TOKYO – “I hope that the Japanese people do not change their attitude towards the Games”. Words that sound surprising, those pronounced today by the president of the IOC Thomas Bach, especially in light of the strong manifestations of opposition to the Olympics that accompanied the arrival and lighting of the Olympic flame, last July 23 in Tokyo. Well, beyond and beyond the protests – of groups that are actually numerically small – on the streets of the capital, TV has contributed to changing the common sentiment regarding the Games.
Exciting listenings, those recorded by Japanese TV, which the local press has interpreted as proof of the attention and emotional participation of the Japanese in the Games. “Nearly 90 percent of the Japanese population has tuned in to the Olympic Games. These figures and these assessments, I think they speak for themselves about what the Japanese really feel, ”Bach pointed out.
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Public opinion was divided over the Tokyo Olympics due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with nearly a third of respondents in a national Kyodo News poll conducted days before the opening of the Games saying they should have been canceled. But TV audience for the opening ceremony a week ago came in at a solid 56.4 percent in and around the capital, according to Video Research Ltd.
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Japan, which won its 17th gold medal on Friday (the historic triumph in men’s team swordplay) could further encourage national sentiment, and further interest in the event.
Bach also said that the Tokyo Olympics are a symbol of hope after the turmoil caused by Covid-19. “Now is the first time this world comes together again and celebrates together. In this fragile world, with news and concerns about the pandemic, political confrontation, aggression, division, these Games offer a message of hope, solidarity and peace ».