Media Speculation: Empress Absent from Olympic Opening Ceremony?
The Japanese
weekly women's magazine, Josei Seven, has reported that Empress Masako may not
attend the opening ceremony of the upcoming Tokyo Olympics on 4th of
this month.
https://news.yahoo.co.jp/articles/3b45dcbbf7298e54ba0362a2dc87aee7e65869b4?page=1
Opposition to
the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics is high among the Japanese people. According
to a poll by the Asahi Shimbun, 43% of respondents favored
"cancellation" and 40% "rescheduling," while a survey by
the Yomiuri Shimbun showed that 59% favored "cancellation".
His Majesty the
Emperor is the honorary president of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and is
expected to make the "opening declaration" at the opening ceremony.
However, it has not yet been decided whether each event will be held with or
without an audience.
An official of
the PM’s office said: “Because of his position as Honorary President, it is
unthinkable that His Majesty would be "absent" from the opening
ceremony of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. If there are no spectators, His
Majesty will probably make the opening remarks remotely. I wonder if Masako
will be standing next to him at that time. Even if His Majesty is forced to
enter the National Stadium for the opening ceremony, there is a possibility
that Masako will not accompany him.”
The basis for
this observation is the fact that at the Emperor's birthday press conference in
February of this year, His Majesty did not mention a word about the Olympics
and Paralympics, and has remained silent since then.
They say that
His Majesties must know that the two tournaments are not in line with the
people's minds.
“If not for the
Corona disaster, His Majesty would have watched the games with Masako and Aiko
and their families. However, it is difficult to imagine His Majesty's family
going to the competition venue and enjoying themselves when none of the people
could watch the games live. Their
Majesties must have been wondering whether they should participate in the games
without the people. I think that Masako will effectively not participate in the
Tokyo Olympics.” An imperial journalist said.
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