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JAPAN NEWS AND DISCUSSION

Noda to support Tokyo 2020 Olympic bid

Politics Nov. 25, 2011 - 10:31AM JST ( 33 )

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33 Comments

2

100million n U won?Nov. 25, 2011 - 07:33AM JST

Certainly a move in the right direction as I don't see the xenophobic governor mentioned anywhere. Give it time though, I'm sure Ishihara will find it unbearable to be left out. Not too much in the way of competition this time around:

Qatar - keep dreaming, there may be no Arab Spring but not even the IOC could be that stupid

Madrid - Spain looks too much like Greece right now.

Rome - well with Silvio B. gone they might be able to put their finances in order, but again... looks like Greece

Istanbul - I think the IOC will look at Turkey as a way to appease those in the Middle East and Europe. But appeasement didn't work for Chamberlain, so I doubt it would work here. Still, I'd like to think Turkey would be a good choice.
3

gyouzaNov. 25, 2011 - 07:35AM JST

This is interesting as Noda (and his governement) is almost certainly going to be out of power in the next term of parliamant. Not because he is bad, but because the public will want to hang someone for the collective inaction of the politicians who constantly bicker and prevent progress on reconstruction (this is all parties). Then, Tanigaki will opppose this support just because he thinks he has to criticize everything the governemnt supports (repeating the theme of lack of cooperation) and then his his party will be in power (hopefully not him though) and will be left smiling whilst lending their full support to the campaign, painting it as an alternative campaign to the Noda one, saying their is more money available for better initiatives.

Japanese politics - never a dull moment!
0

tkoind2Nov. 25, 2011 - 08:27AM JST

One more reason to think Noda is another waste of space in a suit. Where are Japan's real leaders? The sad truth is that the modern culture in Japan does not foster leadership or create leaders, it creates workers and it creates followers.

The innovation and creativity that grew Japan from bombed out and defeated state to #2 economy are gone. Sadly replaced with "leaders" who are only good at creating red tape and failing to do what is required to turn the nation and her industries around.

Noda, we need the Olympics in Tokyo the same way we need to slide off the Pacific plate into the sea. What Japanese people really need. And I do mean really need, is someone to pay attention to growing the nation's economy, putting people to work, and not managing to tax people to death.

So since you fail on all points, I find I am for the first time in agreement with the LDP. You are another waste of space PM destined to accomplish absolutely nothing. I hope you are happy your rushed Kan out of office so you could replace him in incompetent leadership.
0

MaboDofuIsSpicyNov. 25, 2011 - 09:02AM JST

Why Tokyo? Why not Tohoku?
-1

smithinjapanNov. 25, 2011 - 09:11AM JST

"The JOC has said if Tokyo wins the right to host the 2020 games, regions affected by the earthquake, tsunami and the ensuing nuclear crises, could host some events such as football."

They going to serve the IOC spinach from Fukushima to 'prove' it's not harmful? The whole, "let's put people in harms way to make those already there feel better" thing doesn't fly for most rational people, so I really don't see why Japanese think it's a selling point.

Anyway, no surprise Noda is behind it, really. The guy is willing to throw Japan's money in every direction across the globe, so why not waste some at home where it's not needed instead of putting it where it is? Then when the bid fails and goes to Turkey another government can blame Ishihara and the current admin. for wasting billions on the bid they called a 'symbol of reconstruction' instead of spending the money on actual reconstruction.
-3

NetNinjaNov. 25, 2011 - 09:19AM JST

The JOC has said if Tokyo wins the right to host the 2020 games, regions affected by the earthquake, tsunami and the ensuing nuclear crises, could host some events such as football.

FAIL!!

That comment alone could cost the their bid. The events most be held where the money is. Of course they aren't going to spend billions of yen to make the areas super modern with restaurants and hotels to boot.

Also what happens to those areas AFTER the Olympics?

Anyway, I think it's a bad idea. The only thing I wouldn't mind is if they put Curling out near Fukushima. I can't stand that *event. *It's not a sport
-3

FernandoUchiyamaNov. 25, 2011 - 09:26AM JST

Hosting the Summer Olympic Games would be great to Japan. I like Noda. He is the best PM I see after Koizumi left.
1

globalwatcherNov. 25, 2011 - 09:42AM JST

2020 Summer Olympics.

How are they going to accomodate "aircon" to all athlets and foreign visitors? I remember what Japanese had to go through in summer after the 3/11.
0

koiwaicoffeeNov. 25, 2011 - 09:58AM JST

Why Tokyo? Why not Tohoku?

The objective is to spend millions and millions in Tokyo city, not elsewhere. They would give one or two sports to Tohoku, to look like nice guys, but the real money would stay in the big city.
0

globalwatcherNov. 25, 2011 - 10:08AM JST

The guy is willing to throw Japan's money in every direction across the globe

smith, IMF, S&P and Fitch have been giving a fair warning to Japan to streighten up the house in order, but for some reason Japan cannot hear anyone. And now Olympic bid for 2020 makes me wonder if anyone in Japanese politics has a leadership skill to guide this country into the right direction. Within 3-5 years, Japan may go to a deficit country. And this is not a best interest for Japanese IMHO.
0

gogogoNov. 25, 2011 - 10:24AM JST

Another 176 million dollars lost
-1

ExportExpertNov. 25, 2011 - 10:41AM JST

Agree with 100 mill above,

Doha, Qatar; = too unstable

Istanbul, Turkey; = maybe, an appeasement for the muslims (but athletes want to wear shorts and singlets and swimmers want to wear swimming trunks) can they deal with the bodily expsosure?

Madrid; = bankrupt, wanting to go further into monetary trouble (NO THANKS)

and Rome. = again Bankrupt (NO THANKS) irresponsible to even want to hold the olymprics

Radiation contaminated Tokyo is by far the best option, makes the most sense surely.
-3

gyouzaNov. 25, 2011 - 10:51AM JST

The whole, "let's put people in harms way to make those already there feel better" thing doesn't fly for most rational people, so I really don't see why Japanese think it's a selling point.

Yep, much better to wallow inself pity and not think of the future at all!
-1

smithinjapanNov. 25, 2011 - 11:59AM JST

gyouza: "Yep, much better to wallow inself pity and not think of the future at all!"

You honestly believe that the Olympics being held in TOKYO would ease the burden of the masses in TOHOKU? You inadvertently strengthen my point -- that the money should be spent on THEM, not on a bid for the Olympics that's likely to fail (again). They are sitting around, wallowing in self-pity because the government has failed them and they have no means in many cases to support themselves, let alone a roof over the heads of many.
1

cactusJackNov. 25, 2011 - 12:04PM JST

They had better start raising taxes for this too. Early bird gets the worm.
1

ScroteNov. 25, 2011 - 12:06PM JST

Just a few days ago the government were looking at ways to save money. How about giving up the olympic bid and saving billions of Yen from lining the pockets of Ishihara's family and mates?
0

gyouzaNov. 25, 2011 - 01:47PM JST

Hi Smithinjapan

You honestly believe that the Olympics being held in TOKYO would ease the burden of the masses in TOHOKU? It is 9 years ahead - so I'm not exactly sure what the connection is. Heaven forbid that the people of Tohoku are forotten, that would be a disaster, but the rest of Japan stopping whilst they catch up again is not in the country's best interests. It will cost money to stage the Olympics, but it will also generate jobs - jobs in construction, travel, and other industries. It is an opportunity - and would be foolish to ignore it. On top of that, you would have seen the effect that the World Cup had in 2002, national pride went through the roof, and then the Nadeshiko sisters. It was heart warming to see supporters in shelters really enjoying the games on TV. Providing that kind of opportuntiy for national unity has a very positive effect. The money is there, it isn't being diverted. Can't be all bad can it?
0

gyouzaNov. 25, 2011 - 02:05PM JST

Hi Smithinjapan - oops bad format, sorry

You honestly believe that the Olympics being held in TOKYO would ease the burden of the masses in TOHOKU?

It is 9 years ahead - so I'm not exactly sure what the connection is. Heaven forbid that the people of Tohoku are forotten, that would be a disaster, but the rest of Japan stopping whilst they catch up again is not in the country's best interests. It will cost money to stage the Olympics, but it will also generate jobs - jobs in construction, travel, and other industries. It is an opportunity - and would be foolish to ignore it. On top of that, you would have seen the effect that the World Cup had in 2002, national pride went through the roof, and then the Nadeshiko sisters. It was heart warming to see supporters in shelters really enjoying the games on TV. Providing that kind of opportuntiy for national unity has a very positive effect. The money is there, it isn't being diverted. Can't be all bad can it?
0

sakuralaNov. 25, 2011 - 02:12PM JST

Although it would be a great honour for Japan to host the Olympics, I think that this is not the time. The Olympics should be held in countries that have the financial means to do so and support from it's people. I don't think that in recent history any of the host cities actually were able to profit from the Olympics and most actually end up in debt from it. Also, at the moment, the average citizen in Japan is probably more concerned about stability (safe food and water, power for the A/C and TV) than hosting an international sports event.

So, how about shelving the proposal instead and to save face, just say they that they would like to put their full focus on Japan to improve the lives of their citizens....no one would look down on them for that and the people in Japan may even praise them for it!
1

Piltdown ManNov. 25, 2011 - 02:51PM JST

I personally would be thrilled to see Japan host the Olympics.

That said, there are three major strikes against Tokyo's prospects for posting the winning bid: 1.) the lack of disclosure about radiation levels and health threats, 2.) lack of enthusiasm and support from among the local population, and 3.) the outspokenly racist Tokyo governor (Ishihara) who, despite his shameful behavior, enjoys the long-running majority support of Tokyoites.
0

It"S MENov. 25, 2011 - 02:57PM JST

I am against Tokyo hosting the Olympics(summer or winter) ditto for my home-country.

In the olden days the Olympics were an economic and tourist booster, these days not so much anymore due to life-broadcast, destinations are now often major tourist post, etc.

Hosting an Olympic now costs way more than it actually benefits a locations(not all see above). New stadiums, infrastructure need to be build.

Many other people I know feel the same, that there is no real benefit to see the Olympics life when we can do so on our 42" screens at home way more comfy and cheaper.
-2

smithinjapanNov. 25, 2011 - 03:14PM JST

gyouza: "It is 9 years ahead - so I'm not exactly sure what the connection is."

Sure, it's in the future, but the government is using the disaster NOW as a means of trying to fix the Olympics in Japan, same as Hiroshima was trying to use the atomic bombing and how the people there had suffered. The point is they're abusing the situation.

"Heaven forbid that the people of Tohoku are forotten, that would be a disaster, but the rest of Japan stopping whilst they catch up again is not in the country's best interests."

I agree that sporting events like this conjure up a LOT of spirit and national pride, so again why the talk of the people of Tohoku's spirits being lifted when it's going to be nine years down the road? And also, one of the reasons Japan is 'stopping' is because of a lack of money, so why throw MILLIONS into a bid that might fail, and TRILLIONS more if it does not when that money could be used in many other effective ways to keep things MOVING, not stopping. Lest we forget Japan will be all the more in the whole once the event is over.

Finally, Japan seems to always want to bend the rules with their bids. Can you actually place certain structures and hold events far off from the main venue? They wanted a dual city bid last time and pleaded their case despite being told several times it was in the rules they could not.
0

sakuralaNov. 25, 2011 - 03:33PM JST

smithinjapan: I don't think that they can have events too far away from the host city but the Vancouver games had events spread apart by about 3 or 4 hours by car. Perhaps Japan saw this and thought that since the Shinkansen can get people to Tohoku in the same amount of time, that it would be ok.

Perhaps Japan could instead host a smaller international event and have a city in the Tohoku region host it. Might be a good comprimise.
0

SeawolfNov. 25, 2011 - 03:56PM JST

Why not call the bit "Tsukuba Olympics" as it is in between and than host some events there, some in Tokyo, some in Tohoku..!(Insert sarcastic laugh here)
0

smithinjapanNov. 25, 2011 - 05:28PM JST

sakurala: "Perhaps Japan could instead host a smaller international event and have a city in the Tohoku region host it. Might be a good comprimise."

Agreed. Along with misusing the 3/11 disasters to garner sympathy for an Olympic vote, Japan is just not a good choice to host the games -- ESPECIALLY with Ishihara pulling for them in Tokyo!
1

tmarieNov. 25, 2011 - 07:20PM JST

Wasted money, wasted money... Are they perhaps hoping that 'help Tohoku" will be what it takes to win??
1

sillygirlNov. 25, 2011 - 07:31PM JST

a fool`s errand coupled with mispent cash.
2

mrsynikNov. 25, 2011 - 09:13PM JST

Yet more taxpayers money pi$$ed up against the wall in pursuit of the 5 ring circus. Tokyo does not need it, and most people on the street will say they don't want it. Japan has bigger fish to fry just 250kms to the north of its capital and should divert its attention to helping its own citizens out and not lining the pockets of the IOC.
-1

nigelboyNov. 26, 2011 - 12:55AM JST

Sheesh. Based on the comments above, maybe the entire world should just cancel Olympics all together from now on for it appears that there is absolutely little benefit that gains from these sporting events.
-1

nigelboyNov. 26, 2011 - 01:45AM JST

And also, one of the reasons Japan is 'stopping' is because of a lack of money, so why throw MILLIONS into a bid that might fail, and TRILLIONS more if it does not when that money could be used in many other effective ways to keep things MOVING, not stopping. Lest we forget Japan will be all the more in the whole once the event is over.

??? Tokyo already has the funding in place and is collecting interest. If you bothered to read the proposal, the newly built venues will basically replace the old outdated venues. Some times, it takes an event like this to do this kind of replacement. Secondly, Tokyo is one of just few handful metropolitan areas that does not receive subsidies from the national government. So there is no "hole" to speak of.

Finally, Japan seems to always want to bend the rules with their bids. Can you actually place certain structures and hold events far off from the main venue? They wanted a dual city bid last time and pleaded their case despite being told several times it was in the rules they could not.

Another puzzling post as usual. If Tokyo or any other cities for that matter decides to send a revised proposal different from the 2016, they are more than free to do so.
0

PT24881Nov. 27, 2011 - 04:43PM JST

Tokyo has hosted numerous major international sport events since 1964 (or earlier? ).. If the motive is to simply organize another event for national glory.. The idea remains 'Deja vu'..

Why not take this opportunity to mend relationship with her neighbors (especially with whom there are ongoing disputes ), by taking lead in organizing a joint Game with NK, SK, China, Russian eastern..it will help resolve many non Game issues when people are cooperating for a good cause..
0

LHommeQuiMentNov. 28, 2011 - 09:12AM JST

It seems like Tokyo and Istanbul have equal chances for 2020 games.

Istanbul, Turkey; = maybe, an appeasement for the muslims (but athletes want to wear shorts and singlets and swimmers want to wear swimming trunks) can they deal with the bodily expsosure [sic]?

You're joking, right? Take a short trip to Istanbul and surprise yourself. If you can't afford it, just do a search in YouTube.
0

warnerbroNov. 28, 2011 - 05:37PM JST

They recently held an ekiden (relay road race) for schoolgirls in the middle of highly contaminated areas of Fukushima. The crassest bl%%dy athletic event I've ever heard of. Those children were used as political tools. Their parents would have to be insane, but peer pressure, which served this nation so ill from 1931 to 1945 again puts political interests over health and safety. They could do the Olympic marathon in Fukushima, as well. Start near the worst spot and have them run towards greater safety. Record times would be forthcoming.

I think Japan has far more pressing concerns at the moment. Would Kiev have been an attractive Olympic venue 9 years after Chernobyl? The government is feeding nuclear waste to children to avoid supporting or moving farmers who are working land that should not be farmed for more than half a dozen generations and yet it has sufficient resources to fund the Olympics? People in Europe are much better informed about the extent of contamination in Japan and risks thereof than are the average Japanese thanks to the Japanese news media. See you in Istanbul?