Job Discussion Forums

[Black_Beer_Man]

I was wondering what Japan will get in return for the huge money that will be spent on the 2020 Olympics?

Not much I think. It will be a big waste of money. The name of the city of Tokyo will enter people's memories all over the world for the 10 years that follow that Olympics, but beyond that, I don't see much in the way of benefits to Japan.

I base my opinion on what's followed the 1988 Seoul Olympics. Did the games cause any positive lasting changes in South Korea? The people there don't speak English any better today because of those games. Also, Seoul is still not a magnet for tourists from around the world. It remains a business city. The 1988 Olympics didn't reunite North and South Korea.

The only good thing that may have happened it that Samsung got better brand recognition around the world.

So, how differently will the Olympics impact Tokyo (compared with Seoul)? I somehow doubt that the people of Tokyo will build a working fluency in English and welcome foreign tourists with open arms. I am also not sure that the city's tourist industry will get a significant boost from having had the Olympics (compared with Seoul). One could easily make a convincing argument that Tokyo offers more entertainment choices than Seoul and most people would agree with that. However, given Tokyo's only fair performance in attracting western tourists, I am not sure if the Olympics will be able to stimulate so much interest in visiting Tokyo from abroad.

Why does Japan want the Olympics? One possible answer is because Japan feels jealous of China's ever increasing influence in the world. The Beijing Olympics were a phenomenal success. A friend of mine who loves the games, said that the Beijing Olympics opening ceremonies were the best he's ever seen. Tokyo probably feels the need to produce opening ceremonies which are more spectacular than Beijing's. Can they do it?

Anyway, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics looks like a high investment with little return.

What do you think?

[Maitoshi]

Yes, waste of money.

[Maitoshi]

Still, not hard to beat the British opening ceremonies, eh?

[steki47]

[Maitoshi]

NOT hard to beat, as in easy to beat.

[steki47]

[rxk22]

For the most part Olympic events aren't profitable to the host country. Especially long term benefits, there are almost none.

Thing is, it is built off the incorrect assumption that the Olympics put's a city/country on the map. It doesn't, or not for long. People have short memories, and don't take it into account when planning a trip.

I bet Japan will lose money on the Olympics. MAYBE a slight boost in tourism will even it out, but I doubt it. Tokyo and Japan are well known throughout the world, so this won't spark a major tourist jump like everyone thinks it will

[RM1983]

Itll make money for some people for sure, mainly the ones that already have more than enough.

[Shonai Ben]

It's a slap in the face to people here in Tohoku in my opinion.The money wasted on these olympics would be better spent rebuilding the damage done by the big quake and tsunami.
There are still many people living in shelters.The nuclear disaster is still not cleaned up.There are still damaged buildings that need to be torn down or rebuilt.......etc.
The list is endless.

[RM1983]

[rxk22]

Agreed, the recent Olympic events, politically seem to be....yeah. I love the events, but hate the politics.


As for Tohoku, I read a little while in a forward earnings statement, either by Mitsui House, oe whatever developer, that their Olympic contracts are expected to raise their profits.

Which is sad, as yes Tohoku needs the wrok, and since the Olympic announcement, a lot of work has shifted back to being done in Tokyo now

[RM1983]

[kzjohn]

[rxk22]

It is one thing for a country to have an Olympics as a coming out event, ala Beijing or Seoul. For Tokyo, they had it already, and everyone knows that Japan is a modern country. Redundant really.


Only good thing, maybe some people will actually get some English studying done. Also, would love to see menus have less spelling and grammatical errors.

[Shimokitazawa]

I've read figures that put the total cost at around US $5 billion.

I'm still in shock that Japan was awarded the Olympics. Not that I really care, because I do not enjoy or follow the Olympics.

However, considering the high level of xenophobia, racism and lack of English language proficiency, the Japanese are not ready for this.

I just hope I'm off for summer vacation and out of the country when the Olympic circus arrives.

Still, my taxes are going to pay for this useless shit.