Jul 21, 2021

Tuning into or out of the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony?

I think the government wants us to stay in and watch the opening of the Olympics on TV over these two rearranged national holidays. Are you going to be watching? What's your mood regarding the games at the moment? No judgement, just curious. I'm not sure I was ever that invested in the games but thinking about what it was supposed to have been and what it looks to have become kind of makes me want to tune out but I think I'll be watching the opening ceremony at least.

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SalarymanJim

A foreign salaryman in Japan, documenting life from somewhere near 'salaryman town' Shimbashi, Tokyo. Way out of my depth!

10 Answers

JapanRamen

on Jul 21

I got nothing but frustrations so definitely not watching it lol.

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genkidesu

on Jul 22

It's such a tough one, isn't it? I feel like the athletes are just doing their jobs, and I don't fault them for wanting to participate -- if I'd worked my whole life for something I'd want to see it through. I'll probably still be tuning in to bits and pieces since I do want to see how it's all managed from a logistical standpoint. Any reluctance I have to watch the games mainly lies with the fact that it's such a money driven exercise, and I think that's a massive part of why it wasn't just called off in the first place.

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SalarymanJim

on Jul 22

"bits and pieces" probably sums up how I'll be taking it in, too.

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helloalissa

on Jul 25

We don't have a TV so watching any of it is sort of up to what we can find for free online, if anything. I'm not so interested normally either, especially now that I think it's not a good idea for it to be happening at all. There are plenty of other things to do instead.

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Eli

on Jul 28

I watched the opening ceremony because my husband had turned it on but we got bored after a while and turned it off. With all the problems regarding the Olympics we have had so far it became clear that they cannot keep the rules they set for themselves so I still think they should have just cancelled the games when it was still possible.

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ReishiiTravels

on Aug 4

Not really happy with it nor interested. I turned out.

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SalarymanJim

on Aug 4

@Eli - "they cannot keep the rules they set for themselves" - Yeah, good point!

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SalarymanJim

on Aug 4

Just as an FYI, I only realized this week that Monday (9th) is another national holiday that has been moved. My understanding is that our "work" is to watch the closing ceremony and then to compensate we have a holiday on the Monday. Or something like that.

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genkidesu

on Aug 6

I've been enjoying the games much more than I thought I would. So many examples of great sportsmanship, a focus on the importance of mental health, and more.

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TonetoEdo

on Aug 6

I'm not against the athletes but despise the Olympic machine. The Japanese government capitulated to the IOC for commercial interests, and the Tohoku revival, the promotion of peace took a backseat. It's heartbreaking to see our local festivals, folkways, and arts shut down while commercialized sports get promoted globally. All while we're requested to stay home.

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Tuning into or out of the Tokyo 2020 opening ceremony?

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