tokyo 2020 olympics

IOC says negative public opinion no threat to Tokyo Olympics

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By GRAHAM DUNBAR

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Of course our opinion is no threat to this heist.

From the Day Abe chose to use the victims of 3/11 as emotional blackmail to land this poisoned chalice, it's been humiliatingly clear that the public's only role has been to put our hands in our pockets and come up with the cash to pay the IOC cartel for as long as it takes.

When a burglar robs a house, he doesn't care about the opinion of the homeowner.

85 ( +86 / -1 )

In other words, we don’t care what the majority of people think, all that matters is our paycheque.

74 ( +75 / -1 )

Breathtaking arrogance

72 ( +73 / -1 )

We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion”. -

Where is this is the IOC Charter? Something for future host cities to consider.

64 ( +64 / -0 )

“We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams

So what will guide them? Conscience?

38 ( +38 / -0 )

We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said

This Guy is total MF!

37 ( +40 / -3 )

I have had it with these morons. Just get these stupid games over and done with.

Public opinion will not change and it will NOT bd an historic Olympics.

33 ( +39 / -6 )

It's been quite an eye-opener to realise that the IOC functions like a wealth-draining, parasitic private equity firm. They're taking Tokyo down, its inhabitants be damned. That huge, amazing city might as well just be another struggling U.S. retail outlet like Sears at this point, being eaten alive by the vulture funds.

31 ( +31 / -0 )

The final question of the news conference, held by video call, was offered to a reporter from Yahoo Sports. Instead, an activist appeared on the screen holding up a black and white banner opposing the Tokyo Olympics.

“No Olympics anywhere, No Olympics anywhere,” he said, before using a profanity and adding “No Olympics in LA, No Olympics in Tokyo,” before the line was cut. The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles.

This type of hacktivism is what you get when a parasitic elite attempt to push their agenda to the detriment of the public. It is encouraging. Hack the planet!!

29 ( +29 / -0 )

But it is the public that pays in the end, one way or another!!!!

27 ( +27 / -0 )

I used to love the Olympics. This debacle has ruined it for me. Thank you IOC Overlords.

25 ( +25 / -0 )

A weird take on the Olympic spirit? Takes quite some mental gymnastics to arrive at the point where the population of the host nations opinion is of no concern. And then proclaim such so to them! Pretty sure that’s far removed behaviour from any Olympic spirit.

24 ( +25 / -1 )

Bach is so busy or, more accurately, so cowardly, he can’t even attend ‘a video call’.

“Adams stood in for his boss, IOC pres Thomas Bach, whose planned visit to Japan next week was called off Mon after SOEs in Tokyo were extended through May.”

23 ( +24 / -1 )

I note that in the beginning, everything was about the Olympics and Paralympics.... now the Paralympics never get a mention and it's all "July 23-Aug 8"...

22 ( +22 / -0 )

I wonder what would happen if some famous Olympic athlete comes to Japan, competes, gets Corona virus and dies. How would both the IOC and their own Olympic committee deal with that.

22 ( +23 / -1 )

It's naive to think that the IOC would willingly cancel as they have a financial interest in it going ahead. It's up to the Japanese Gov to pull the plug, or individual countries to decide not to participate.

21 ( +21 / -0 )

Of course. Why would they care about their hosts? "Show me the money" is IOC's main slogan. :-(

21 ( +22 / -1 )

And who largely paid for all of this? The citizens and residents of Tokyo and Japan. Their opinion doesn't matter, but their money does. And what's better is we had no choice but to pay (tax).

This same scam has been going on forever, but the IOC are the only ones to actually just blatantly tell you straight up "Eff you, pay us"

20 ( +20 / -0 )

I feel sorry for athletes and all their hard work, but the Olympics under IOC has lost it's way! I have not watched it since it changed to Professional from Amateur, it became completely all about the money. And now IOC does not even try to pretend that it is not, it is not about sport nor athletes nor people, it is only about lining their own pockets!

IOC and every other OC in the world must be disbanded and we need to go back to the roots of what Olympics is REALLY about!

20 ( +20 / -0 )

You got that peasants. Your lives and your safety are meaningless. Your national sovereignty belongs to the unelected by the people IOC. Now kneel.

20 ( +20 / -0 )

I am very confident that we will see public opinion hugely in favor of the games,” Adams said.

He’s hoping for a turn-around in public opinion?

“Olympic Games typically dip in popularity in the host nation before momentum picks up when the games open and the sports begin.” -

19 ( +19 / -0 )

Seems that money does talk the loudest...

so boycott the sponsors.

19 ( +19 / -0 )

David O’Brien from Yahoo speaking for millions:

https://twitter.com/seaningle/status/1392501178831982598

18 ( +18 / -0 )

A “large and growing number” of participants will be vaccinated against COVID-19 before arriving at the athlete village in Tokyo, Adams said.

weren't 'they' saying "all athletes" a couple of days ago?

18 ( +18 / -0 )

Meh - I'll vote with my wallet

I will not spend a single yen for products from a company sponsoring or affiliated with any Olympics from here on out. The Olympics are dead to me. Tokyo Olympics in the midst of an un-vaccinated pandemic are bad enough, holding them in China while the government commits genocide on its own population just adds another level of insanity to it all.

Nothing more than mafia thugs. Boycott the Olympics at all costs.

18 ( +18 / -0 )

The IOC seems to be the only group excited about the games.

17 ( +17 / -0 )

ironic that the Olympics are of Greek origin, and so is the word hubris..... and you know what hubris leads to....

16 ( +17 / -1 )

So what can you do about this? Just ignore them. Don't watch the TV for a month or so either side of the Olympics. Also, don't buy any of the sponsors' products. Easy enough to switch brands. Let's collectively hit them where it hurts: their bottom lines.

As others have said: it WILL go ahead. It HAS been decided.

16 ( +16 / -0 )

The IOC appear to be working with the wisdom of the Roman Emperor who bet on "bread and circuses" to appease the plebs, but the thumb up or down will surely be Covid's call.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Remember Folks! IOCLM

IOC Lives Matter

Japanese Lives Do Not Matter

Sincerely,

IOC

15 ( +17 / -2 )

Even for the Japanese government this is a more blatant disregard for public opinion than usual.

15 ( +15 / -0 )

Over the years the Olympics have turned into a pillage fest of the host nation by the IOC who is taking larger and larger cuts while demanding increasingly elaborate facilities. No wonder the number of bidding nations has dropped to just a couple.

ttps://m.youtube.com/watch?v=0bXJGZgR1BU

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Like all totalitarian dictatorships, the IOC pretends that public option doesn’t matter. It does.

14 ( +15 / -1 )

Feudal state!!!

14 ( +14 / -0 )

Public opinion says Tokyo Olympics a threat to public.

14 ( +14 / -0 )

‘Sheepish’ behavior from the May 10 headline:

“Suga says that IOC has the final say.”

And, more taunting from ‘wolves’:

“Adams made light, noting if Bach had been present it “probably would have made that stunt a little bit more interesting.”

IOC says negative public opinion no threat to Tokyo Olympics” -
13 ( +13 / -0 )

With clowns like Bach, Coates and Adams at the helm, I would have mistaken the IOC for a circus.

I heard that Toyota is providing the clown car they'll be riding in.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

“We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said, adding “everything is telling us ... that the games can go ahead and will go ahead.”

IOC spokesman Mark Adams, appears oblivious to the fact, in the event of an covid 19 Indian Variant, taking hold in a metropolis the size of Tokyo, the effects could present a devastating loss of life to the aged population.

Japan vaccination programme is still administering just 0.46 doses per 100 people in the population.

At risk is 36 million aged along with 8.2 million people with existing health conditions. (Nikkei)  

WHO says India Covid variant of 'global concern'

https://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-india-57067190

The IOC, all of their own making, have created a PR and financial train wreak with the J tax payer left to pick up the bill.

And IOC spokesman Mark Adams, has the sneering barefaced smug arrogance to treat the people of Japan with contempt. Openly dismissing public concern.

13 ( +13 / -0 )

@ markx

According to the article zoroto put up the athletes compete at their own risk,so I guess everyone involved is expendable.

12 ( +13 / -1 )

The IOC in it's current form have no integrity, no pride, no honour, no wisdom, no brains, nothing. Japan however can show integrity, pride, honour, wisdom and brains by cancelling the games. No one will think any less of Japan after what the IOC have just said.

12 ( +15 / -3 )

Can Mark spell the word A-R-R-O-G-A-N-C-E???

12 ( +12 / -0 )

Maybe the IOC need to understand why there is a negative public opinion. We have a medical system that is failing in some areas and struggling in a lot more. We live in a prefecture that is having a growing number of infections with a high percentage of the variants. However our numbers are still low compared to some. Yet our health system is already being reported at Stage 4.

The athletes maybe vaccinated, but there is all the other people who will be involved from overseas and from all around Japan. It could become a melting pot of variants that get spread around Japan and the world.

frjdrankinToday  08:24 am JST

The IOC seems to be the only group excited about the games.

This is a very valid point, just look back a couple of years and the build up and enthusiasm for the Rugby World Cup. That same enthusiasm is missing now.

12 ( +12 / -0 )

What arrogance from the IOC! Oh, so public concern for their safety should just be ignored? Who has to deal with the aftermath should things go bad with Covid-19 in a country that is moving at a snail's pace to get the vaccine distributed?

11 ( +12 / -1 )

OK, we get it, “polls” show people don’t want the Olympics, even if it is completely safe to do so.

It is not "completely" safe. Not by a long shot. Do you wish Japan to have the same horrors visited upon it as poor India is experiencing?

11 ( +12 / -1 )

They should care, even if they don't care about the pandemic or people's lives at all (which I am sure they do not).

Looking at it through their cynical lens where we disregard the human cost entirely, the absolute best case scenario is it goes down in history as the worst Olympics ever held. Almost no spectators, no cheering, etc. It isn't going to feel like a celebration, rather an obligation.

The worst case scenario is it spreads the pandemic worldwide again and give opportunity for new strains to develop and spread, leading to the death of thousands if not millions.

Either way, it is a massive PR disaster that will affect all future olympics and bids. I won't say no country will want to get in bed with the IOC after this, but it will make many think twice.

From a purely capitalist point of view it still makes more sense to cancel. The cost of holding this event in the long run is going to be higher than the short term gain.

11 ( +11 / -0 )

Welp, that sets up tonight's hobby; research all sponsor companies and be sure never to buy their products or use their services ever again. should be easy enough.

I agree with those above: the only way to send a message is not to engage with the Games once they start. No TV, avoid articles; the reults are irrelevant.

10 ( +12 / -2 )

If Bach cancels his visit due to the state of emergency, wouldn't he realize that the Olympics should be cancelled?

10 ( +10 / -0 )

It seems to me IOC doesn't want to lose billions of dollars from Olympic business whatever. That's why someone is called baron von ripper-off. Japan already lost/lose billion of yen unless many spectators come. There is no fun any more if Olympics is held amid pandemic.

10 ( +10 / -0 )

One ‘gentleman’ poster last week called this continuation “obscene”.

*- “No Olympics anywhere, No Olympics anywhere,” using profanity “No Olympics in LA, No Olympics in Tokyo,”*

Americans are more direct in their sentiments than the more genteel British and Japanese peoples.

9 ( +12 / -3 )

OK. Karma is a strong force to deal with.

9 ( +10 / -1 )

Takes quite some mental gymnastics to arrive at the point where the population of the host nations opinion is of no concern.

Yeah, they are in football's failed European Super League territory here. It had no concern for what it referred to as "legacy fans".

Just a thought, but does anyone think the IOC might be doubling down on Japan because it already knows the Beijing Winter Olympics are going to be boycotted? It is clear that all talk of boycotting Beijing has been taken off the table until this Tokyo Olympics is over.

9 ( +9 / -0 )

The IOC has struck deals to buy Chinese vaccines and receive donations of doses from Pfizer to distribute to Olympic team delegations worldwide.

In other words we don't care if other people die !?

9 ( +9 / -0 )

The OIC just wants the money that’s all they are thinking,But if everyone in the world does not watch the Olympics which is the income for the OIC then what would they do and say...

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Like the Good Old Colonial days ...when a small number of Colonizers came to a distant land ..never bothered about the well being of their subjects, but wanted them paying their taxes, and do their jobs; telling them what to do and what not to in their own country; never bothered if they died ..

IOC has colonized Japan now.. atleast for now. They are not bothered about what people think or whether they die..they just want their money...

8 ( +9 / -1 )

Bach even does not dare to show his face anymore.

so, they have secret opinion poles positive to the Games ? Why not share them.

How dare they say the Japanese public is positive about the Games ? Maybe 7 years ago yes. It is true public sentiment used to turn positive closer to the Games but not this time.

8 ( +9 / -1 )

If Bach cancels his visit due to the state of emergency, wouldn't he realize that the Olympics should be cancelled for the same reason?

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Breathtaking arrogance

Indeed!

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Won't be watching it, won't be talking about it, won't by merch from it, and will never forgive any athlete who takes part in it.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Don’t let the Covid Conspiracy Theorists ruin this.

They are, by pretending that the pandemic isn't a threat and that, somehow, a positive mindset will defeat a virus.

8 ( +10 / -2 )

Covid Conspiracy Theorists?

The 127,000 and counting souls who have succumbed to this pandemic in the UK are in fact the victims of a Covid Conspiracy Theory?  

And globally the 3.32 million lost souls are just a figment of the media imagination?

There is a clear risk, to population of Japan the IOC demanding that these 2020 Olympic Games go ahead.

8 ( +8 / -0 )

Anything!

Anything with a reference to the Olympics won’t receive my money-it is that simple...

8 ( +9 / -1 )

"To hell with the locals" says the IOC.

This has got to make any city think twice about bidding for the Olympics in the future and the amount of public support they will get for it.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

@theResident

They may happen or not. Still think they won't thanks in part to the opposition of the large majority of the Japanese population, but that's not the only factor obviously. I think sponsors, especially Japanese companies, start to feel the pinch.

Anyhow, thinking that the Games can be something like a success is a very far stretch. At best, they will be the most boring and ridiculous Games in history. Just have to follow the pathetic and somewhat surreal Olympic flame relay to have an idea of how the real thing would look like.

So yes, I am one of the many outraged, each day a bit more.

7 ( +8 / -1 )

“We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,”

Missed a page from the How not to Sound Like a Villain handbook there.

7 ( +7 / -0 )

"“We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,”"

It sure sound Arrogant, but we shall wait and see!?

6 ( +9 / -3 )

Olympic Games typically dip in popularity in the host nation before momentum picks up when the games open and the sports begin.

In normal circumstances, sure. This would be a reasonable point to make and think that once the games start public opinion will turn around a bit. That is the course that some past Olympics have taken.

There is the tiny detail of the global pandemic to take into account.

Yes, we have some people against the Olympics because they are always against the Olympics. This time we have a lot of people, myself included, who might normally be excited about the Olympics but still want them cancelled for public health.

This is not a business-as-usual situations and it is absolutely insane to be treating it that way.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

"We listen but don't care what the public thinks".

I still don't understand why they can't shift the scheduled games and do Tokyo in 2024. It's not like the future hosts have completed their preparations, in fact they are probably behind schedule.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

theResidentToday 10:48 am JST

Don't agree with them taking place either but its going to happen and I think will be something of a success

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike is considering calling off the Olympics.

http://www.japansubculture.com/

6 ( +7 / -1 )

Quote from above: "And IOC spokesman Mark Adams, has the sneering barefaced smug arrogance to treat the people of Japan with contempt. Openly dismissing public concern."

It is the crude arrogance of power and intimidation that is the soul of competitive sports training. But beneath this there is a whine of desperation. Make no mistake: the IOC is scared of us. They know they are hated by millions of people.

Even if all goes well wth the games. (and it won't) there will still be a backlash against the Olympics, its bosses and its sponsors.

6 ( +6 / -0 )

Why are the Japanese elites so dense?

6 ( +6 / -0 )

In other words, The IOC is saying, "Let them eat cake."

6 ( +6 / -0 )

in the western world we are watching the death of the Olympics and trust in Japan (and unfortunately the Japanese people) set itself back 25 years. The Japan part is very sad.

6 ( +7 / -1 )

The IOC has struck deals to buy Chinese vaccines ... to distribute to Olympic team delegations worldwide.

Seychelles has seen a surge in coronavirus cases even though much of its population was inoculated with China’s Sinopharm vaccine.

https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/12/business/economy/covid-seychelles-sinopharm.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

5 ( +7 / -2 )

The IOC don't care. They need to spend more time here and listen to the people.

I wonder what would happen if some famous Olympic athlete comes to Japan, competes, gets Corona virus and dies. How would both the IOC and their own Olympic committee deal with that.

Probably launch commerative branded t-shirts.

5 ( +6 / -1 )

I have a feeling that they’re being super arrogant on purpose, so the public opinion forces the Japanese government to cancel. Why? Well let’s see:

The Japanese government cancels the games because of the negative public opinion: IOC gets paid

The games go ahead as planned: IOC gets paid.

Either way, it’s a win for the International Organized Crime (IOC).

5 ( +5 / -0 )

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike is considering calling off the Olympics.

http://www.japansubculture.com/m/

If she was to do that, she'd be a heroine in many people's eyes.

I think Japan/ Tokyo and the sponsors would be willing to pay the price for a very grateful public.

5 ( +5 / -0 )

This is being handled like Brexit—regardless of public opinion, we’ll do it anyway! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again. Japan should cancel these games snd divert ALL time, energy and money into vaccinating its population! Japan’s priorities are upside down!!!

5 ( +9 / -4 )

It amazes that Mr. Adams the spokesperson for the IOC, simply spins out PR, what amounts to propaganda and entirely dismisses, with complete disdain, over 80 % of the Japanese citizenry who wish to cancel or postpone the Olympics due to the worldwide epidemic. Adams, claims 'enthusiasm' will ramp up prior to the games, based wholly on his own imaginings. Nor does he pay heed to the people who will fund the spectacle: Japanese taxpayers. Adams bends to a false reality and the IOC will be pushing to frame 'acceptance' of the event contrary to the wishes of any but the IOC. After all it is simply 'public opinion'. A subtle phrasing to strip the want of a majority of Japanese. As if it is just cheap parlor talk.

The sponsors of The Olympics. A heady conglomeration of powerful corporations, many within the host nation. Others being global entities. Though the IOC and politicians within the LDP refuse to take heed from the citizens of Japan, all are beholden to the corporations and institutions who pay the freight. However, it is the taxpayers of Japan, the citizenry who are paying the largest portion of the costs. A national government audit report in December put costs at $28 billion.

The IOC also has a reserve fund of about $2 billion, and insurance to cover losses. Completely insufficient, less than 8% of the total cost.

5.6 billion USD is private money.

The rest is borne by the Japanese taxpayers, which amounts to approximately 75%: 21 billion USD/210 billion YEN.

To pick out just a few prime companies among the institutions: Airbnb. Coca-Cola. Panasonic. Toyota. ASAHI. Meiji. NTT. All Nippon Airways. Daiwa House. Asahi Shimbun. Japan Airlines. Mainichi Shimbun. Mitsubishi. Tokyo Gas. Tokyo Metro. Yamato. GOOGLE.

1.3 billion USD, 130 billion yen (pick one, as they are the same), invested in The Olympics, by the following companies. Note: that is less than 5% of the total cost.

LIST OF SPONSORS:

WORLDWIDE SPONSORS:

Airbnb, Alibaba Group Atos, Bridgestone, The Coca-Cola Company, Dow Inc., General Electric, Intel, Omega, SA, Panasonic, Procter & Gamble, Samsung Electronics, Toyota, Visa Inc.

GOLDEN PARTNERS:

Asahi Group Holdings, ASICS, Canon Inc., ENEOS Holdings, Fujitsu, Lixil Group, Meiji Holdings, Mitsui Fudosan, Mizuho Financial Group, NEC Corporation, Nippon Life, NTT Corporation (NTT Docomo), Nomura Holdings, Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Tokio Marine.

OFFICIAL PARTNERS:

Airweave, Ajinomoto, All Nippon Airways, ALSOK, The Asahi Shimbun, Cisco Systems, Dai Nippon Printing, Daiwa House, Earth Corporation, EF Education First, Hisamitsu Pharmaceutical, Japan Airlines, Japan Airport Terminal, Japan Post Holdings, JTB Corporation, JR East, Kikkoman, KT-CT Holdings, Mainichi Shimbun, Mitsubishi Electric, Narita International Airport Corporation, The Nikkei, Nissin Foods, Recruit Holdings, Sankei Shimbun, Secom, Tobu Top Tours, Tokyo Gas, Tokyo Metro, Toppan, Toto Ltd., Yamato Holdings, Yomiuri Shimbun.

OFFICIAL SPONSORS AND SUPPLIERS:

Aggreko, Alphabet Inc. (Google Japan G.K.), AOKI Holdings, Boston Consulting Group, ECC, Ernst & Young, Hokkaido Shimbun, Kadokawa Corporation (Kadokawa Future Publishing), Kokuyo, Marudai Foods, Morisawa Inc., Nomura Kōgei, Park24, Pasona, Shimizu Corporation, Tanaka Holdings, Technogym, Tokyo Skytree, Z Holdings (Yahoo! Japan).

5 ( +5 / -0 )

IOC will not buckle down because for them $$$ matters more than anything else. Remember IOC didn't cancel the 1980 Moscow Olympics even though 66 countries led by USA had boycotted it.

It's upto J-Gov and so far Suga has been shirking away from his responsibility.

Going to be the most controversial Olympics of all times if they take place. Here is one more reason why:

https://indianexpress.com/article/sports/sport-others/tokyo-2020-olympic-size-confusion-7310292/

4 ( +5 / -1 )

The sheer arrogance of this man and organization is astounding. I've never really been fascinated by watching canoeing, archery, or synchronized swimming, so a complete boycott of this event in future will not be that hard.

4 ( +4 / -0 )

To reiterate: “We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,” IOC

JLM. Japanese Lives Matter.

Which is not to be dramatic, but to emphasize the disregard and disdain the officials in the IOC have for an entire nation. The snide mannerism exhibited by Adams reflects the IOC in general. The Japanese government apparently does not represent the sill of the people and serves another master.

4 ( +5 / -1 )

Who the hell is IOC to tell a country what to do???

4 ( +5 / -1 )

While some 300000 have signed a petition, more importantly, some 120 MILLION have not, and are eager for the games to begin,!

why don't you start a petition to HAVE the Games?

if you get 300,000 signs your argument would be valid.

4 ( +6 / -2 )

¥¥¥¥¥¥ Of course they will go ahead ¥¥¥¥¥¥

Japanese Yen Japanese Life

3 ( +6 / -3 )

Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike is considering calling off the Olympics.

http://www.japansubculture.com/m/

Koike is literally the only one with power to stop the Olimpics.

neither the J-gov or IOC have the legal right to stop them.

I'm looking forward for her to take the wise decision.

3 ( +4 / -1 )

If she was to do that, she'd be a heroine in many people's eyes.

And she's got her eyes on being PM one day.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

"We don't care about your opinion one iota, we just expect you to start paying more tax next year to fund the circus"

3 ( +3 / -0 )

blackflag

I have a feeling that they’re being super arrogant on purpose, so the public opinion forces the Japanese government to cancel. Why? Well let’s see:

The Japanese government cancels the games because of the negative public opinion: IOC gets paid

The games go ahead as planned: IOC gets paid.

Either way, it’s a win for the International Organized Crime (IOC).

I agree. It is why, I think all action should be oriented into the future.

Japan is stuck with the olympics : it cancel, IOC get more money.

Sponsors which already paid are powerless : they back out, they will not see any money back and IOC will just make more money to sell a 2nd time their space.

For year IOC prove again and over again how bad it is. People should refuse their representative to bid to the game, customer should push company to not renew/sign new sponsor contract and so on.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Arrogance at its finest. The more reason not to support the Olympics and the committee.

3 ( +3 / -0 )

Resident

Yes. I see four big differences between Japan and Europe though: the magnitude in number of athletes/staff moved around, the level of control of the Covid-19 (check the graph of Japan's severe cases and un particular the inclination if that curb - skyrocketing), the roll out of the vaccination program and the saturation of the medical personnel.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

pressoffice@olympic.org

Just putting it out there. Don’t let me be the only one emailing them about this farce.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

If Bach cancels his visit due to the state of emergency, wouldn't he realize that the Olympics should be cancelled for the same reason?

I think it's probably a case of Bach insisting onJapan cancelling the state of emergency as a condition for him deigning to set foot on Japanese soil. I am fully expecting to be told to go out onto the street with the rest of us peasants to obediently and silently smile and wave Olympic flags along his route. Probably if we don't smile, he will slice off our heads with his broadsword as he passes.

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Judge Dread IOC, they are the law

2 ( +2 / -0 )

I hope thousands of people turn out to protest the Olympics while they take place.

In the middle of a pandemic?

Nah, smart folk will stay home.

And watch something else on telly.

2 ( +3 / -1 )

Why does the I O C want to kill citizens of the Host Country?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

2 ( +2 / -0 )

Even in test run game of marathon in Sapporo was finished, Hokkaido reported a recorded high 712 cases, 499 of which were in Sapporo

2 ( +2 / -0 )

@wanderlust: A very reliable source to quote from indeed - who describe themselves as:

Japan Subculture Research Center

A guide to the Japanese underworld, Japanese pop-culture, yakuza and everything dark under the sun.

I shall pay a lot attention to that website over the next 30 seconds.

1 ( +3 / -2 )

They are basically telling the Japanese citizens that the IOC does not care one bit about what the Japanese citizens think, how this will impact the lives of Japanese citizens, the direct risks of holding the games, and the residual risks when all of these clowns go back to their countries.

This is equivalent to the Colonization of Japan by the IOC.

Japan has never been colonized.

Do Japanese really want these people to treat Japan like a colony?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

This is being handled like Brexit—regardless of public opinion, we’ll do it anyway! 

You mean the brexit where a democratic vote was held and the majority voted in favour of brexit, so following the will of the people the government acted on that.

Hmm, can't see the similarities here, infact it's the exact opposite. Will you ever get over losing that vote?

1 ( +2 / -1 )

That’s right. The only threat are they themselves.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Who does the ioc think they are???.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Mark Adams should be fired!!!

“We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion,” IOC spokesman Mark Adams said, adding “everything is telling us ... that the games can go ahead and will go ahead.”

His quoted statement shows total arrogance, stupidity and insensitive behavior! He's showing his inexperience in his job and damaging the reputation of the IOC. Just can't believe that stupid statement! And since when did he become a health expert to make that decision that it's safe?

Mark Adams should be fired and the IOC should respond taking back this stupid statement immediately. Though we all know they will not because they also have that arrogance in their culture.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Politik KillsMay 13  06:58 am JST

In other words, we don’t care what the majority of people think, all that matters is our paycheque.

snowymountainhellMay 13  06:58 am JST

We listen but won’t be guided by public opinion”. -

Where is this is the IOC Charter? Something for future host cities to consider.

Funny thing the Games were cancelled during the two World Wars.

Listen to what Japanese doctors say, what the people there say. No Games 2021.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

suga may not have control over the olympics but he does have control over who is allowed to enter japan. just require mandatory 100% vaccination, pcr testing and 2 week lock in, at your own cost of course. that would be enough to ensure no one is bringing COVID into japan. let's start with the IOC reps. if you don't like it, don't come.

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Why don't they just put it off one more year again, and then next summer everybody can come and they can make a lot more money?

1 ( +1 / -0 )

Pim - in that case please refer to the figures in Europe November-March when all these competitions were taking place.

0 ( +1 / -1 )

Richard Gallagher, spot on research, polished, eloquent.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I would rather choose the unpopular way; Shame the individuals athletes and sponsors. Participations should at the least, insist that they won't participate until a significant portion of Japan's or Tokyo's population is vaccinated. Because that's doable.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

No, @fds. You simply forget, that he , the big business cronies and the global olympic mafia WANT the games held at any costs. Your idea with that back door ruling, making it difficult and unattractive to try to come , that is nice and would help of course, but that’s surely not their real intention.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

ZENJIMay 14  02:44 am JST

Why does the I O C want to kill citizens of the Host Country?

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

You mean 'YYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY' (yen) that the people of Japan will have to spend to host these Games and everything that comes with them. Then they'll have to SPEND all those yen on more medicines, hospitalizations, etc. on everybody who gets sick from this. But does the I.O.C. give a whit? No, that's Japan's problem. Pass the buck in order to make one.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The real merit of Japan's one-party 'democracy', is that public opinion never gets in the way of government policy.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The IOC is very arrogant and close-minded to say that.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

They are only interested in their "own" opinions and their own "power" and their own "pockets" ! The games need to be cancelled now and don't expect the next the next games in Paris to go ahead.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

I was privileged to observe first-hand the bribery and corruption scandals of the 2002 Winter Games in Salt Lake City. Rest assured, the IOC does not give a damn about the local hosts or any less-than-stellar outcomes for the games. They operate above the law.

0 ( +0 / -0 )

And who will put their hands up and say, this is all my fault?

0 ( +0 / -0 )

The IOC has struck deals to buy Chinese vaccines and receive donations of doses from Pfizer to distribute to Olympic team delegations worldwide.

I see the darkest, most horrifying side....

-1 ( +6 / -7 )

Major sporting events are more important than risk of lives being lost of course.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

I hope thousands of people turn out to protest the Olympics while they take place.

In the middle of a pandemic?

Nah, smart folk will stay home.

And watch something else on telly.

We could take a leaf out of the Brazilians' book and do a coordinated protest from home. At the agreed time, people all over Japan go out onto their balconies or into their garden if they have one, and bang a pot. If enough people do feel strongly enough, it would have a big impact, specially on international media, as it doesn't match Japan's meek and mousy image.

-1 ( +0 / -1 )

Pim - Yet European Football Leagues, AND The Champions League, with teams playing home and away, just as an example have managed very well and garnered lots of television viewers, so much so that NBC in the US are about to embark on a very expensive quest to retain EPL rights from next season. Something you couldn't give away 5 years ago. Euro 2020 delayed is going ahead, again, across countries.

The NBA managed to finish their last season in a bubble - again quite successfully

I don't believe that Koike has the right to cancel the Olympics alone, whoever typed that above.

-5 ( +1 / -6 )

While some 300000 have signed a petition, more importantly, some 120 MILLION have not, and are eager for the games to begin,!

-7 ( +1 / -8 )

The Headline is totally correct. Can't even be bothered to read the comments of all those 'outraged'...as they are every day.

Don't agree with them taking place either but its going to happen and I think will be something of a success.

-9 ( +1 / -10 )

OK, we get it, “polls” show people don’t want the Olympics, even if it is completely safe to do so.

-16 ( +1 / -17 )

“No Olympics anywhere, No Olympics anywhere,” he said, before using a profanity and adding “No Olympics in LA, No Olympics in Tokyo,” before the line was cut. The 2028 Olympics will be held in Los Angeles.

Nutter. No wonder IOC is ignoring them.

-17 ( +0 / -17 )

Go Go Go Olympics. Don’t let the Covid Conspiracy Theorists ruin this. The world is full of doom and gloom at the moment. The Olympics will entertain the world and those who believe in hope and have a positive mindset.

This is the time for the positive minded to show those with Covid hysteria that life must go on. Many have worked for years even decades to make this happen, their dreams must not be shattered by selfish people.

This Olympics is a beacon of hope after covid, a true inspiration to many worldwide especially youngsters.

Many are against this due to irrational fears, the games will be safe and the world needs them to happen.

-22 ( +1 / -23 )

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