tokyo 2020 olympics

Canceling the Olympics? Huge consequences and a financial quagmire

109 Comments
By Coralie FEBVRE

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I will start with the fact that 80% of the Japanese public wants the games postponed or cancelled. This would include the largest Physicians association in Tokyo (morons by your account) as well as the CEO of Rakuten (another moron). There certainly are a lot of us in Japan and it seems we are also in good company.

The issue here is the with the Japanese or Tokyo Government failing to have the backbone to cancel. This is further compounded by the amazing selfishness of and total disregard for the host country (Japan) and its citizens by the IOC and their arrogant leaders who have little understand of medicine or of Japan.

Finally we also have to call out the media giants (primarily NBC in the United States) who are again looking out for the almighty dollar only.

People here in Japan are now suffering a great deal and are especially in dire straits financially. There will be no international fans or visitors and the games will operate in a bubble with countries now stating they will reduce support staff, etc. so there is little financial incentive for the Japanese people to hold the games.

As mentioned above Japan has a GDP of a bit over $5 trillion and the penalties to Japan will likely be around 0.1% of the GDP. If Japan did cancel and indicated that Japan wishes to negotiate a settlement I would be willing to bet that neither the media giants nor the IOC would want the negative publicity associated with a lawsuit as it is pretty obvious global opinion are for at least postponement.

Finally there are folks like my in laws in Japan (millions of them in fact). They are great people who I love and respect who would like to be vaccinated. Their FIRST vaccine will be in July and second the end of July or early August. I the meantime selfish and arrogant younger athletes will get vaccinated before them all for the sake of games.

Heaven forbid one of the in laws gets sick and cannot find an ICU bed and die at home (which is really happening here - if you live here you would know this). They were supporters of the government and the Olympics and expected logic and concern for the Japanese citizens to prevail - which obviously is not happening. So now they are former supporters of the government and Olympics and look at the games with disdain (as do 80% of us "morons" here in Japan).

So I would like say stick the Olympics somewhere where the sun does not shine; or at least postpone the games, which I would find to be a very reasonable compromise - something the IOC and corporate masters seem to be unwilling to do.

42 ( +45 / -3 )

But think of the financial consequences and the quagmire that will happen when Tokyo becomes the world's greatest COVID cluster because of the Olympics.

40 ( +42 / -2 )

Reads like propaganda, if the IOC cancelled why would Japan have to pay them 1.3 billion back? I would assume the IOC also has to lose money not just the host country.

39 ( +39 / -0 )

You know why we are saddled with this? Shintaro Ishihara. It was his stupid idea to bid for the games and sign Tokyo up for all this. But he could sign up for whatever he wanted knowing that by the time the games actually arrived he’d be long gone anyway and would dodge blame.

Which is pretty much what has happened, everyone is so mad at the people running things now that we’ve forgotten about who set this all up to begin with, I haven’t seen him mentioned anywhere.

34 ( +34 / -0 )

Yet, *Japan has been digging this ***¥ **hole deeper and deeper for over a year now.

33 ( +34 / -1 )

Cancellation cost for Japan? Roughly 0.1% of annual GDP. Probably less if factoring in the savings on costs going forward.

What does that weight in front of a serious health crisis and the opposition of 80% of the population?

If they don't cancel, that won't be because of the financial cost to the country.

32 ( +33 / -1 )

Sue Abe and his LDP cronies. He promised Japan was the best hands, had the best climate, cleanest bays, compact location, non radioactive seafood, and best medical hub. What a load of croc he’s been.

32 ( +35 / -3 )

Consequences of holding the Olympics:

A massive outbreak of COVID.

Nothing else to read. OlympicsLife

30 ( +33 / -3 )

Organizers would also be stuck with an enormous bill: a partial reimbursement for local sponsors to the tune of $3.3 billion, while they would probably have to pay back the IOC's contribution of $1.3 billion.

You know those posters in the station and post office warning you about all kinds of scams? The IOC and LDP (Bach, Abe , Mori) faces should be on one. Because this Olympics in a pandemic is proving to be one on an epic scale, a massive wealth transfer upward from the public to a small group of companies and politicans.

30 ( +30 / -0 )

I really feel sorry for Japan. But they really should have last year, either canceled or postponed the Olympics 2 year's, not one year.

26 ( +31 / -5 )

As other users pointed out, the lost revenue is insignificant in the grand scheme of things compared to the potential downsides.

inviting 10s of thousand of people from 100s of countries into an unvaccinated country with an aging population is insanely dangerous.

if we just look at the financials, the potential long term loss from hosting the Olympics and subsequent covid outbreaks will be 10s to 100s of times worse. More state of emergencies, more sick, more death.

it is not worth the risk.

26 ( +26 / -0 )

If you do a little digging into the article it is obvious this article is most likely a soft propoganda piece for the Olympics, or worse, a threat with the use of punitive damages (money) to try to sway the opinion towards holding the games. The article has facts, most of which I knew, but puts all of the figures in one place. Overall I find the article sickening and disgusting with its sole focus on the money (and I am a business owner and a Capitalist - properly regulated capitalism - not vulture capitalism).

The byline of the article is Lausanne (the headquarters of the IOC) and Coralie Febvre is a French Olympics reporter based in Lausanne. She appears to have a highly vested interest in the games going forward. Perhaps she has an all expense paid trip to Tokyo, first class, and in 5 star hotels in her future. I do not know but she certainly seems tied to the games.

What the article does not address is the short sightedness of those pushing for the games as they fail to realize the tremendous risk.

For the Olympics this is a huge gamble and a risk to their reputation if this does turn into a virus super spreader event. The Olympic name (many in the world already know of the corruption) will be further tarnished, indellibly, and it may be difficult to ever recover from this.

For Japan and Tokyo the same risk above applies however the more tangible risk is if this does turn into a superspreader inside of Japan the medical system will (not might) be overwhelmed and the financial damage to the country and its citizens from further lockdowns, etc. may be enormous.

The shortsightedness, arrogance, and lack of concern for Japanese citizens (and residents like me) is truly beyond belief. It is quite obvious now that those in charge of the Olympics are sick narcissists of the worst kind: cold hearted people who care nothing about others or the damage they may cause.

26 ( +27 / -1 )

There are two options.

A: Canceling the Olympics - A disaster for Japan, but at least the government is putting its people first.

B: Holding the Olympics - A disaster for Japan (possibly larger but definitely not smaller and possibly disastrous for the global community), and the government of Japan completely disregarding the will of the people.

I’m for option A

23 ( +24 / -1 )

@Agent X. If you live here I would imagine you are aware that dozens of Japanese citizens literally died at home due to a lack of hospital facilities. The medical system is already overwhelmed. Please consider showing more respect and concern towards the Japanese public.

22 ( +22 / -0 )

I don’t understand why anything has to be paid to it’s full amount. If the games are completely cancelled, then I guess. If it’s simply postponement, why pay anything in back? The games can always happen next year or whenever.

This article just showcases it’s all about the money. Aren’t the Olympics about unity, pride, and fun? Not money..

17 ( +19 / -2 )

No one will die if the Olympics are cancelled.

The venues can be used by the residents of Japan later for other events. It provided jobs to build them.

Tell the IOC to pound sand. The idea that the Olympics are necessary for Japanese "prestige" is a myth.

17 ( +18 / -1 )

Canceling the Olympics? Huge consequences and a financial quagmire

Holding the Olympics would have even more huge consequences and the financial quagmire that will be wrought on the country due to the spike in cases and the strain on the health care system will far outweigh any financial quagmire from a cancellation.

And that's before analyzing the human cost of holding the games.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

How is it a "quagmire?" Either way, Japan will lose financially. They are already and have been losing money even before the rescheduling. The worst part is that the taxpayers will suffer the most and the government is incompetent and weak that they can't stand up to Bach and the IOC. Plain and simple.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Ohhh please! Vast majority here hardly suffer any symptoms

So you are a doctor?

You must be seeing you make a claim that goes against what the doctor's associations and nurses associations are saying.

Not to mention the governor's of multiple prefectures that resisted the SOE but then because of surging cases and over crowded hospitals then changed their minds and declared SOE.

Guess you know more than they do so please tell us what you know more than they know.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

There are basically two lines that these folks keep spewing out. First, that Japan has been able to keep the number of infections and deaths down compared to other countries, and second, that the organizers will be able to conduct safe games as stated in paragraph five of this article. As for the first reason, you can't compare Japan with other countries. Japan's medical system has not been tested in such a widespread emergency and cannot handle the numbers that are coming out daily. People are dying at home. Secondly, safe for the athletes, but not for the populace. This has already been proven by the Sapporo marathon test case and the increased infections that city and Hokkaido are currently experiencing. It's hard to track down the numbers that are directly associated with the marathon just as it was for Go to, and GW, because of non-agressive contact tracing but the graphs, the timing and the locations all point n the same direction. The Olympic committed doesn't care about the local populace, only the athletes and the related personnel. They also talk about all necessary safety protocols but one thing that's still missing is the number of hospitals in the Kanto area that are willing to give up personnel and facilities for these games. These two lines of argument should be rebutted at every chance on media and in any public forum.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Who says that Japan, a sovereign nation would have to pay the IOC back a dime?

Stiff them.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

The shortsightedness, arrogance, and lack of concern for Japanese citizens (and residents like me) is truly beyond belief. It is quite obvious now that those in charge of the Olympics are sick narcissists of the worst kind: cold hearted people who care nothing about others or the damage they may cause.

Exactly. I have always been a fan of the Olympics before this. Never again. A change is needed.

13 ( +14 / -1 )

The Olympics cannot be guaranteed safe and secure by anyone. Not only is it impossible, it would have to come from a higher power to guarantee the games to be 100% safe and secure.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Is this an opinion piece? This article does not mention anything new. It just regurgitates what everyone already knows.

Nobody is going to listen to the peasants

The plans are already in motion

They are not going to lose face in front world
12 ( +12 / -0 )

Tokyo-Engr

VERY WELL SAID!

11 ( +15 / -4 )

To illustrate who sick and degenerate those who run the IOC are (Koch, Sebastian Coe, John Coates are the ones we see on TV in Japan) an athlete has disclosed that athletes are now being asked (forced) to sign a medical release of liability such that the IOC and Olympic organizers are not liable for Covid complications or death (link below).

https://twitter.com/JulesBoykoff/status/1395500921174433793

From the link: But what about the athletes? A Tokyo-bound Olympian shared a doc w/ me demanding athletes release Olympic organizers of all liability for #COVID19 complications, even death.

This is from Jules Boykoff, a former athlete and an expert on the Olympics. For those that want to read more he has written several books on the Olympics and his most recent is a book entitled NOlympians which exposes the greed and corruption associated with the "games".

11 ( +11 / -0 )

@Haaa Nemui. I am also a FORMER fan of the Olympics

10 ( +11 / -1 )

mmm, very hard choice, either economic ruin, overrun hospitals and countless deaths OR just economic losses...

9 ( +9 / -0 )

Well Tokyo has officially become the second Montreal, it took 30 year to pay off the debt from the 1976 Olympics and it wasn't as high as Tokyo has even adjusting for inflation.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

or if it deems that participants' safety is "seriously threatened or jeopardized for any reason whatsoever

This part is the clearest indication the IOC will never cancel and couldn't care less if everyone in Japan died, as long as the "participants" ( includes the IOC and other officials) are safe the IOC doesn't car what else happens.

Perhaps if the Japanese made it so it isn't safe the IOC would have no choice.

I am not talking about any thing dangerous but hotels, refusing to have Olympic gear, water problems in the Olympic village, transportation companies pulling out maintenance not done, etc..

Make it so that no normal Athlete or official could comfortably stay or have a clean safe place to stay.

Basically a boycott of all services by the people of Japan those the IOC don't care about.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

They also talk about all necessary safety protocols but one thing that's still missing is the number of hospitals in the Kanto area that are willing to give up personnel and facilities for these games. 

Hospitals in Tokyo are already saying they are at or near full capacity.

Tokyo asked the neighbouring prefectures to reserve hospital space for the games and all three (3) have given a resounding NO!

So it is no longer Kanto but Tokyo on it's own.

How does that calculate into the IOC's safety of the participants?

8 ( +10 / -2 )

The games are a positive thing for the world and are needed now more than ever.

No what the world needs now more than ever is Vaccine and a lot of it, money to poor countries to help with covid, businesses to be able to reopen, to be able to travel and visit loved ones.

This idea that people need these games as what? A distraction from incompetence of the governments?

A modern day circus Maximus to keep the peasants from noticing the privileged going around getting exemption from what the rest have to follow?

No one in my family or friends care two bits about the Olympics, what they want is to see family and friends, not Facebook or zoom.

What my Japanese family want are Vaccines now! That is way more important than the Olympics to them.

You seem to repeat the statements near verbatim direct from the IOC and this makes me wonder why.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

They really should, but they wont. Money is more important to them, Giggidy

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Japanese taxpayers lose either way. Only if the Olympics are cancelled, fewer of them will catch the virus and die.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

I realise the financial cost is astronomical but so is the PR cost at this point.

I feel in the long run, cancelling would be better for both the IOC and Japan.

Japan: I am reasonably certain it is better to go down as having to cancel Olympics because of a worldwide pandemic rather than hosting the worst Olympics in history. Even in the best case scenario if they go forward exactly as planned, all of the restrictions will make it a pretty awful showing. If they have them and end up causing Pandemic v 2.0, the longterm damage to Japan's reputation and tourism industry will be staggering. If they cancel, the worldwide reaction will be generally sympathetic.

IOC: Same as above, what little good reputation they have left will be destroyed if they push through an Olympic that causes more infections. Sure they would get more money now, but they make it way harder for themselves to keep that gravy train going. I know if I were a government official in a country, I would be loathe to work with an organization willing to holding us hostage over a contract.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

Hey falseflag

Go read this article and see how safe it will not be:

https://japantoday.com/category/tokyo-2020-olympics/tokyo-games-workers-to-self-collect-saliva-samples-for-covid-testing

Far from what they claimed, you remember "everyone at the games will be tested daily" looks like that wasn't true

Those who will have regular contact with athletes will be tested for the virus on a daily basis, in principle, while others will be screened every four or seven days depending on their roles

Seems they finally realised they do not have the capability to do what they promised and now changing the plan.

Yep trust the IOC and TOC if you like but they have been lying from day one.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

This article is clearly IOC backed propaganda.

They now see their lies of safe games being exposed ( see article that shows testing will not be day as promised).

They see more and more Japanese are against the games and more and more being vocal about it!

So now it is the "threats" that begin.

Trying to intimidate the locals by telling them if they force cancelation then they will suffer the penalties.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

@falseflag

Still avoid the fact the IOC lied about testing!

No comment, no special excuse?

7 ( +7 / -0 )

They (IOC and co.) are saying that they can make safe Olympics. Does anyone have some documents which state how they plan to do so? 

Not such thing exists, They are making it up as they go.

See the article here in JT I linked in my previous comments.

That tells us everything we need to know, that there is no plan.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

We are assured that the games will be safe

Sure guess the bubble not being a bubble, the daily testing not actually being daily as promised.

Make no difference to you, as you are ready to believe anything the IOC tells you even when what they said turn out to be a lie!

The other article makes it very clear only a fraction of those at the games will be tested daily if at all and the local staff, volunteers even less.

It has been one lie after another but you still believe them even when the lies are exposed by their own admission.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Hey falseflag

Noticed you avoided the comment and revaluation that the bubble the IOC promised and daily testing will not be what they promised!

Seems only partial testing on the off day or so for most and as long as they collect their own test samples.

That wasn't what they said was going to be.

Seems now it will be only some tested and very little oversight.

What else did they lie about?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

@falseflag

How much of that was taken straight for the IOC site?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Seems to be a big loophole: which side has responsibility for determining safety, and therefore whether the games should be cancelled?

5 ( +6 / -1 )

@Tokyo-Engr is spot on, you have to be living here to know what things are really like. The outside world is always hearing about how low infections and deaths have been. Japan is seen as having weathered the storm well. A few reports in overseas media are starting to highlight some of the problems, but it is a splash in the bottom of the pot.

The medical system is not coping well in a number of places now. People are having to stay at home when they should be in hospital and some have died at home. Ambulances pick up people but then have to find a hospital to take them, this can take hours or all day.

The other big fear hear about getting sick, there is not a welfare system like other countries. You can get a loan, but you do not know if or when you can pay it off. Or you are expected to go around your family first to get support.

The risk for the Japanese people is great and the slow vaccine rollout is not helping. My mother in law is struggling to find somewhere locally that is offering the jab. There are 2 private hospital offering the jab, but only to there current patients. ( town pop over 20,000) So she is trying to get the phone answered in the city next door.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

I will refuse to watch the Olympics on tv. Better things to do in the summertime.

I gave up on the Olympics decades ago when I saw Canadian athletes giving their old running shoes to Athletes from poor countries that didn't have a decent pair to race in and then watching western countries swimmers argue why their multi thousands of dollars high tech swimwear was not an advantage because everyone could get one if they wanted to, despite the fact few could afford one!

At that point it became obvious those with money are at an unfair advantage especially now that professional athletes are permitted.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

The games provide us with the opportunity that life can continue as before without incident and provide hope to those living with irrational fears.

I have to ask!

Are you working for the IOC or some business with interest in the Olympics.

I only ask because you ignore every single rational fact, go on repeating the IOC propaganda.

And advocate for the modern day equivalency of the circus Maximus to "divert people's attention.

No rational behind your point of view no facts just the steady drumbeat of the IOC propaganda.

You think it is rational that countries that are now in the major death and dying moments of covid like India, Brazil ( who will be holding the gymnastics qualifying meet June 4,~13) this is rational?

If your view of rational is to ignore a pandemic and get on with games that do nothing but boost egos and line the pockets of corrupt officials.

Then most of the world and most Japanese have a very different view of rational. And I think we are the ones with the clearer view of rational.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

Perhaps it is time for another JT readership poll.

The question would be a simple one.

Which is more important, The Olympics or vaccination, returning to normal and being able to visit family?

Serious let's have a readership vote JT.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

The Olympics will be safe, they have integrity.

Still avoiding the question!

If they had integrity they would be keeping to their original word of daily testing be everyone.

But now that is not happening.

And if you haven't figured out that the preoccupation with preparations for the Olympics isn't taking money and resources away from other things like the vaccine roll out then, you must be deliberately avoiding seeing it.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Usually when an article regarding the Olympics is published here the Por Olympics people show up fast to defend having having them.

But strangely the other article that points out the "bubble" and "daily testing" will not be what the IOC said it would be, these pro Olympics people are strangely absent from the comment section.

Guess it is hard to say stuff like:

The Olympics will be safe, they have integrity.

When the IOC lies are exposed.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

@Addfwyn

The financial cost is big but certainly not astronomical. Just 0.1% of annual GDP. Another reference point: on the basis of the first 2021 quarter, Japanese GDP is declining at an annual rate of 5%.

Plus, this $5bn fine is the highly hypothetical worst case scenario. I believe the IOC are a bunch of thieves but they are not stupid. Olympics is a brand. Pressing charges against a G7 state would greatly diminish the brand value on the long term.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

@Phil

My children's grandparents are both in there mid 90s and we couldn't get through on the phone or website for our ward in Tokyo.

With every family member trying.

My daughter and son finally got so upset and frustrated they went to the ward office and seriously raised a fuss with the city even calling the police but by the time they arrived there were even more people that got involved regarding their elderly parents.

In the end the city started giving out appointments on the spot but the this: my children's grandparents will not be vaccinated until the 2nd week of July as there are already no spaces available before then in our ward.

This is a joke.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

Cancel, and people will understand it was a financial loss because it was cancelled.

Go forward, and it will still be a financial loss and people will argue about why it was a financially bad decision for years to come.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Unfortunately this Covid situation has caused irrational thoughts and divisions between many. 

Particularly the irrational idea that in these times we need "distraction" from billion dollars games while the world wrestles with a pandemic!

Now that is irrational!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Great call! @Antiquesaving 1:50pm! We should ALL be asking more of Our media! (After all, we read ALL of their advertising daily.)

“Perhaps it is time for another JT readership poll. The question would be a simple one. Which is more important: The Olympics or, Vaccination, returning to normal and being able to visit family? Seriously, let's have a readership vote JT.” -

4 ( +4 / -0 )

The IOC'S access to CASH, overrides the potential deaths from a SUPER SPREADER EVENT.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Japanese and international doctors say these games should be cancelled. The vast majority in Japan want them cancelled. So please just cancel them and put lives first.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Catching the virus in Japan means a 10 day quarantine at home and a financial penalty if caught mleaving within that time.

Thousands of people from abroad entering Japan are not what is needed right now..,

4 ( +4 / -0 )

Lets all start being positive and get life back to normal.

Now is not the time. Not yet.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I’m suspecting you’ve got some vested interested - more than just your own entertainment - in this whole thing.

I got that point a long time ago!

4 ( +4 / -0 )

I've said it before and I'll say it again.

Japan doesn't need to "cancel" the Olympics but only to postpone them until next year (2022) when the entire world will be, fully vaccinated and ready for travel.

For what I know, people would come to Asia for two Olympics, the Winter-one in China and the Summer-one in Japan, all in the same trip.

If Japan can vaccinate 2,000,000 people/day then it's another story, but given the current state of management by the government, I don't see it happening anytime soon.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Scroll way down on the front page of JT to this:

https://japantoday.com/category/tokyo-2020-olympics/tokyo-games-workers-to-self-collect-saliva-samples-for-covid-testing

Now we really know how little the IOC cares about anyone other than themselves and the Athletes and they really only care about the Athletes because if they get sick that will be big news and look bad.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

They (IOC and co.) are saying that they can make safe Olympics. Does anyone have some documents which state how they plan to do so? Going on with Olympics is a huge gamble with lots of lifes at stake. What if Olympics happen and introduce a new huge wave of critical COVID cases? Is IOC going to pay for hospitalization of the people? (NO). Are they going to reimburse families of newly deceased? (NO). Also, even if Olympics happen without new wave of cases, all the revenue will go to IOC and local committee. Since there will be no overseas spectators local business will see exactly extra 0¥ from this Olympics. The only loss that cancellation would bring is existing investment with insignificant additional losses. This whole ordeal has turned into complete shitshow so either cancel everything completely and avoid even higher possible losses if new wave happens or just shift the whole cycle and make Tokyo the host for 2024.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

I will refuse to watch the Olympics on tv. Better things to do in the summertime.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Vreth

I am going to take a guess that Athletes and coaches will most likely be confined or remaining in the appropriate places.

Now those 70,000 plus official, dignitaries, etc..

Not a chance, some government, IOC,TOC local, etc.. officials will be looking to score points by taking them out to "show" them Japan complete with booze and food.

3 ( +5 / -2 )

If we are at the “talking numbers” stage, a deal could be close (If this were a negotiation). Yesterday’s desperate move by Bach re fantasy medical workers looks like a negotiation tactic too.

Pay it - cancel the Games. Bargain.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

The Olympics have a history of being a safe event. This is held in pride by the organizers who understand the meaning of safety first. There is no evidence to the contrary

That is not correct but I cannot say why here.

As for no evidence to the contrary.

The IOC has lied repeatedly including the latest now revealed that they will not be testing everyone and not be testing daily as promised.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

Mr Bach has assured all of us involved or not involved will not have any detrimental effects caused by the event

Wow if I wasn't sure before you have a vested interest, I am now.

"Mr, Bach has assured us"

Seriously his word is more believable than 2 medical associations?

You mean to tell us "Mr. Bach" would never lie in his and the IOCs best financial interests.

He must be such a humanitarian, except he lied and the article showing he lied is right here on JT because there will not be the daily testing he promised.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Both the Olympics and vaccine circuses here finally expose Japan's weak management system to the world.

Anyone working in a Japanese company understands that the Japanese decision-making process is focused on understanding the problem before making a decision. The desired end-result is shown in certain action and behavior on the part of people. Here, we can see that Japanese officials just don't understand the problem.

This process almost guarantees that all the alternatives will be "considered"---taking too much time with wasted endless meetings, discussions of bizarre alternative actions.. This rivets management's attention to essentials. It does not permit commitment until management has decided what the decision is all about--imagine groups of underlings in non-related departments running in circles.

We can see the J-govt. implementing Japan's "vaunted" management style to the T. And the world can now see the secret to Japan's success has actually been just obeying external pressure, and following the West in general.

Imagine how successful Japan would be if each major company were headed by a Westerner.

The decline of Japan's economy is getting a great boost by Japan's "plans" for handling the Olympics and covid-19 crisis.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

If you care about the people so much, you will take into account the slow choking of their economies. It kills, too...

Oddly, instead of some short term hard measures that might have a real effect, everything was being prolonged to make the situation look better than it is so the Olympics wouldn't be threatened. Working out well huh?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Normality is what we need now especially for the children who have suffered isolation in the West. 

First you tried using the care about the athletes and their hard work, when that failed you tried using the disabled athletes thinking that would get more sympathy, now it is the children!

The IOC made it clear it cares only about the Olympics and possibly those attending at least the important ones to them.

Their contract states very clearly it will only cancel

if it deems that participants' safety is "seriously threatened or jeopardized

Note Participants, not workers not the Japanese public.

And that is why it is now NOT going to test worker or most others daily as the IOC promised.

They lied again.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

FFS:

This whole ‘think of the children’ (now apparently mainly focused on “the children who have suffered isolation in the West”) seems to be your own wishful thinking.

I’m suspecting you’ve got some vested interested - more than just your own entertainment - in this whole thing.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Lets all start being positive and get life back to normal.

Now THAT is irrational, when all the evidence indicates we are in the middle of an accelerating pandemic.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

The Prime Minister and his office must know by now that if they do NOT cancel the games, their government won't last until Obon.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

In the case of a cancellation, Japan will only have to pay if the IOC forces them to. The IOC is already struggling to find host cities, so even if the contract says "host city pays", Tokyo has a strong position in that enforcing this clause is a massive PR own goal for the IOC with all prospective host cities. The open the process is, the stronger Japan's hand is. It is foolish to think the wording of the contract is final and nothing else matters.

Regardless of what happens this summer, I think the most important thing is that the Sapporo bid for the Winter Olympics in 2030 must be cancelled. This must be the end of the Olympics in Japan. Never ever again. Summer or winter makes no difference. I do not care how many people think it might be cool because they went skiing in Hokkaido once (I'm special - look at me!). Never ever again.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

I am for holding the Olympics here. Tokyo will be in the red for about 20 years,

They'll probably be in the red longer if olympics is canceled, so maybe you should root for cancellation.

In any case that is why nobody really should bid for the Olympics in the first place.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Look, you've built your hotels, your infrastructure, etc... its not all gone to waste.

Japan should look at a perpetual low interest bond (like a War bond) to pay off the debt incurred with Qualifying Corporations who built these infrastructures shifting that associated debt into it in order to pay off over an infinite period of time....

The IOC Board should be forced to resign enmasse, or as board members be held accountable legally and financially.

80% of Japan says NO!... Who runs this Country?... pointent words.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Slash revenues ..... Hahahahahha

0 ( +0 / -0 )

If you care about the people so much, you will take into account the slow choking of their economies. It kills, too...

People understand why people brave the packed trains to go to work, or why a restaurant chain defy an early closure order, too much to ask to understand the implications on that scale.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

That has nothing to do with sports or athletes or health considerations. Finally, it’s the modern version of the same old formula as through all eras of human history. Pay or die.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

I am for holding the Olympics here. Tokyo will be in the red for about 20 years, Like Nagano was. Great opportunity for the West to take economic advantage of Japan.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

No good Japanese is happy for this event. Therefore, what is the Olympics or who are the Olympics for ???.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

How embarrassing for IOC it would be if they took Japan to court for non payment!!! If they do that, no country or City in the world would sign any contract with them!!!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

gokai_wo_manekuMay 21  06:51 am JST

But think of the financial consequences and the quagmire that will happen when Tokyo becomes the world's greatest COVID cluster because of the Olympics.

They keep talking about finacial consequences, they'd better be thinking about lives. That's an even more important consequence to consider, don't you think?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

'Financial quagmire'. That ain't gonna be nothing compared to when all those people sick. Then things are going to get worse.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The IOCs runbook opens with a Legal disclaimer that states Athletes go to Tokyo on their own risk and that neither the IOC nor Tokyo Government can be held liable....

now doesnt that sort of nix the words recently spoken by the IOC about holding an absolutely safe event ?

Source: SCMP

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I’m not buying into the ‘tremendous risk’ factor that bring the athletes to japan four days before their event, getting them straight into the Olympic village then requiring them to leave within two days of their event poses. Loads of sporting rehearsal events have been done in Tokyo and none of them became big spreader events.

I was involved in one of these big sporting events in Tokyo recently as a referee and got to see how well they ran the event under such constricting circumstances. Once the bell rings and the athletes start doing their thing though, you feel proud to be a part of it. It was reassuring to see high level athletes just killing it, even during a pandemic.

The anti-establishment and anti-business crowd have smelled blood and just want to come bowling in with their answer to everything. Give up, it’s all corrupt and sports ain’t that big a deal anyways. When cynicism and negativity reign you have to take moment for pause, and at least try and consider how it may actually work. I understand the frustrations and am still terribly disappointed that the Japanese leadership has failed to get a positive message through , one of inspiration that we all desperately need. Where is Seiko Hashimoto? Moris replacement and appeasement maker? Why are they not fighting back? Japan stuck between a rock and a hard place of what could’ve been and what is.

Willing to take the downvotes on this one. Still have hope. Either that, or we do it next year as a geopolitical gesture of japans resilience, soft power and willing to work with China. The olive branch option to , you know, avoid a war even? Summer and Winter Olympics both in 2022? Kill a few birds with that stone. Few options still on the table.

-3 ( +5 / -8 )

Zoroto , from what I hear the posse ( coaches and staff ) will all be together. Yes.

Correct me if I'm wrong , but they won't be prancing around bar and restaurant hopping, the regulations are fairly brutal. Actually feel sorry for the athletes who wont get the full experience, but they still wanna compete. The Olympics remember.

-3 ( +2 / -5 )

Thousands of people from abroad entering Japan are not what is needed right now..,

Olympics or no Olympics they will continue to come.

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

Boku

It never will be, according to some.

Normality is what we need now especially for the children who have suffered isolation in the West. They need hope and inspiration, exactly what the Olympics will provide them and all of us.

-5 ( +0 / -5 )

The Olympics have a history of being a safe event. This is held in pride by the organizers who understand the meaning of safety first. There is no evidence to the contrary

-7 ( +0 / -7 )

Unfortunately this Covid situation has caused irrational thoughts and divisions between many. We have the extreme cases of those denying Covid exists and at the other end those believing it is far more dangerous than it is.

The games provide us with the opportunity that life can continue as before without incident and provide hope to those living with irrational fears.

This can be the beginning of the world uniting again as we are entertained by these amazing athletes as they strive to make their dreams come true.

Lets all start being positive and get life back to normal.

-8 ( +1 / -9 )

Antiquesaving

Mankind strives on winning against diversity by being ambitious and brave. Caution is required but cowering down in fear equates to defeatism.

The Olympics are a message of what hard, discipline and bravery can achieve, an inspiration to mankind. The message is clear, mankind is defeating this threat and life can continue as before. Uniting the world is imperative and the squabbling must end

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Antique

I only put my own opinion, I remain open minded as ever

Bach has ensured safety is paramount and experts are on hand to ensure this, no worries at all.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

Antique

The Olympics will be safe, they have integrity.

I don’t know how the Olympics have anything to do with vaccines or visiting family. You are free to visit your family in Japan anytime regardless.

-8 ( +0 / -8 )

If quite many opt for a cancellation in any form, money can be crowdfunded to cover costs.

Or alternatively, just send all invoices to Beijing and WHO whose initial mishandling is responsible for the global pandemic. #CCPLiesPeopleDie.

-10 ( +13 / -23 )

zoroto

You always seem to post about possible negative scenarios regarding anything Covid in Japan. We are assured that the games will be safe and the athletes and entourage will be ambassadors for their countries and behave well.These chaos are well disciplined and used to following regimes and rules, that’s why they are successful..

The games are a positive thing for the world and are needed now more than ever.

-12 ( +3 / -15 )

We in Japan will not be canceling olympics :)

-13 ( +2 / -15 )

Bach has assured the world that safety is paramount. The IOC are experienced at safety issues and care about people. The Olympics Will be a start of normality after Covid and must go on for all our sakes.

-14 ( +1 / -15 )

overrun hospitals and countless deaths

Ohhh please! Vast majority here hardly suffer any symptoms. Spade a spade. If you care about the people so much, you will take into account the slow choking of their economies. It kills, too...

-28 ( +1 / -29 )

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