Looking at the tournament vision on the TOKYO2020 (Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics) website, there is a sentence like this at the beginning.
“Sports have the power to change the world and the future.”
The 1964 Tokyo tournament changed Japan significantly. At the 2020 Tokyo Games, “Everyone aims for personal best (everyone is personal best)” “Each person recognizes each other (diversity and harmony)” “And let’s connect to the future (inheritance to the future)” With the three basic concepts, it will be the most innovative and positive reform tournament in history.
I thought this word was very good. We will change the world and connect it to the future. I sympathized with the message that sports and the Olympics will be used as the drive function. In particular, I strongly felt that diversity and harmony are messages that Japan, which is said to have major challenges in the gender gap, should be prepared to send.
On the other hand, when we look at our society and the sports world, we don’t get the impression that it has changed much. There is no sign that Japan is sending a message that will bring about reforms in the world. Rather, looking around the world, I even get the impression that Japan is steadily lagging behind. What are the challenges in our country that will not change even if we try to change? Why is Japan’s presence so low?
As we approached the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, various attentions were drawn to the sports world. The next generation of players attracted attention and I was very hopeful. On the other hand, many issues that have long existed in the sports world have also come to the fore. Governance issues, corporal punishment, harassment, and gender issues. While the world is aware of the problem and working to achieve gender equality, the board of directors of the Japan Sports Association is less than 90% for men and more than 10% for women.
Each problem has different elements, but I feel the same challenges that are common to the entire sports world (and perhaps society as a whole). It is a lack of culture in which everyone openly and openly discusses what kind of society is ideal, derives principles from the ideals drawn there, and makes decisions according to that axis. Many people agree that we should create a society that is recognized by everyone regardless of gender. However, when trying to put this into practice, many interest adjustments and sontaku to the heavyweights were made, saying that the vision and principles are ideal, and that there are actually various things. The landing point is decided by rubbing the back. I think that a culture in which no one really discusses at the place of discussion, and rather the people who give their opinions are smoky, has hindered the reform of Japan’s development.
So why did it end up like this? I don’t think Japanese society was originally like this. I think there was a time when discussions were more sincere and operated according to the vision. The reason for this is that I have a weak educational culture that nurtures people who take risks and speak and act. And I think the cause is that “adults are not showing the attitude of expressing their opinions.”
Judging according to the principle also means not imposing it as an individual problem. I’m sure that some of the leaders who use corporal punishment are those who think of students. I think Chairman Mori is also making various contributions. However, apart from that, if a statement or action violates the principle, take appropriate measures. The fact that the principle applies regardless of who the other party is is that, on the flip side, treatment is not decided for unreasonable reasons. It means making a promise to follow ideals and principles, not people or air.
Now, Japan is being questioned by the world and the sports world is being questioned by society.
・ Is the ideal (vision) and principle promised to society a true promise?
・ When this principle is violated, can we treat them equally regardless of who they are?
・ Is there anyone who speaks out loud without giving up?
I think that’s what it means.
I think this problem is the structure of society, and it is also a problem within me. Yesterday, silence was said to be in favor, and I strongly regret not giving a clear opinion. We should not take this opportunity to seriously face this issue, create a society where everyone can participate in discussions openly, individuals have the courage to speak out, and they can draw their ideals and change reality properly. Is it? I think that is the embodiment of vision and will be a true legacy.
I oppose any sexism. Then, I request the Board of Directors to consider the treatment of Chairman Mori. (Dai Tamesue) (Nikkan Sports.com / Sports Column “Dai Tamesue University”)
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