizes that if there was any chance of a problem, strong steps would be taken.

Well, given the flip-flopping and indecision we’ve seen in the past week regarding spectator limits and alcohol sales, this report today just shows how much of a basket case this event has become.

If the local organizers are in such disarray, how can anyone claim that this will be a safe and secure Games.

THIS IS A NATIONAL EMBARRASSMENT!

2 ( +4 / -2 )

I'm pretty sure the average American still assumes the Olympics were cancelled.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Here in the first photo, we have a fine example of social distancing to ensure the build up of what will surely be a totally safe games in 29 days.

Here in the second photo we have a photo of the Tokyo 2020 president (and debatably of Japan too) who ideally wants to project the message that the games will be safe and successful but is visibly double-masking

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

One thing that does not add up to the "80% opposed" to the Olympics I keep hearing about. 

Why have so few tickets have been returned for refund?

Lemme see, a population of 130 million, 80% are against, that's about 100 million against, 30 million in favour (or at least not against).

About 400 events being held? At no more than 10,000 spectators at each, some less....

Only a handful of folk with tickets. 80% opposed certainly does 'add up'.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

She speaks a lot of sense.Pleased to see her emphasize how important the games are to the world. She cares so much for the games and understands it is essential they go ahead on a safe manner.

So uplifting to see such positivity in these Covid times, we need more like her to help lead us out of Covid.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

She is not SEIKA HASHIMOTO

-2 ( +0 / -2 )

Not necessarily, @tqblvtzpkpim. Perhaps that poster is just a very positive person, even in the face of adversity and tumultuous times. (“Commendable”, If its genuine”.) - Still, it’s difficult to remain positive when ‘mouthpieces’ like Hashimoto are too hopeful”, just “hoping” their “hope” is enough and not having any real plan to keep everyone safe.

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

that the coronavirus pandemic will not stand in the way of hosting the global sporting showpiece

Not only that first half, please…. As it is bidirectional, that ‘showpiece’ also stands in the way of successfully fighting the coronavirus pandemic. Now, as we know that, let’s think together about what direction can be changed. Can we cancel the pandemic for enabling the full games? No. Can we cancel the games for fighting the pandemic? Yes. So that is the choice that has to be taken.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

While there are countless challenges, the roughly 11,000 athletes will be tested for the virus on a daily basis, **in principle **and interaction with others will be limited.

In Principle

Uh oh! So they really won't be testing the Athletes Daily...The truth finally comes out!

2 ( +5 / -3 )

The organizers have decided to also test tens of thousands of officials and workers for the virus and use smartphone GPS functions to manage the movements of those who are visiting from overseas, although questions about feasibility have been raised.

Who is going to be tracking these people? This is nothing but lip service. No one is going to be tracking anyone. The Japanese do not have the technology or even the man power to be able to do this. When I come, I am just going to leave my smartphone in my Hotel, and go out and about as I wish. I will then return to my home country and write several news articles on how this was a failed system. If there was a fax machine involved maybe they could figure it out...But not with any tech in 2021!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

Ahoy! @FalseFlag 1:08pm. We can agree that Seiko Hashimoto has ‘her paid-agenda’:

- “…see her emphasize how important the games are to the world. She cares so much for the games and understands it is essential they go ahead…”

However, …

- @1:08pm: “She speaks a lot of sense.”

… no, she really doesn’t!

*- @1:08pm: “we need more like her to help lead us [??] out of Covid.” -*

(Now, it can be understood why some think statements like that are, perhaps, “disingenuous” and ‘trolling the deep waters’? No more “hit & runs”, okay?) She is not and has never been “a leader”.

What ‘qualifications’ or experience did she ever have to have her “lead”?:

*- "I think what needs to be done has become clear. I think this is the first time that the entire world has faced the same issue, . . . To solve the issue, it's now time for Japan to take action." -*

They’ve had a one year postponement and there’s still ‘no plan’ here. Just a ‘wait & see’ approach while rolling out every program, product and media they’ve already had prepared for last year, while still cashing and additional year’s payroll and bonuses.

1 ( +4 / -3 )

And then, the immediate “-2” votes on any opposing point, further contributing to @TQ and @blvtzpk’s perceptions that someone is OR isn’t necessarily, being: “Objective”?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

CrashpilotToday  10:32 am JST

*While there are countless challenges, the roughly 11,000 athletes will be tested for the virus on a daily basis, in principle, and interaction with others will be limited.*

I like the term “in principle” the best, it leaves a lot of room for interpretation.

Yeah, exactly this. The rumour is that even though one of the members of the Ugandan team tested positive, they just put the rest of the members on a bus and sent them to Osaka and never even re-tested them before sending them off. I wonder if the bus driver was tested, or those who came into contact with the Ugandan team members on the way to Osaka at the rest stops, or people who met and greeted them in Osaka, etc. I highly doubt it. The entire team should have been quarantined for two weeks at the border as soon as that positive test came up.

The Japanese handling of this crisis, especially regarding testing and isolation policy is unreal and at odds with all we have learned about this virus over the past 18 months.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

LifeAlertAusToday  01:18 pm JST

The organizers have decided to also test tens of thousands of officials and workers for the virus and use smartphone GPS functions to manage the movements of those who are visiting from overseas, although questions about feasibility have been raised.

Who is going to be tracking these people? This is nothing but lip service. No one is going to be tracking anyone. The Japanese do not have the technology or even the man power to be able to do this. When I come, I am just going to leave my smartphone in my Hotel, and go out and about as I wish. I will then return to my home country and write several news articles on how this was a failed system. If there was a fax machine involved maybe they could figure it out...But not with any tech in 2021!

There's already a tracking system in place for foreigners the come into Japan to quarantine them and has been in use for months.

Just add the names of those that need to be tracked.

-3 ( +0 / -3 )

Just wondering, if we no change in covid deaths post Olympics (or even a drop), will we credit the Olympics?

Or should we only connect the Olympics to covid rates if there is a rise?

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

There's like 10 protesters, 1 token "foreigner", 50 cops and 200 reporters? And about 95% males.

What is even going on here? Definitely not something many people would want to join.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

"To solve the issue, it's now time for Japan to take action."

A bit late for action now isn’t it?

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Nobody deserves to die so the Olympics can go ahead.

..................... Says it all.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Hshimoto, unfortunately you taking this job will be MASSIVE BLOT on your impressive Olympic HISTORY!!!!

Surely even you do not believe the mumbo jumbo you are now spouting, this is getting emberassing to even read!

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Just wondering, if we no change in covid deaths post Olympics (or even a drop), will we credit the Olympics?

Or should we only connect the Olympics to covid rates if there is a rise?

Despite the justified cynicism on display here (on this board), I don’t think anyone actually wants the games to turn into a super-spreader and will be very happy (and relieved) if they don’t. They just have very little faith in the Japanese government. This also is fairly justifiable going on what we’ve seen so far.

My pet theory is this: when it comes to things which happen regularly - quakes, typhoons, etc. - the Japanese have a system worked out. It works and it works well. But when something like COVID turns up, which requires a quick reaction, they crash and burn. Too many decisions to be made and too many people who have to sign off on them.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Hashimoto says

I think what needs to be done has become clear.

Yes, it's clear... and has been clear for a long time and yet you are still pushing this.

It would be nice if you actually consider the will of the people of Japan and not what the IOC wants.

"Everyone wants to reclaim their social lives as early as possible, even by a day, a minute or a second," she said. "We're showing by means of evidence it is absolutely possible for that to happen through the Olympics and Paralympics."

You mean by staying home & watching TV (as per Suga's advice)???

She is seriously delusional

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Japan is doing a great job preparing for the games, managing the arrivals, detecting and managing any with COVID19. Things are on track for a great experience for the athletes and the millions of viewers around the world. I'm vindicated at home for having purchased a new 4K TV. I had at one time wondered if holding the Olympics in Japan would put the athletes and their support crews at risk of catching the virus but with the systems in place, the high vaccination rate amongst athletes and the absence of big crowds of supporters I think Japan will in the end be congratulated for having done a wonderful job under the circumstances.

Wow, falseflagsteve / Objective, how many sock puppet accounts have you set up? (The linguistic patterns and choice of vocabulary are a dead giveaway). You must be either very bored or very well compensated to make multiple spam accounts.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

@tokyolite

There's already a tracking system in place for foreigners the come into Japan to quarantine them and has been in use for months.

Just add the names of those that need to be tracked.

Are you refering to the tracking app on the phone that my co-worker had installed on his phone? The one where they also call and check on you, but he had the calls setup to forward to his other phone? That app? These "systems" are easy to beat. Let me guess you are the same person that just lets your smartphone track you and doesn't use a VPN? lol. Having worked in IT for 30 I have learned alot!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

Tristis QuepeToday  02:16 pm JST

Just wondering, if we no change in covid deaths post Olympics (or even a drop), will we credit the Olympics?

Or should we only connect the Olympics to covid rates if there is a rise?

Despite the justified cynicism on display here (on this board), I don’t think anyone actually wants the games to turn into a super-spreader and will be very happy (and relieved) if they don’t. They just have very little faith in the Japanese government. This also is fairly justifiable going on what we’ve seen so far.

My pet theory is this: when it comes to things which happen regularly - quakes, typhoons, etc. - the Japanese have a system worked out. It works and it works well. But when something like COVID turns up, which requires a quick reaction, they crash and burn. Too many decisions to be made and too many people who have to sign off on them.

I'm not sure how justified some of the criticism here on JT comments sections are. Some of the posts border on hysteria and you'd think the Olympic clock was counting down to armageddon.

As for your 2nd part, you pretty much hit the nail on the head.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Seiko Hashimoto seems to be sprouting drivel much like Abe when he talked about his ‘beautiful Japan’ which was a veneer on a right wing agenda...

2 ( +2 / -0 )

LifeAlertAusToday  03:21 pm JST

@tokyolite

There's already a tracking system in place for foreigners the come into Japan to quarantine them and has been in use for months.

Just add the names of those that need to be tracked.

Are you refering to the tracking app on the phone that my co-worker had installed on his phone? The one where they also call and check on you, but he had the calls setup to forward to his other phone? That app? These "systems" are easy to beat. Let me guess you are the same person that just lets your smartphone track you and doesn't use a VPN? lol. Having worked in IT for 30 I have learned alot!

All systems have ways to get around. Your colleague is however breaking the law (not to mention risking the health of others) and if caught will have to accept the consequences, just like everyone else.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Last night, Japan's obedient mainstream TV channels avoided even to report about people who protest against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics. 

Deceptive social atmosphere as if holding Olympics is unavoidable are crafty fabricated day by day in Japan.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Want and hope are nice but rather detached from reality. It's only money after all. How many lives are worth the cancellation fee of $15 billion or more?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Please remember this disaster during the next election, Japanese people !

0 ( +0 / -0 )

beentofivecontinentsToday  12:31 am JST

Please remember this disaster during the next election, Japanese people !

What disaster?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

She says even after the games end her role is not finished until she see the value they have brought. Will she also wait for the COVID case tally and subsequent death toll?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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