apanese residents in Olympic host city Tokyo commemorated their athletes' Olympics success on Thursday (July 29) by queuing up for photos around an Olympic monument near the city's Olympic Stadium.
Host nation Japan is enjoying a stellar Games, currently sitting top of the medal table with 13 golds.
Chiyoko Oshima and her friend had originally held tickets to several key matches, including men's gymnastics, but they instead have resorted to viewing the matches from a hotel room.
"I was so surprised to see (Daiki) Hashimoto come back from behind and win (in men's gymnastics), the dignified appearance of Hashimoto who won the gold medal, the fact that these people are so young, and that they prepared with all their strength and heart, and when we saw their immense (success) on TV, we toasted and shed tears of immense joy," said 62-year-old Oshima, wearing a Tokyo 2020 Japan blazer.
Japanese Olympic newcomer Daiki Hashimoto on Wednesday (July 28) claimed the men's all-around gymnastics crown, extending a proud Japanese sporting legacy.
Some residents such as Ryoko Yoshioka, believe that Japan's gold success is partially tied to its host country status.
"So this time they're not allowing spectators, but I think if there were (spectators) then it would allow for a stronger (support) base (for athletes). There are many Japanese supporters out there, and it surely brings power to our athletes," said Ryoko.
The Games were postponed last year due to the pandemic and opinion polls have consistently shown that the majority of Japanese are against holding the Games during the pandemic. Japan's Olympic gold success, however, has brought some excitement to a subdued Games.
0 Comments