tokyo 2020 olympics

Bach urges Japanese to support Olympics

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By Talek HARRIS

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Suga said he hoped the Olympics would bring excitement

Covid is not exciting.

54 ( +59 / -5 )

Why support such a corrupt system? Nations spend billions on constructing new stadiums and buildings designed for the Olympics, constructions that will eventually be left to rot after the games are over. The majority of whatever profit the games generate goes into the coffers of the IOC.

50 ( +57 / -7 )

But Bach said "we are just guests" at the event, which will take place while Tokyo remains under a state of emergency.

"We are the guests of the organizing committee for this invitation and we trust that the organizing committee will follow all the regulations and restrictions," he said.

aah.... giving us a peek at his get-out card, in case the you-know-what hits the fan....

39 ( +44 / -5 )

Crazy words Mr Bach. The world is watching on in absolute amazement that these games are going to proceed. No city would want 85,000 people from all over the world visiting them right now.

Why not run a million tests tomorrow and see just how any people are infected right now? One in 7 people tested in Tokyo yesterday was positive. Let's presume that there are at least 20,000 people with covid all risking long covid eating away at their brains for years.

This will turn out a lot worse for Japan than people think. The "bubble" is way too big to secure. 200,000 Japanese cleaners, cooks and other kinds of workers will be travelling in and out of the bubble every day. Vaccination will make many people feel bulletproof but vaccination does not prevent spread.

Koike or whoever is responsible enough needs to lock Tokyo down right now and send all these 85,000 people home. Already the spread from the visitors will have set off contagion which will take months to reverse.

The honor system "imposed" on visitors may work if all the visitors were responsible Japanese. At least 5,000 of these visitors will be far from responsible and honorable though. It actually only takes about a 100 of them to set off catastrophic exponential fresh spread in a city with the population density of Tokyo. This has presumably already happened. Because there is literally no testing or contact tracing the results of this will not be known for about a week.

The deaths will start increasing in about a month and I can easily see them topping 1000 a day for most of September.

39 ( +44 / -5 )

Just stop talking and go away.

46 ( +48 / -2 )

Tokyo had nearly 1500 new cases yesterday, but they are going crazy about one case in the Olympic village? The person in question was tested prior to moving into the village so it’s likely he/she contracted the virus in Tokyo.

28 ( +32 / -4 )

We should start shaming all participants publicly.

It's a crime against humanity.

19 ( +28 / -9 )

Beyond crazy - make such statement in media to diver the attention of public to do outrage against this but in between in one sentence capture the essence of what is wrong about this farce of an undokai - inspite of such increasing numbers, absolute lack of support from residents, full on SOE in place where govt asks normal residents to stay indoor and avoid going outside, target restaurants to not serve alcohol and close by 8pm

But we elites will party like nothing is wrong in the world and must have our cocktails & steaks - biggest irony is all this at the expense of OUR TAX MONEY!!!

Nothing can beat this absurdity playing out right now in front of the world!!!!

30 ( +34 / -4 )

Someone must have told that an “urge” is embraced by Japanese people. Usually it’s only LDP who would stoop to such a now meaningless word.

26 ( +28 / -2 )

Barron con rip-off can shut it.

21 ( +24 / -3 )

Japan is not against welcoming people from around the world for a sporting event, the Rugby World Cup is a good example of that. It’s just the wrong time for Japan now and these games should never have taken place until the world is in a better position to control this awful virus.

I understand the athletes have been focused towards this event and it will be heartbreaking it they missed the chance to compete. But what about the people who have lost jobs, a business or loved ones. Why do the athletes have to be so special in the IOC’s eyes? Why should we here in Japan be exposed to this additional risk.

We won’t know until after this event if it has lead to an increase in infections or a new variant. But it will be too late for us to do anything about it if it does. We will be left with a mess after everyone has left.

i know it’s abit of a rant. I’m just so frustrated that the IOC and a Japanese government could not of understood these games needed to be delayed probably until 2024.

36 ( +38 / -2 )

"I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," Bach added. Well, at least he said the right country this time.

25 ( +28 / -3 )

E N D the Damn S H A M called the O L Y M P I C S no one in Japan wants it !

12 ( +19 / -7 )

What was that proverb my British Grandma used to say when I would refuse in eat my sprouting broccoli/greens, the English boil them to death.

'You can lead a horse to water but you can't make him drink'

I suggest Bach takes heed, Bach is boiling the living daylights out of these Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

I for one want these Olympics Games to be a success, I also hope this pandemic doesn't offer up the opportunity for a catastrophe, with tens of thousand of athletics and support staff from hundred or so countries descending on Tokyo. The J tax player has thrown there life saving at them.

There is a clear definable risk to life, Undeniably so.

Bach is conflicted from day one. Bach has his eye on one goal, IOC revenue stream, Bach number one priority.

-4 ( +6 / -10 )

Bach says we must support* the Olympics, so we have to do it! Otherwise how would he and his rich buddies survive?

Have some sympathy, folks!

("support" = "pay something.")

(Sarcasm)

12 ( +15 / -3 )

No way, cancel the Olympics

12 ( +17 / -5 )

He has been dismissive about the Japanese people's complains and worries from the beginning, asking now for acceptance is going to irritate more than gain cooperation for the games. Specially with the current increase of cases and the latest scandals in the games.

22 ( +25 / -3 )

What's in it for the general population to get behind the Olympics?

20 ( +23 / -3 )

As Prime Minister Suga said these games will bring us excitement and relief. We should all stay indoors and watch these games when they are here. The games in this way will stop Coronavirus spread

Mr. Bach has worked hard and tirelessly for the Japanese to make the games carry on. This is proven by the party being prepared for Mr. Bach by our leaders.

-21 ( +3 / -24 )

Their only believable quote is “At Any Cost!”.

15 ( +17 / -2 )

These perpetual waves of hypocrisy.

*Jun 18: “Organizers pledged full transparency about cases in the Village, and urged people taking part in the Games to stick by the anti-coronavirus rules.*

*Jun 17: “1st case of COVID-19 in Olympic Village” - Organizers say they can only offer a vague description and few details” *

*Jun 16: “Organizers pledge full transparency and urge people in the Games to stick by the anti-coronavirus rules: An Olympic athlete and a staffer tested positive after arriving Thurs. The two were not identified among six new cases reported by the TOC.*

*NOTHING else *they say, or promise, is believable.

7 ( +10 / -3 )

I think it’s fairly clear now that this guy doesn’t live in reality.

14 ( +16 / -2 )

No, I'm sorry, I cannot.

Elite athletes aren't the only people who have dreams worth realizing. So many peoples' livelihoods and mental health have been shattered by this pandemic, and this event threatens to prolong their suffering.

I have a very modest dream of being able to visit my family, whom I haven't seen in two years.

35 ( +36 / -1 )

The man is as tactless as he is rich.

If he could actually offer up a convincing reason as to why anyone, let alone the Japanese people, to “get behind” these games, then he might actually garner some support. But the lies have already been so blatant that he has nothing and knows it. He’s just parroting the IOC’s official stance.

16 ( +17 / -1 )

who would want the Olympics now? If the lemon games weren't enough before to make cities run away from Bach and the IOC, now they will override your healthcare and any sense of decency all for a buck. Yes this is great marketing, to never have the IOC do anything ever again

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Welcome and support the Olympics which is happening. It is not diplomatically wise to bash Bach and the Olympics from now.

-15 ( +1 / -16 )

The Tokyo Money Olympics is heading along the difficult path of world resistance to the games with no stop in sight.

Greed may win in these games, similar to most other past olympic games in my humble opinion.

Everybody knows the truth, IOC

6 ( +7 / -1 )

It's very disconcerting to see many Japanese people upset by the Olympics and publicly protesting . . . as the Covid-19 appears to be a concern, it is important that more Japanese are vaccinated to protect them from the virus . . . other concerns should be addressed by a town hall type meeting with members of the public . . . .

-12 ( +1 / -13 )

"I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," he added.

This Olympics, even before corona, was born in IOC bribery scandals, Black Tidings, public money passed around to gain support for the Tokyo Olympic 2020 project.

So in the same Olympic spirit, if you want my support Herr Bach , pay me or begone.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Preposterous statement.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

It is very difficult to accept this from Bach. Please remember the IOC was dictating to Japan the Olympics will go on at all cost and stating the Japanese people must sacrafice for the Olympics.

Now the IOC (Bach in this case) is trying to back track and as others have correctly pointed out they have started the deflection of blame towards Tokyo and away from themselves.

They say when you surround yourself with people who all agree with you or who all "bow down" to you then you enter an information vacuum and are no longer capable of seeing what others may see.

This has certainly happened to Bach.

I wonder if anyone inside the IOC is calling him out on this.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

Welcome them? I thought they were locked in their rooms the whole time.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

What a great legacy is this Tokyo Olympic ‘Spectacle’: Protests, censorship, ancient war grudges, lewd remarks by diplomats, burst containment ‘bubbles’, open racism, etc - Well done, IOCLDPJOC!

Just more for the Commemorative Book that will go on sale later.

Save the money! Feel free to ‘copy & paste’ these many references, and often, as the childish ‘Games’ of some athletes, and their greedy hosts, regress into further chaos.)
4 ( +6 / -2 )

Bach urged the Japanese people

Urged... someone has been spending too much time with Suga.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

A welcome reception for Bach on Sunday will be attended by Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga and 40 guests, according to reports.

let the banquets begin. Please support the Olympics from your homes, don’t do out, bars and restaurants shut. Don’t go out in groups etc etc

Meanwhile the PM and I will have lavish patties every night with big groups of foreign guests and VIPs who entered the country without quarantine whilst Japanese citizens cannot even return now.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

Estimates of the cost are using numbers in excess of 30 billion USD with

The only non-public money being spent to fund the Olympics is from the privately funded, $5.6 billion operating budget

Using 25 billion for the rest, that's 200 USD each for every person in Japan. 1000 USD for my family of five. That's lots of support from the public Mr Bach, without your urging. All for something I care about less than the Euros, the Tour de France, and Maruyama winning the Masters. I bet many Japanese will spend more time watching the Koshien high-school baseball than the Olympics.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Why should anyone in their right mind support your atrocious behavior and your fake corrupt CGI Olympics?

8 ( +11 / -3 )

"I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world,"

Request acknowledged, and denied.

16 ( +19 / -3 )

By world standards, Japan's infection rate is so low it's a non-issue. So why the big deal about the Olympics? Because government over reaction including everything from travel restrictions to regulations to lockdowns for the last year have placed fear into the Japanese people and now the ramifications of that fear are manifested in response to the Olympics.

As a comparison, per TSA, the United States receives about 200,000 visitors every day and no one cares. Japan is running in irrational fear mode.

-9 ( +3 / -12 )

But Bach said "we are just guests" at the event, which will take place while Tokyo remains under a state of emergency.

"We are the guests of the organizing committee for this invitation and we trust that the organizing committee will follow all the regulations and restrictions," he said.

I read this again. It is unreal!! After you told us all the Olympics must go on at any cost, must go on during a State of Emergency, Japanese must sacrafice, etc.

It is a quote from the article which needs emphasis not only due to its blatant hypicrisy considering the IOC's past statements but also the very obvious start of the deflection of blame towards Japan.

It says everything about the type of person Bach is.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

"I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," he added.

I would like you to not take advantage of the Japanese people for your own gain.

9 ( +11 / -2 )

@Joseph: I am not sure if you live here in Japan or not so forgive my post if it is not appropriate.

Please grab a map and superimpose Japan on top of the U.S. You will see that Japan is about the same size as California (94% the size actually). Further impose a map of the Tokyo metropolitan area.

I think if you do the above you will see that this is not an "apples and oranges" comparison.

For those of us living here it is big deal. Now leaving and coming back to Japan has become more difficult so we can hold these games which are not necessary and could be delayed.

My question to you is: What is the big deal about delaying the games? Why is the IOC so unwilling to compromise.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

Tokyo-EngrToday 08:22 am JST

It is very difficult to accept this from Bach.

I wonder if anyone inside the IOC is calling him out on this.

It would be interesting to know.

NHK top news today is the party for Bach and assorted feudal overlords at the Gehinkan in Tokyo. 40 guests, no booze, pianist, speeches. Wonder what's on the menu?

https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1416084973258346496

9 ( +11 / -2 )

First Abe says that anyone against the Olympics is anti Japanese. Now Bach says something stupid like this. This is the most rigged Olympics ever.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

Please stop saying it's the first case of Covid19 at the village.

https://thebridge.in/tokyo-2020/12-staff-2-village-workers-test-positive-covid-22762

2 ( +4 / -2 )

Is he nuts?

The government he is talking about is a bunch of old clowns who failed to vaccine people as fast as they promised, who failed to keep COVID 19 patients as low as possible for 5 times, who are blaming Izakaya people for increasing COVID 19 patients, who failed to use our tax money as we wanted, who are trying to hold this chaotic competition despite our will. We have no faith or trust in them anymore.

Plus, one was already tested positive for COVID.

This is just wrong. Just shut up and leave Japan.

7 ( +9 / -2 )

Japan is running in irrational fear mode.

Japan has always been like that as a conservative island country. Fear of the outside

-4 ( +2 / -6 )

With lots of online rumours of quarantine not being enforced around the village and for media how can you expect anyone to get behind an unwanted event. Since the build up to the olympics covid cases have reached former all time highs-is it a coincidence?

2 ( +5 / -3 )

Rubbish again coming out of this individual.

Why would Japanese support an event that is being forced on them? Only the insane, selfish - or crooked - would support a superspreader event with 90,000 plus people coming in, many unvaccinated, travelling and staying all over the place, in the middle of a pandemic.

5 ( +8 / -3 )

btw: A special ‘blast from the past’ for women! - NHK reported Sat. disgraced Yoshiro Mori will be a honored VIP at the special reception Sunday but for some reason, its omitted from this article?:

- “A welcome reception for Bach will be attended by PM Suga & 40 guests, according to reports. "We are the guests for this invitation trust that the organizing committee will follow all the regulations and restrictions," Bach said. -

1 ( +3 / -2 )

- “Earlier, Games chief Seiko Hashimoto… "probably very worried"….”

.. she may have to sit with Yoshiro Mori, be silent & get his tea and such. Old habits die hard?

2 ( +4 / -2 )

30 demonstrators, we sure know how to show our opposition to these corrupt games, don't we.

-4 ( +0 / -4 )

When is Bach due to leave Japan? To where I wonder.

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

I think Bach sees the writing on the wall already realizing the massive PR damage and dissatisfaction from the athletes many of whom expected a three week festival. The IOC's greed is going to cause tremendous damage to their brand.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

Bach should tell the Olympians and all connected to this Olympics to be cooperative, wear mask and because of the unprecedented circumstance to show respect regarding the rules and wear their mask. They are entering a country they do not own with only 20% vaccinated. Instead of blaming Japan to welcome.

Everything is a 2-way street. Bad enough some of the 85,000 are exhibiting the coronavirus. We’re we not taught that for each case of Coronavirus runs 8 others who will have it and so in and so forth???

He is trying to understate the spread which we know is fake because coronavirus has been going on over a year.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

It’s not enough to go against someone’s will, you have to tell them what to feel, what to think. No buts...

...

These IOC boys and girls, what rotten souls they are...

3 ( +4 / -1 )

forget about emperor Bach for a moment.

Let's put some data together.

item: Someone tested postive in the Olympic village.

item: Someone who was already vaccinated who arrived in Tokyo in peak physical condition, tested postive.

item: For months at home no problems. But suddenly upon arrival and being here for a few days? weeks? tested positive

Q: did they receive the variant from Tokyo?

Q: Is the variant local to Tokyo?

Q: Is the variant being managed by the vaccines the athlete has taken or have they become ill?

Q: Is it beyond the current vaccine to handle?

The yes and no answer are going to be important.

Might want to put a medical team together and find out what variant it is, and narrow down and find out what happened. Otherwise the athletes return with a vaccine proof variant. Who wants that now?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

When is Bach due to leave Japan? To where I wonder.

I guess to another sucker country willing to pay him millions and put him up in 6 star, $30,000 per night hotels.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

It’s not the athletes people are against: it’s YOU. And your IOC Co-conspirators who are bleed Japan for your profit.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

@Alfie Noakes

Tokyo-EngrToday 08:22 am JST

It is very difficult to accept this from Bach.

I wonder if anyone inside the IOC is calling him out on this.

It would be interesting to know.

NHK top news today is the party for Bach and assorted feudal overlords at the Gehinkan in Tokyo. 40 guests, no booze, pianist, speeches. Wonder what's on the menu?

https://twitter.com/nhk_news/status/1416084973258346496

The comments to that NHK tweet, which are posted in Japanese, seem to show the same sentiment as people here.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

When is Bach due to leave Japan? To where I wonder.

My guess is he will head on to Stockholm to further his bid for a Nobel Peace Prize. You know, seeing as he went to Hiroshima and all that.

https://theworldnews.net/jp-news/ioc-president-s-hiroshima-visit-fuels-speculation-about-his-true-intent

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I appeal to the Japanese people to welcome these athletes here for the competition

I don't think it's athletes that people are complaining about.... They'll be supported. It's the committees and organizers that people are protesting against.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

And are we supposed to support that Ugandan guy who disappeared? Whatever happened to him? Could have Covid for all we know

1 ( +2 / -1 )

Support what? People getting sick unnecessarily? Bach is becoming a persona non grata in Japan and PM Suga is being his muppet. Why should the Japanese people rally around what is bound to be a disaster of major proportions?

Oh, I know. In 2003 the slogan 'support the troops' was used to 'justify' that stupid wasteful Iraq War of 2003 - 2011. Maybe Bach learned a thing or two about the art of propaganda manipulation.

I don't buy it. And I don't think too many Japanese are either.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

You don't listen to the wishes of the people, why should we listen to you? Stop the Olympics! It is just sport, it is not important nor is it necessary for our lives. Nothing bad will happen if there is no Olympics ever!!! Go back to where you all come from, you are not welcome to Japan!

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Dear leader Abe, where are you? Why hast thou forsaken us?

7 ( +8 / -1 )

Well, a deal is a deal, so the Olympics will be run without further delay. When you leave, we'll try to clean up any mess you made. But I bet this will be the last Olympics the Japanese will run.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

I was out for a drive again today.

Noticed the same thing as the past several days especially since Bach arrived.

An incredible police presence.

Blue riot buses everywhere I went in Tokyo.

Motorcycle cops, police cars, riot vehicles and buses.

I haven't seen this high a concentration since right after March 20 1995.

My only conclusion is it is to make sure few if any demonstration get off the ground.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Time for a new erra and get rid of Olympic all in all. Pretty archaic sport gig. No benefit to be gain from a consumer perspective.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Let me guess... The vaccinated Mr. Bach is making his way around Japan without a mask. Gosh. There certainly is a lot of revenue involved.

Let's bow from the waist to thank Peter Uberroth's genius and NBC for their exclusive broadcasting rights as far back as 1988. Like 2008, I am out of work and

eager to view many hours of sports.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

The International Olympic Committee president said he was "very well aware of the skepticism" surrounding the postponed 2020 Games

Does he? I don’t think he does.

Besides,

"I would like once more to ask and to invite the Japanese people, humbly, to welcome and support the athletes from around the world," he added.

I thought we were Chinese, not Japanese.

Who are you even talking to? Which is it, Bach?

2 ( +3 / -1 )

No mention of the missing Uganda Weightlifting athlete who went rouge and left the team because he wants to work in Japan? He missed his COVID19 daily testing! How in the world can that happen? The IOC could really care less about Japan as long as that TV contract money is coming to them! They are a NPO if you all didn’t know so they need the money. Plus they said, they are not responsible for anyone getting the COVID19 here in Japan so their hands are washed of the responsibility. So that leaves the Blame to Japanese Government who has a chance to postpone or cancel a few months ago but did not.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

To Steve

I agree with that. Mr. Bach has worked so hard for people of Japan and even took time from the busy schedule to go to Hiroshima. For all of his effort and work people must show some respect for him. He said the Olympics will go on even in state of emergency. He kept his honor and word by pushing forward.

Some protesters like you say don’t understand. The protest should be permitted but if Mr. Bach thinks it is damaging to athletes he should not permit it to continue. I only hope to enjoy these great games finally in Tokyo

-10 ( +0 / -10 )

@Joseph

You do know that access to vaccines and PCR tests in Japan is still very limited, don't you? You sound completely unaware of the reality on the ground here.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

With lots of online rumours of quarantine not being enforced around the village and for media how can you expect anyone to get behind an unwanted event. Since the build up to the olympics covid cases have reached former all time highs-is it a coincidence?

Are you saying the rise in cases is attributed to the incoming visitors to the olympics? It is nothing but media driven xenophobia to think that visitors are responsible for the latest rise in cases and it is naive to think that despite the extremely low testing the reported daily numbers are reflective of the reality, it is far from it. It is not going to stop the virus from infecting the population by being fixated on a few foreigners who have been tested and probably vaccinated leaving a bubble whereas the general population is unvaccinated without any restrictions moving around freely and thinking it is only the olympic related foreigners who can infect the locals and not vice versa. Very dangerous thinking. We may not want the olympics but attributing the bungling of virus measures on the IOC is just being self deceitful or deflection of responsibility.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

It would be appropriate for the sake of all concerned if Bach and Coates withdrew both publicly and privately from these Tokyo 2020 Game.

Both are undoubtedly a walking talking liability, and a danger to Japan healthcare system.

It has become abundantly clear both are pulling the strings and demanding Japan obey no matter what the consequences. .

0 ( +3 / -3 )

Bach is an selfish,hypocrite bureaucrat put on the helm of these Olympics by the lobbies.

Saying that I find remarkable how the media especially in Japan are so naive and easy to manipulate.

The LDP which soo badly wanted this Olympic event now is playing the victim card giving all the burn to Bach making again feel to their locals that the evil gaijin are the problem.

Abe and Suga and LDP are as bad as Bach if not worse.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Dear People of Japan

There is no need to worry. Mr. Suga has assured you all these Olympics will be a safe. Please support the Olympics by continuing to put your heads in the sand and blindly follow our leadership over the next few weeks so that I, and those around me, can make as much money as possible before we make our fast exit.

6 ( +8 / -2 )

Bite me. Go away you hypocrite.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Arrogant IOC doesn't listen to voices from citizen, demands something to citizen.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

40 million people have been vaccinated in Japan. Let 1-5% of this population attend the games. Carpe Diem, Mr. Suga!

-2 ( +1 / -3 )

BradleyToday  01:36 pm JST

I have noticed that the Olympics, the officials and athletes have become a scapegoat for a lot of disgruntled people who should instead be taking aim at their government for Japans failure to vaccinate the people. It's like shooting your dog because a snake ate your cat. Totally illogical.

Hit the nail on the head there.

I'm waiting to see how the same people handle the Paralympics.

-1 ( +2 / -3 )

Forward he cried, from the rear, as the front rand dies.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

RobRoyToday  01:08 pm JST

Epidemiologists predicted a month ago that even before the Olympics started there would be a Covid spike mainly because of the slow vaccination rate and more young people going out with the lifting of the last "state of emergency". That spike has begun and the last four days have seen over 1,000 new infections per day in Tokyo alone.

An Olympic spike will happen here a few weeks after the games conclude. Of course, all the athletes and staff will return to their countries and more spikes will occur in their home countries.

Allowing this to happen is absolutely criminal. No sport is worth a life.

Trying to understand what's behind this theory. Why will it spike after the Olympics?

Can't blame the crowds as there are none. Are you blaming the foreigners? There the only ones vaccinated and tested!

-3 ( +1 / -4 )

@Bradley

I have noticed that the Olympics, the officials and athletes have become a scapegoat for a lot of disgruntled people who should instead be taking aim at their government for Japans failure to vaccinate the people. It's like shooting your dog because a snake ate your cat. Totally illogical.

Bradley: I live here and I can tell you that people are also simultaneously taking aim at the Japanese government for the slow rollout of vaccines.

83% want the games postponed or cancelled until vaccines catch up. If you look at the opinion polls for Suga they are below 35%. The reason is not only due to the Olympics it is also due to the slow vaccine rollout.

If you guys at the IOC or with the Olympics were willing to compromise and push the games back 6 months you may see a different reaction. It is the "take no prisoners - my way or the highway" approach of the arrogant and narcissistic Bach and Coates which lead to this resentment.

The Japanese people (and residents) have every right to be angry at the IOC for insisting games are held during a State of Emergency.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

I have noticed that the Olympics, the officials and athletes have become a scapegoat for a lot of disgruntled people who should instead be taking aim at their government for Japans failure to vaccinate the people.

Some politicians are covering their arse for screwing up the vaccine roll-out and building a narrative that the evil foreigners are responsible for spreading covid onto the hapless, pure Japanese public. I don't agree with this tactic and I think it will eventually backfire. The better solution is to accept the risks and just enjoy the games and let vaccinated people attend in person. While the delta variant is more contagious, it is also less fatal and remember that Japan has less covid deaths than Belgium or the Czech republic.

0 ( +2 / -2 )

Zero risk hey Bach? Three people now infected... There is no cleaning, people are just removed. This is not being treated like an infectious virus but a condition.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

@knightsofraiden

I have noticed that the Olympics, the officials and athletes have become a scapegoat for a lot of disgruntled people who should instead be taking aim at their government for Japans failure to vaccinate the people.

Some politicians are covering their arse for screwing up the vaccine roll-out and building a narrative that the evil foreigners are responsible for spreading covid onto the hapless, pure Japanese public. I don't agree with this tactic and I think it will eventually backfire.

So you also wish to force the Olympic games on the Japanese people now when 83% want postponement or cancellation? Why can't you postpone 6 months? No one is willing to answer that question. Are you worried about loss of revenue from NBC?

What about the Japanese people who are stuck in the middle of this? Do you care about them at all? It does not seem so.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Looters Don't Pay… But Looters Do POLICE. ( Have another SOE ! Oh, How's that 1 x 1000 dollars support over 2 years working out for you taxpayers?? ) Meanwhile, let me get a second round of wagyu, nihonshu- yes on the house!

AntiquesavingToday 11:31 am JST

Noticed the same thing as the past several days especially since Bach arrived.

An incredible police presence.

Blue riot buses everywhere I went in Tokyo.

Motorcycle cops, police cars, riot vehicles and buses.

I haven't seen this high a concentration since right after March 20 1995.

My only conclusion is it is to make sure few if any demonstration get off the ground.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

DId I say hous- Let me get a second round of wagyu, nihonshu- yes on the HOSTS!

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

The International Olympic Committee president said he was "very well aware of the skepticism" surrounding the postponed 2020 Games, which have attracted low opinion-poll ratings for months.

How can Bach mistake opposition for skepticism?

He obviously doesn’t read the comments here on JT.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

@Farmboy

Once in a while, I feel sorry for Bach. His job has is to encourage an increasingly hostile audience to have a positive outlook toward an event that has been rammed down their throat. There is no possibility of changing their view, there are no compromises that he has the power to offer, and there is no possibility that the event won’t happen. I would hate a job like that.

Does Bach not have the option of postponing the games? He can offer postponement. However he has waited too long to even allow this to be considered so we all know it will not happen.

You are right. This is being rammed down the throat of the citizens and residents of Japan. The IOC statements that "we will hold the Olympics even during a State of Emergency" or "the Japanese citizens must sacrafice for the Olympics".

I do not feel sorry for Bach due to the way he and the IOC have treated the citizens of Japan.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Tokyo-EngrToday  02:24 pm JST

@knightsofraiden

I have noticed that the Olympics, the officials and athletes have become a scapegoat for a lot of disgruntled people who should instead be taking aim at their government for Japans failure to vaccinate the people.

Some politicians are covering their arse for screwing up the vaccine roll-out and building a narrative that the evil foreigners are responsible for spreading covid onto the hapless, pure Japanese public. I don't agree with this tactic and I think it will eventually backfire.

So you also wish to force the Olympic games on the Japanese people now when 83% want postponement or cancellation? Why can't you postpone 6 months? No one is willing to answer that question. Are you worried about loss of revenue from NBC?

That's the compromise they should have pushed for. I do not agree to canceling, but a postponement makes sense.

A 2 year delay was offered by the IOC back in March 2020, but a selfish Abe wanted to be the man at the front when it happened and gambled.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

He has only five days left to cancel and disappear with his entourage.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

@Tokyoite

Then we need to bring Abe into the realm as well. He is the one telling Japanese people and those living here who are against the Olympics we dislike or hate Japan.

Nothing could be further from the truth. We really hate seeing Japan treated this way by the IOC, Japanese politicians, and that foolish and totally wrong statement by Abe.

Your point is well taken however the IOC still could have proposed that as events unfolded.

We both do agree a postponement makes sense and I also do think the games could actually be a good thing under different conditions however they have now become so toxic, primarily due to Bach and Coates' attitude that I think a postponement even now would be difficult to swallow for many people.

They really have lost so many supporters over this and it is not limited to Japan.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

It's interesting that all the vitriol and hatred is directed at Bach, the IOC and the Japanese government but not at the national olympic committees of the 160-plus countries sending athletes. North Korea is the only country to withdraw, as far as I know. A few golfers, tennis players and others have withdrawn, but that's about all. Last year in March, it was the withdrawal of a few countries that set the ball rolling for the Games to be postponed.

This time, nothing. I've seen TV interviews with Australian swimmers, U.S. gymnasts, British rowers, and athletes from several other countries, and while they acknowledged the tremendous challenge of holding an Olympics amid a pandemic, they were all looking forward to the competition. In fact, they seemed more disappointed that there wouldn't be any fans in the arenas rather than the Games actually being held.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

And are we supposed to support that Ugandan guy who disappeared? Whatever happened to him? Could have Covid for all we know

Somehow like the media here driven by xenophobia you find a way to bring the poor Ugandan athlete into the discuss. What relation has it got with the title of the article? What makes you think he could have covid and not you yourself or you are immuned to the virus? Typical stereotype thinking. There are thousands of locals with the virus untested and spreading it yet that doesn't worry you.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Member of Czechia olympic team (officer) tested positive as well.

1 ( +2 / -1 )

All fixation is on overnight public enemy number one Bach while the other protagonist the government represented by Suga and host Tokyo represented by Koike are given the slack and allowed to evade the court of public opinion. I have never heard Suga or Koike say they are for postponing or cancelling but couldn't because their hands are tied, why is all the blame on Bach?

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@Tokyo-EngrToday 02:24 pm JST

So you also wish to force the Olympic games on the Japanese people now when 83% want postponement or cancellation? Why can't you postpone 6 months? No one is willing to answer that question. Are you worried about loss of revenue from NBC?

Because for one thing, the thing has been postponed once already and second, no one can even really guarantee that six months later would be better (for example, a new variant could easily develop), and third, a deal is a deal, and that's a concept that should be seared into the brains of people.

It's not like anyone pointed a gun at Japan to handle the Olympics.

All Japan can do now is execute, try to contain the damage (they are now estimating a worst case of 2400 cases per day after the event), and never get into such a deal again.

https://www.tokyo-np.co.jp/amp/article/117391#click=https://t.co/8M5OzGojK3

-1 ( +1 / -2 )

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

So what about the 83% of Japanese people who prefer a delay or cancellation?

What do you say to them?

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Bach. Fat chance cowboy. Go wave your pom-poms, somewhere else.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Koike and Suga have been told that there are vast amounts of money at stake if the do the right thing.

Witness Suga pleading to Bach to make the games ‘safe’-Suga is like a snake trying to slip out of his skin….ditto for Koike.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

If the Japanese government call off the games, they may be contractually liable for compensation. Lots of it.

If the games are no longer viable as the athletes are all getting Covid, - even though it is likely to be asymptomatic as most cases are, and most of them are vaccinated - then the Japanese government may be off the hook in terms of compensation.

As any compensation may ultimately be paid by Japanese taxpayers, the Japanese people have a vested interest in the latter over the former.

Is that JCG ship moored by the athletes' village to stop the swimming teams from escaping?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Well, yes and no, which court?

Also this pandemic has presented health risks that far out way the contractual need to comply over the dangers Covid presents.

I contend and suggest that the Government of Japan could state the risks and dangers are such to the public health system that the contract is null in void.

Where would the IOC go to enforce their contract?

It is subject to treaty law? Nope

This is a sporting event nothing more. Treat it as such.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Recent articles continue to frame the threat as foreigners potentially bringing the virus to Japan. This framing is inappropriately and limited in scope. The proper way to frame the threat is: 1. Olympic visitors potentially spreading the virus outside the Olympic Village (regardless of nationality); 2. those outside the Olympic Village spreading the virus to those in the Olympic Village; and 3. those in the Olympic Village spreading the virus to others in the Olympic Village. Threats 2 and 3 are particularly concerning because infections can spread to those who will carry it back to countries all around the world, making the Olympics the global super-spreader event we all feared.

The tragedy is that the IOC has been on a campaign to downplay threats to Japanese (playing into the xenophobic theme) but has also conveniently ignored threats to the rest of the world, particularly in light of newer more infectious COVID variants. This is a complete breakdown of scientific risk assessment for a global pandemic.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Dear Tokyo-Engr,

Atheletes train for years to get a chance to participate in the Olympics. They come in and out of peak condition by plan. A plan made years in advance. You can't just postpone till later without changing the competitive color of the Olympics. This is not a car race where you can garage the car until later or release the new movie next Fall.

The Japanese are well known for their xenophobia as every expat knows. The few people who test positive from abroad will garner the wrath of Tokyo. Foreigners continue to play the role of scapegoat for now, but when the games are over and nothing has changed they will have to recon with Covid19 as has everyone. I've used the words "Live an Let Die" to make a point in the past. The only way Japan and the rest of the world can conquer Covid19 is to just get on with life.

btw...Japan my be the size of California but it contains a third the population of the United States.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

So the new IOC tact is to attempt an shame the Japanese/Chinese people for not supporting "the athletes"? This Bach character is either a shrewd spin doctor or a clueless charlatan. I'm going with the latter.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I am supporting it (forced) to the tune of Y15,000 of my taxes (including Bach's luxurious lifestyle while here). Yesterday, when I went to see the Olympic torch carrier around the Tokiwa-so yesterday after getting up earlier than usual, found out that it had been cancelled minutes before I arrived. That was the one thing I would have been able to see live. That leaves only tv...oh wait I can see that from nearly anywhere in the world for free...

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@Tokyo-EngrJuly 18 05:52 pm JST

So what about the 83% of Japanese people who prefer a delay or cancellation?

I'll appeal to their sense of honor and obligation. If we only fulfill obligations when they are favorable to us, we would hardly need the concept at all. I'll admit that at this point, hoping to get a net profit from the Olympics is a pipe dream, but a deal is a deal. I'll also point out reputation is a fickle thing, and while we might at least be able to guess at how many more COVID infectees Japan will have by holding the Olympics, we can't estimate the amount of damage to Japan's reputation as a deal-keeper if we break this one.

@itsonlyrocknrollJuly 18 08:41 pm JST

I contend and suggest that the Government of Japan could state the risks and dangers are such to the public health system that the contract is null in void.

A voluntarily entered contract is not null and void just because of changed or special circumstances, and it certainly cannot be unilaterally declared null and void. Unless you want to agree that China can break its treaties by unilaterally claiming special circumstances.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

A voluntarily entered contract is not null and void just because of changed or special circumstances, 

That entirely depends on the wording of the contract. And, even if there is no applicable escape clause, all states have the duty to protect their citizens. There are many international trade contracts (agreements) that have ridden roughshod over the interests of one of the signatories and deprived the signers of the ability to make sovereign decisions in the best interest of their citizens.

The damage to Japan's reputation would be minor - at worst, they might never get another Olympics. Some would call that a victory.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

@commanteerToday 12:36 pm JST

The damage to Japan's reputation would be minor - at worst, they might never get another Olympics. Some would call that a victory.

I don't think Japan will want another Olympics after this, but the effect is not that simple. Either you are a man (or state) of your word or you aren't. Sticking to your word through difficulty improves your reputation, which would translate into every other contract or treaty you sign, and vice versa.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

First this:

Organizers pledged full transparency about cases in the Village, and urged people taking part in the Games to stick by the anti-coronavirus rules.

Then this:

It also coincided with the first case in the Olympic Village, concerning an unnamed person who is now in isolation.

lolz

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Tokyo-EngrJuly 18  05:52 pm JST

@Kazuaki Shimazaki

So what about the 83% of Japanese people who prefer a delay or cancellation?

What do you say to them?

The problem with that poll is that it does not separate delay or cancellation. It's a big difference.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

This is just like that stupid unnecessary wasteful Iraq War of 2003 - 2011. Many people didn't want it, but our government used the slogan 'support the troops' to manipulate the US public, to sell a war that would only make things worse in the long run. And it did.

Bach is using the same idiotic approach - 'Well you do support your nation's athletes, doncha? Be a good loyal fan!'.

Well I ain't buying that game! Wanna 'support' the athletes? Do ya? Get them out of the Olympic Games and out of imminent danger!

0 ( +0 / -0 )

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