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It was officially decided on the 20th that the acceptance of general clients from abroad will be postponed at the Olympic and Paralympic Games in Tokyo. The spread of the new coronavirus, the emergence of mutant strains said to have strong infectivity, and public anxiety are great, and safety and security are taken into account. What about the Olympics, which do not have spectators from abroad? (Masanori Moriai, Kohei Nakagawa)
◆ Olympics with intercultural exchange
Promoting international exchange and intercultural understanding through the Games is an important feature of the Olympic Games, but its opportunities may suffer.
According to the philosophy of the Olympic Games, “The world cultural gathering in Tokyo will create exchanges between people. Let the world know about Japan, we will know the world, and the audience will connect with each other. The competition will be held in such a situation. It’s the Olympics, which is different from the world championships. ” Kazuya Kasahara, honorary president of the Japan Olympic Academy, said so.
Audience at the opening ceremony of the Olympic Games = August 2016 in Rio de Janeiro
At the Sydney 2000 Games, locals who did not have tickets gathered in the “Olympic Park” to enjoy cultural exchange and enjoy the atmosphere that can only be experienced at the Olympic Games. At the Rio de Janeiro 2016 tournament, locals who were not good at English and people who had various national flags spoke happily. Mr. Kasahara, who has seen such a scene, says: “The spirit of the Olympic Games is not just a competition. So what is the importance of holding this event?”
The five overlapping rings of the Olympic symbol signify the unity of the five continents, which applies not only to participating countries and athletes, but also to spectators. Including the postponement of an unprecedented year, he fears that “if this continues, it could be said that Japan has broken the Olympic philosophy.”
◆ Wondering what was done
Naofumi Masumoto (Olympic Researcher), Visiting Professor at Tokyo Metropolitan University and Musashino University, commented on this decision, saying: “Life comes first. The athlete will be.” He noted that “the spectators are more than encouraging local and local players to liven up the tournament.” It is said that the questions will be how to develop “cultural programs”, such as exhibitions and theatrical performances of works of art typical of the Olympic Games, in the absence of foreign guests, and how to promote intercultural exchange.
The fundamental principle of Olympism in the Olympic Charter states that “Olympism seeks to create a way of life by merging sport with culture and education.” It is not just the Olympics where athletes compete for the results of their training. From the 1912 Stockholm Games to the 1948 London Games, sports-themed paintings and sculptures were held as “art competitions.” The current cultural program that started there has changed its name since the 1992 Barcelona Games, and the host country is obliged to implement it.
Excited audience at the closing ceremony of the Olympic Games = August 2012, in London
As a “second best move,” Masumoto suggests that foreigners living in Japan can be welcomed as spectators, and that players and elementary and middle school students in the host city can interact online. “It is true that the Tokyo Olympics will remain in history as a special competition. You will wonder what was done and what was done in light of the educational thinking and peace thinking of the Olympics. It was simply possible to compete. Value of the Olympic Games “.
