Legacy of the Olympics

■ Legacy of the Olympics

I was interviewed by a certain newspaper about the significance and legacy of the Tokyo Olympics, which was set to be held, though without spectators.

I have served as a counselor for the Olympics and Paralympics in the Cabinet Secretariat, and while I am unwavering in my support for the Olympics and Paralympics, the situation has changed because of COVID-19, so I answered differently.

Whereas the previous Olympics was something to show the "Development and growth" from postwar reconstruction, the bid for this Olympics was to show "Maturity" in terms of coexistence with the aging population and the environment since reconstruction after the earthquake disaster.

It was also an Olympics to show AI for Society 5.0 after the Internet era since the last Olympics, which was broadcast on TV all over the world.

That has shouldered COVID-19; and the positioning of reconstruction, the meaning of maturity, and the importance of the digital world have all changed, and I believe that the importance of hosting the Olympics has become much more significant than before.

I was even afraid that a decision not to hold the Olympics would mean losing the courage to take responsibility for it, and so declare Japan's demise to the world.

Holding it is more important than anything.

Of course, I am assuming that the situation with COVID-19 in Japan will not prevent it from being held.

The number of deaths in Japan is low, and it is the only G7 country with a negative excess mortality rate. Medical care has also not collapsed.

There is no lockout, only a "request" for restraint. Riots have also not broken out.

Entertainment and sports are being held with supervision, and we don't hear problems about groups of people getting sick with COVID-19.

It can be held.

Although it was expected that the Olympics would be one that showed Japan's maturity and SDGs, in the end, the design for the Olympics that was carried forward was one using the commercial event colors from the 80s.

However, the commercial prospect was off the mark because of COVID-19.

Due to this, the tournament will be athlete-centered and more focused on sports.

It could be an opportunity for this tournament to break with policies of the past, and return to the original modern Olympics.

It may differ from what the IOC is asking for, but it would return the Olympics back to being the Olympics, and isn't that what its primary legacy is all about?

Recovery from the COVID-19 is the second legacy.

Last time it was civilization in the form of a major war, and this time it has been nature in the form of an epidemic.

Both are problems that humanity has struggled with for thousands of years, and both are times in which there was suffering on a global scale.

Last time, we showed recovery as the losers. This time, too, we have not yet won, but there is a light that is shining.

The experience of light that is universal and can be shared throughout the world is precious.

Japan is in a good position to send out a message for the first time in history.

Even without COVID-19, the politics of all the major powers, including the United States, Europe, China, and Russia, are in turmoil. Conflicts between the major powers are also on the rise.

Japan is almost the only country in the world where politics is stable; where there is peace without turmoil; and where dialogue can take place with any country without it becoming belligerent.

This is a historic opportunity to become the nexus of the earth.

We are not in a mighty enough situation where the leaders of our government can claim things like, "It is a symbol that we have overcome COVID-19."

However, if we can hold the event while taking the necessary measures, we can share with the world the joy of returning to normalcy.

I am relieved that we have not suffered such damage that we would give up on that opportunity.　

The third legacy is data.

Half a century has passed since the last Tokyo Games, which opened on TV. The streaming of all events online was realized in London 2012, and then for Tokyo 2020 with a comprehensive showcase for AI/IoT, VR/AR, 4K8K5G, robots and drones. 

In terms of media history, it should have been regarded as such.

However, it will be a non-spectator event, and the images that will be presented will be different from what's expected.

The technology used at the location, such as the smart stadiums that have been constructed, may also not have much of an opportunity to be used.

On the other hand, with the world staying at home because of COVID-19, digital technology has moved forward in a big way.

Technology may be used more to connect everyone, and get them to participate and show support..

We could have displays and robots covering the entire bleachers, and people from all over the world could have access, show up, and cheer loudly.

That can be done, if the sponsors are up for it!

This could be an opportunity to create a new way to watch the games.

Watch the real thing at the scene.

On the other hand, I hope that we will not have a legacy of this "Pressure", where even local events are held without spectators, whilst data and authority are unclear.

P.S.

I felt the division of this country through how people either approved or disapproved of holding the Olympics.

I am relieved that this did not turn into anything serious.

However, this division is deep.

Proactive and cautious: the attitudes and feelings that were divided on this occasion are likely to be repeated.

Beyond ideology, beliefs, and organizations, I feel that this difference defines where people stand.

And I will probably work with the proactive people for the rest of my life.