As the blazing summer heat scorches Tokyo and the rest of Japan, with temperatures soaring above 35 degrees, the excitement of the season is palpable. It seems to cut through even the coolest air-conditioned rooms. The 2024 Paris Olympic and Paralympic Games have been a monumental time for Japanese sports. With 29 total medals so far, including a combined 12 from gymnastics and judo, Japanese athletes have reached many of the podiums this season, fueling the thrill of competition.
Amid all this enthusiasm, JAPAN Forward took to Yoyogi Park to better gauge public opinion on the Olympics this year.
Our interviewees highlighted some of their favorite moments.
Excerpts follow.
Has there been a sport that left a big impression on you so far?
Kawafune, a mother who had come to the park with her son Aoi, described her more casual approach to enjoying the games. "I don't really tune in to a specific channel just because a certain event starts at a particular time," she shared. "I did watch judo, though. The fact that matches can turn around in an instant made my heart race. Whether judoka are on the defensive or need to make a comeback, it's a sport that keeps you tense."
"Also, I think there's a part of me that feels a sense of national pride. I find myself hoping that the Japanese athletes will win, perhaps even more than in newer sports." Aoi, who was thrilled by a cockroach he found in the park, came running up. He seemed to share his mother's sentiments about the games: "I watched volleyball with mum and dad. It was exciting." Not as exciting as touching the roach with a stick, though, as he quickly ran back after giving this statement.
Other viewers, such as Rika Kuroki and her friend Hanae Takewaka, shared their impressions of watching basketball and judo. Kuroki said: "In the Japan vs. France basketball game, France, with its many NBA players, was really strong. However, it was memorable that Japan, despite not having as many NBA players, had a very close match."
"Yes, that's right," adds Takekawa, "Two Japanese siblings (Hifumi and Uta Abe) competed in judo. (Uta) Abe lost in the first round, and then her older brother won, showing their sibling bond."
What's an Olympic event you are looking forward to watching?
There are still many events to enjoy as a viewer. However, runner Hibiki Kowada seems to be looking forward to a more hands-on Olympic experience. "We (he and his friends) do track and field, so starting tomorrow, I'll be watching track and field competitions. I will also run as a marathon guide in the Paralympics for an athlete named [Shinya] Wada. I'll be going to Paris next month. It seems like it will be really exciting. Experiences like this don't come around very often."
Do you believe that the level of excitement is different from that of Tokyo 2020?
The Tokyo Olympics commenced during the pandemic. Public anxiety was at its peak, and most people's focus was on social distancing and well-being. There was much criticism when the sports events were held. Many people seemed to feel that the Tokyo Olympics had lost its appeal as a sports event.
YouTuber and running influencer Takaya Mitsuka opened up about his thoughts on the two Olympics.
"It feels like there's a lot more excitement now," he said. "Even though we held the event here (in Japan), it was without spectators. There was also this atmosphere that doing sports was somehow wrong. Personally, I felt a bit off about that. Although I tried my best to hype things up on social media, the overall sentiment was strongly about self-restraint. I believed that during such times, we should use the power of sports to give everyone energy and smiles and create moments of excitement. Unfortunately, I felt like I couldn't achieve that well back then.”
Reviving the Olympic Spirit
Is there a specific difference this time that caught your attention?
“Now, people can get really excited when someone wins a gold medal, without holding back,” Mitsuka continues. “We can cheer without hesitation. If we could bring that excitement back here in Japan, it would be great. Next year, there's going to be the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo. We're planning something to hype it up together, and I want to bring excitement like never before and lift everyone's spirits."
Rika Kuroki highlights that the public was far more reliant on media during COVID-19. "Since there's no COVID, I'm not spending as much time at home, so I haven't been able to watch TV as much," she states. "I could only follow the news, but I missed watching the actual events on TV."
Every Olympics seems to come with its complications. Do you believe this takes away from the viewer's experience?
"Yes, my family and I have talked about how, after the Tokyo Olympics ended, we reflected and realized it was all about money and safety issues," says Kawafune. "Personally, I feel like Japan doesn't need to host it again. It was quite disappointing (last time). So, I feel I can support it more purely when it's held in another country," she indicates, expressing her lack of enthusiasm for the previous Olympics.
"Instead of being a pure sports experience, it made me realize that there are people profiting off it. That was a bit disappointing. It would be nice if it were clean and clear. I believe sports should genuinely inspire and give dreams to people, so it would be better if it were a more refreshing experience. I just want to enjoy cheering with everyone, but it ends up being about money and the skill in how things are publicized. I've heard France hasn't constructed any new stadiums for the event, which I think is a good thing."
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics were contentious. Many people felt the glamor of the Olympics had been overridden by public debate and the numerous scandals that followed.
Any words of encouragement you would like to say to athletes of upcoming events?
Kowada Hibiki also stated how he would like the athletes to genuinely enjoy themselves. "Since I also do track and field, I hope the athletes can showcase the results of their training and finish the competitions with a smile, whether they win a medal or not."
Similarly, Takaya Mitsuka shared, "I really want them to go all out, show their abilities, and enjoy it. It's a valuable opportunity, so I hope they don't feel pressured. I want to see the athletes having fun and doing their best, so I hope they play without feeling any pressure and give it their all."
As the 2024 Paris Olympics continue to captivate audiences globally, it is clear that the excitement and engagement from Japan seem overwhelmingly positive. From athletes to casual fans, there’s a shared enthusiasm not just for winning, but for the unity of watching these Olympians give their all.
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Author: Natasha Takahashi
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