Christel Takigawa appointed 'Cool Tokyo' Ambassador for Olympic bid

Enough concrete dinosaurs and debt. I'm against the bid.

Maybe appointing a French-speaking ambassador with a German first name is supposed to convince people that Japan is a country that tolerates people's differences, celebrates diversity and shuns petty discrimination.

There has always been something about this woman that I found annoying. Can't put my finger on it though.

Good for her, or they'd have had no-one.

Hope she doesn't get paid for that title

There has always been something about this woman that I found annoying. Can't put my finger on it though.

It's either her annoying face; her annoying voice; or her complete lack of any talent whatsoever.

Readers, there is no reason to insult Ms Takigawa. It lowers the level of discussion and reflects badly on yourselves.

international television personality

really?!?!

and i totally agree with Tumbledry, this is just a complete waste of money. i hope turkey gets it.

I also hope Turkey gets it. although it will probabaly lead to further rioting and so on there. At least if Tokyo gets it the locals won't try and burn the place down. i also wasn't aware that she is an "international TV personality". I think she is kind of ok in the context of local tarentos.

Go Turkey!!! We don't need MORE people coming to Tokyo!

I have always felt this Cool Japan/Cool Tokyo campaign was a bit lame. Isn't that something that others should say about you and not you about yourself? Unfortunately, I think Japan will get the Games. Turkey is high risk with violent government forces and Spain is simply broke.

Rickyvee, Wakarimasen, please print 'International Commentator' on your calling cards.

I wonder how Ms Takigawa will fare outside her J tarento milieu.

Any country/city that must say 'I am cool' is not cool at all.

Damn, she's cute. Well, unfortunately there's little chance Turkey will get in now, so Tokyo 2020 is looking fairly certain. Good stuff!

James RogersJUN. 25, 2013 - 08:08AM JST Maybe appointing a French-speaking ambassador with a German first name is supposed to convince people that Japan is a country that tolerates people's differences, celebrates diversity and shuns petty discrimination.

Excellent comment. I doubt Japan will ever be a country that does any of the above!

i also wasn't aware that she is an "international TV personality". I think she is kind of ok in the context of local tarentos.

In Japan if you are mixed race or have any foreign connection you get labeled as "kokusaiteki"

She is haafu? I really must start reading "Herro" magazine more!

I'd be embarrassed if someone tried to pin a silly title like that anywhere near me haha

As this is now essentially a contest about which country is most likely to passively accept massive debt and future declines in the standard of living in exchange for government vanity projects and artificially propping up the economy, and given Japan's excellent track record in this regard, I think it's all over bar the shouting.

Let's be honest, pitching her is their last defense. She speaks French after all. I mean, a halfu woman? You KNOW the old guys hated it!

Like many pointed out before - calling yourself cool is antithesis of cool. Good luck anyway with the bid. On a personal level, I am always torn between laughter and tears when Japanese citizens who happen to have a foreign parent or grandparent are drafted in to represent diversity. I recently watched a a game show with two teams, one called team Japan, the other one International team. The international team was made up haafu, all Japanese citizens of course.

Takigawa, who is fluent in Japanese and French and also speaks English

..and also speaks English..

Hmmm, a telling addendum, wot?

I thought the economic impact of hosting the games actually drain the city hosting it, not adding to its coffers? Doing it for the prestige?

With that perfectly coiffed hair, one section so jauntily out of place, her virginal white shirt with the crew collar buttoned all the way up, the coy smile and delicate tilt of the head, she's about as cool as a Tokyo summer.

She is also a recipient of France’s prestigious “L’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres” for her introduction of French culture to Japan.

Congratulations on this award.

Takigawa will take a lead role in “promoting the dynamic and vibrant culture in the heart of one of the world’s most exciting cities,” the committee said in a statement. She will play a key role at the 2020 Candidate Cities Briefing for IOC Members in Lausanne, Switzerland, on July 3.

I believe she will play her role well. The snarky comments remind me of the snapping at the heels by overly hysterical chihuahuas.

However, I question the whole thrust behind "cool Japan" and the winning of the summer games. In 1964, Japan was a nation in ascension. Fifty years later, it is struggling to stem decline. Something that captures the popular imagination and gives people hope for the future is definitely needed. I am doubtful that the Olympics will provide that.

What an elegant woman..

yabits: The snarky comments remind me of the snapping at the heels by overly hysterical chihuahuas.

Aren't you being a bit snarky yourself?

Stay on topic please.