The Olympics

The Olympics

Remembering the buzz of London 2012, I was so excited that we would be in Tokyo for the Olympics. We were delayed getting here … but so were the Olympics. We didn’t have any tickets since they had all been sold prior to the event in 2020. However with the announcement of no overseas spectators, it looked possible, but then came news that capacity would be limited and there would be a raffle amongst existing ticket holders to see who would be able to attend. In the end, as you know, no general public have been able to see the events live.

Apart from all the Tokyo 2020 signage erected over 2 years ago, those of us living in Tokyo are largely oblivious that the games are taking place. So sad. Tourism opportunities have been lost but the massive costs of the event have spiralled. No visitors yet Covid cases are higher than ever. I hope that Japan’s great sporting achievements will be some comfort to the many Japanese who actively did not want the games to proceed.

Our games are just like yours … sat in front of the TV. So last weekend we decided to try to see a few venues – you will see from our poor photographs how difficult it was to get close.

The best photo is the BMX race track; we were able to stand at the station opposite and Geoff could reach his camera over the high barrier. I’m guessing they didn’t want bottlenecks of spectators anywhere so everywhere was screened off and policed heavily. It was sad seeing all the redundant ticket offices though.

Undoubtedly my best photograph was the two volunteers returning from their stint … unfortunately I don’t know what that was but they did happily let me take this photo.

Nice touches

The Olympic medals, all 5,000 of them, have been manufactured from the metals in old mobile phones, whilst the podiums have been made from recycled plastics.

The flowers in the bouquets handed to medal winners have been grown in three areas of north-east Japan that were devastated by the earthquake & tsunami in 2011.

The National Stadium features wood from all of Japan’s 47 Prefectures.

The two Olympic mascots, Miraitowa & Someity were the designs that amassed the most votes by nearly 17,000 elementary school children.

Added especially for Joyce!

8 thoughts on “The Olympics”

  2. I feel so sorry for Tokyo. All the expense of constructing Olympic venues and no opportunity to recoup any of their costs from tourist dollars

    1. I agree. It’s tough. All the costs but no benefits. I hope lots of people remember Japan for a holiday in better times x

  3. Hi Avril – I’ve just done a marathon catch-up with your blog and it has been fascinating, as ever, and a real education. Great photos too. I commented to Andrew about your lack of the relevant keyboard on your phone and he said ‘I bet she’s got one, she just needs to go into settings and enable it’. I’m sure you and the supermarket ladies would have tried that! That led me to read the Wikipedia page on Katakana (I have to confess I didn’t finish it – Japanese is such a complicated language!) I love all the references about honesty, such as the car keys pinned to a board. Very sad about the Olympics but pleased to hear you’ve had your first Covid jab. Keep up the good work … Love Corinne x

    1. Well done to you for catching up! I think it is possible to download a keyboard but I didn’t think it was worth it for a loyalty card for the supermarket I use least. And I’m delighted to report that we have had both jabs; exactly 3 weeks apart as per the manufactures advice. The Japanese always follow the rules x

  4. Hi Avril. Fascinating as always. Feel so sad for Japan. It could have been such an exciting time for everyone. And what a lot of difficult decisions had to be made. Such a shame you couldn’t go to anything when it is on your doorstep. Keep blogging. It’s wonderful to hear about Japan and your experiences. Xxx

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