tokyo 2020 olympics

Hashimoto, Koike say no fans at Olympics still an option

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By KANTARO KOMIYA and STEPHEN WADE

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Hashimoto, Koike say no fans at Olympics still an option

It's still not the only option?

12 ( +17 / -5 )

*Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo organizing committee, said thousands of officials, sponsors, Olympic dignitaries, and others holding tickets would be allowed to enter venues, over and above any limits for spectators. He said they were not “technically” classed as fans, but rather as “organizers.”*

It's not clear if those VIPs would be allowed to attend if all other fans were banned, a situation that would likely anger many ordinary fans in Japan.

this is looking more and more like the Philip Dick novel in which the masses are tricked into hiding in vast underground cities, working away to support the war effort. the war, taking place on the surface is being waged on their behalf by the selfless commanders of society, and the underground serfs watch the progress of the war nightly on their screens. the war, of course, is actually non-existent, nothing but a media-mirage... but the serfs work away and worry, while the 'dignitaries' frolic and revel in their own green paradise with none of those pesky hoi polloi to put up with. not 'let them eat cake', but, 'let them experience The Games'.... and everything else... third-hand via their ultrabright several square centimetres of shiny flashing screens.....

14 ( +17 / -3 )

Good to see Gov Koike back. Her leadership has been missed this past week.

-24 ( +8 / -32 )

Banning spectators is still an option.

This is starting to sound like a threat.

10 ( +13 / -3 )

I trust these two ladies, they were hired above all the male candidates because of there higher skill and experience.

-24 ( +3 / -27 )

How about no Olympics? That still an option?

18 ( +22 / -4 )

Koike was speaking at a briefing after being hospitalized for more than a week with what was described as "severe fatigue.” She denied she was hospitalized for COVID-19, and said she tested negative.

The fact that she had to address this stands as proof that nobody believes anything she says anymore.

19 ( +24 / -5 )

"...they were hired above all the male candidates because of there higher skill and experience."

Stamina was not one of the criterion, obviously.

8 ( +11 / -3 )

Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo organizing committee, said thousands of officials, sponsors, Olympic dignitaries, and others holding tickets would be allowed to enter venues, over and above any limits for spectators. He said they were not “technically” classed as fans, but rather as “organizers.”

It's not clear if those VIPs would be allowed to attend if all other fans were banned, a situation that would likely anger many ordinary fans in Japan.

Perhaps this is the real reason why fans are desired. Without fans, the Games indubitably become an exclusive gathering of VIPs at the expense of the Japanese public, if the event was not that already.

18 ( +21 / -3 )

Make a damn decision you reactive idiots.

17 ( +20 / -3 )

The lack of leadership by this woman is astounding.

26 ( +28 / -2 )

Classic definition of leadership in Japan. Do not show leadership.

23 ( +26 / -3 )

@Asiaman

Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo organizing committee, said thousands of officials, sponsors, Olympic dignitaries, and others holding tickets would be allowed to enter venues, over and above any limits for spectators. He said they were not “technically” classed as fans, but rather as “organizers.”

It's not clear if those VIPs would be allowed to attend if all other fans were banned, a situation that would likely anger many ordinary fans in Japan.

Perhaps this is the real reason why fans are desired. Without fans, the Games indubitably become an exclusive gathering of VIPs at the expense of the Japanese public, if the event was not that already.

I noticed the same statement and it stuck out in this article.

These "VIPs" or "dignitaries" (we are not part of that club for sure) will not only come from Japan but will also come from overseas. Some of these "really important people who are better than us" paid alot of money to be better than us so by all means they must attend.

For anyone who had any doubts about what the once great Olympics has become and what the IOC really is I think those doubts have been removed as part of the Tokyo games and there is now no doubt whatsoever they only care about themselves.

The Tokyo olympics is a pinnacle of greed, narcissism, and selfishness.

23 ( +24 / -1 )

I am not at all surprised she is back. Many people on here said she was faking her illness for polital reasons. They were wrong. She didnt have Covid 19 either.

-15 ( +3 / -18 )

They will do thier utmost till the last minute to try to squeeze in at least few fans - two main drivers - so that Japan can project a face to global audience on TV how great we are and second is to hide the fact that its exlusively a jamboree viewing/party time for VIPs from thier VIP boxes

Beyond pathetic - for a change follow medical experts advise & do the right thing for general population please - too much to ask for here….

15 ( +15 / -0 )

How about canceling the Olympics? THAT'S still an option. How about refunding the ticket holders? That's still an option. How about standing up to Bach? Oh, still a definite option.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

I do not understand why Tokyo and Japan stick to hold the Olympic despite facing a lot and a lot of problems in the midst of the pandemic. People are exhausted. If it is not Japan, the Olympic has already been cancelled.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

The dithering drives me up the wall ! No leadership at all !

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Can you imagine, the "...ano......", ".....so da na.......", ".....ma.....", and the muffled cacophonous air sucking between the clenched teeth droning behind the masks of these so-called decision makers! Yes/no, On/off, until the Games start. Mark my words. I say some venues yes, most no. Game time decision.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Perhaps they should read the international news to see what is happening now in Europe, Covid wise, because of the European football. It is a total disaster with increase infection directly tied to the soccer audiences. Germany criticized the organizers for lack of care and covid safety. Recognition it was all about the money rather than safety. Message there for Koike and Hashimoto if they would bother to read the international news.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

There’s another good reason to hold it with no fans.

These games have been a farce from the start, demonstrating the absolute lie that they have anything to do with sport and everything to do with corporate greed.

Having no fans will present an image of a soulless, empty experience for everyone involved, and they will have, to a man (and woman), deserved it.

Television cameras showing athletes performing in stadia watched only by rich businesspeople would be a perfect image for these games.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Low case numbers, low mortality. Really not a case to go for zero fans.

The European football finals are on at the moment and the stadiums are half full, and even fuller in places.

-8 ( +4 / -12 )

Toshiro Muto, the CEO of the Tokyo organizing committee, said thousands of officials, sponsors, Olympic dignitaries, and others holding tickets would be allowed to enter venues, over and above any limits for spectators. He said they were not “technically” classed as fans, but rather as “organizers.”

Nice to know that my source ITK is truly ITK!

This person also said that the plan to try and class overseas corporates as ‘organizers’ was an attempt at getting around the tougher guidelines of entering the country / international travel.

This person has said on numerous occasions over the last 6 months that, based on his closeness to the TOC, holding the games is a disaster waiting to happen. Also, that it’s outrageous that nobody is talking specifically about the Paralympics which has athletes and many support staff who are in many cases much more at risk.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

She denied she was hospitalized for COVID-19, and said she tested negative.

A negative test doesn’t mean there wasn’t a positive test previously.

Even if it turned out to be a false positive, that wouldn’t have been known until getting the negative test later. Hence why someone would follow protocol, isolate, and - in the case of a high profile figure such as a political leader - be admitted to hospital where all the treatment and care is available immediately ‘just in case’.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

She was displaying a poor me cough during her recent speech. Bless her!

-1 ( +4 / -5 )

The Japanese government should be awarded a gold medal in Disorganized Flip-flopping.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

I wonder how much pressure is being exerted on private testing Labs to cut or stop testing for covid.

Lets face it if the number of cases was like every Saturday and Sunday testing results give, Tokyo would say look at the low numbers, so fans ok. Seeing not much more than 2,000 are tested daily by the government on Sundays and Mondays to Fridays private testing is 4,000 to 8,000 eliminating private labs would fix the problem for Tokyo and the IOC.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Food for thought.

If fans are permitted at the events in mid summer Tokyo heat, expect plenty of masks being removed to regularly drink and a lot or expect a lot of dehydration and heatstroke.

Expect Fans a lot of fans and I am not talking about people but the handheld kind of fans.

A nice way to give any airborne droplets a nice lift and longer travel distance.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

In This land, where they will tell you up to ONE WEEK beforehand that you will be transferred to another country even, I have no doubt they’ll hold off until the week before to make a decision. They seem desperate to want to put fans in harms way and are doing the usual begging and praying the numbers of infection don’t go up so they can have their way.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

To be honest, a biggest wave yet is another option. But who cares?

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Koike comes back, and immediately pulls the same old crap tht goes nowhere.

We sure did miss you Koiks............

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Koike looking very refreshed after her 2 week break for bur.... eerrrr Covid.

The decision of having to decide on allowing fans or not just weeks before the games might actually cause her to a actually burnout this time, though. Except this time, people won't believe it, like the boy who cried wolf.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

From MRT news this morning in Miyazaki, Koji Arima the CEO of Denso has been throwing fits in meetings squelching any talk of cancelling the Olympics and going to the IOC continually getting them to pressure the JOC and the pols and b'crats. Arima has gotten Comcast to also pressure. It has been Arima behind the scenes assuring that VIPs and financial sponsors will see the games.

If you wanna know who is pulling the strings - Arima.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

There is no way that having unvaccinated spectators at the Olympic games is a good idea. Give out free or at least cheap tickets to those getting their vaccinations and to those who have already had them. Whether they are from overseas or not should not matter.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Nice to see Koike’s “exhaustion” has cleared up.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

I'm sure they will go ahead as planned just waiting for the last moment to spring the news so there will be no time for discussion then blame it on Olympic organization they made use do it!!! Don't think Olympic association should have any say in how a country handles a pandemic as they later return to the safety of their country possibly leaving behind a very sick situation

3 ( +3 / -0 )

It’s starting in less than a month and still can’t decide? Inept to say the least. We are all going to bear the brunt of this poor choice, post Olympics.

2 ( +4 / -2 )

tamanegi

Good to see Gov Koike back. Her leadership has been missed this past week.

She should show an example for others and properly REST at home until she's 100% ok (doesn't matter if you agree with her policies and thoughts or not), and at least work remotely. Now she's basically just saying everybody should 'gaman' and show up at the office even when you're not well.

Ah_so

Low case numbers, low mortality. Really not a case to go for zero fans.

The European football finals are on at the moment and the stadiums are half full, and even fuller in places.

Yup, exactly. And Japan is enforcing much, much stricter rules for the Olympic fans, than the Euro locations for the football fans. One example is St.Petersburg, where majority of the locals actively avoid wearing face masks, even though the city is bristling with the virus (especially delta). Even so, fans were chanting, shouting etc. at the stadiums, partying at the pubs, etc. One good point for Japan is that majority of people wear a mask, at least some kind of a mask, at least somehow, and possible fans at the stadiums are banned from chanting, shouting etc.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Yup, exactly. And Japan is enforcing much, much stricter rules for the Olympic fans, than the Euro locations for the football fans. 

But then far more in Europe are vaccinated than are or will be by the time the Olympics start and we can guess the type of people will to travel and risk exposure to the virus are.

More than likely those that don't see any danger, believe the rumours that the Japanese are special and have some natural resistance to the virus and also see no need to get vaccinated. ( Just my speculation but as we had all read and seen here and elsewhere a highly probable one)

The Japanese that are taking the virus seriously and taking precautions and getting vaccinated as soon as possible are not going to be the ones going to a mass spreader event.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Who, instead of taking a clear stand in the face of the science, continuing with their mealy mouthed fence sitting. May it give you splinters in unpleasant places (thanks for that, @alfie noakes)

“The IOC and others have outlined their plans in taking their approach for the Olympics, and we have been engaging with them and advising them on the best use of those plans,” van Kerkhove told a Geneva news conference.

She said the WHO was learning from Euro 2020, adding: “If the virus is present and precautions are not in place the virus will spread.”

“We urge caution. We urge everyone to take caution in what they do,” she added.

“We urge everybody to take a risk-based approach in what they do and the decisions that they make. The choices that they make and the events they attend have consequences, good and bad.”

2 ( +2 / -0 )

WHO, that is.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

For goodness sake make your mind up! its going ahead its now not going ahead, its like a light switch, on, off, on, off. all this is doing is messing people around, they cant organise time off from work or not, depending on the OC say aswell as the Tokyo governor.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I just echo what others have said. Most people I know, including over 60 inlaws, have yet to receive an appointment. To talk about ending things when people have lost faith in their government's ability to do it's job during the pandemic is mind numbing.

Please, please LDP: find someone slightly more alive than Suga next time.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Dr Shigeru Omi who's this ???

0 ( +0 / -0 )

She denied she was hospitalized for COVID-19, and said she tested negative.

She hasn't been vaccinated yet? And why is she wearing a mask? If people are properly social distancing at that interview, then she shouldn't need a mask. Oh--just to show her 'serious approach' to doing what the commoners are asked to do. Or maybe to squeeze a little more sympathy out of the crowd, after her hospital stay.

Regardless, banning fans would be just for show anyway. Because surely people seated in the stadiums would have more room and ventilation than the millions of commuters in trains and subways daily.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

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