The Intelligence from The Economist Game on: the Tokyo Olympics
May 20, 2021
Noah Snyder, The Economist's Tokyo bureau chief, discusses the impending Tokyo Olympics amid rising COVID-19 cases and public dissent in Japan. He explores the motivations behind the IOC's decision to proceed with the Games despite significant hurdles. The conversation also highlights the vulnerabilities of satellite navigation systems and the implications of jamming signals. Additionally, Snyder draws parallels between the Olympics and the reemergence of cicadas, examining climate change's impact on their life cycle.
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Public Opinion and Vaccination Status in Japan
- Over 80% of Japanese people want the Tokyo Olympics cancelled or postponed due to rising COVID-19 cases.
- Japan's vaccination rate is below 2%, the lowest among OECD countries, due to logistical issues and bureaucratic caution.
Olympic COVID-19 Precautions and Concerns
- Organizers plan a "bubble" system to isolate participants, with daily testing and limited public transport access.
- Experts worry about new strains, mutations, and resource diversion from local communities.
IOC's Power and Japanese Government's Stance
- The IOC holds the exclusive right to cancel the Games and profits heavily from broadcast revenue.
- The Japanese government, despite public opposition, insists on "safe and secure" Games.