{"id":16904,"date":"2022-02-13T11:48:31","date_gmt":"2022-02-13T19:48:31","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.debito.org\/?p=16904"},"modified":"2022-02-13T18:40:19","modified_gmt":"2022-02-14T02:40:19","slug":"japan-govts-kizuna-magazine-beyond-tokyo-2020-leading-the-way-towards-an-inclusive-society-winter-2021-whitewashing-history-and-rewriting-exclusionary-narratives-grounded-in-no-social-s","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/?p=16904","title":{"rendered":"Japan Govt’s “Kizuna” magazine: “Beyond Tokyo 2020 Olympics: Leading the Way towards an Inclusive Society”, Winter 2021: Govt propaganda whitewashing history & rewriting exclusionary narratives"},"content":{"rendered":"

Books, eBooks, and more from Debito Arudou, Ph.D. (click on icon):
\n\"Guidebookcover.jpg\"<\/a>\"japaneseonlyebookcovertext\"<\/a>\"Handbook<\/a>\"\"<\/a>\"\u300c\u30b8\u30e3\u30d1\u30cb\u30fc\u30ba\u30fb\u30aa\u30f3\u30ea\u30fc\u3000\u5c0f\u6a3d\u5165\u6d74\u62d2\u5426\u554f\u984c\u3068\u4eba\u7a2e\u5dee\u5225\u300d\uff08\u660e\u77f3\u66f8\u5e97\uff09\"<\/a>\"sourstrawberriesavatar\"<\/a>\"debitopodcastthumb\"<\/a>\"FodorsJapan2014cover\"<\/a>
\nUPDATES ON TWITTER: arudoudebito
\nDEBITO.ORG PODCASTS on iTunes, subscribe free
\n“LIKE” US on Facebook at http:\/\/www.facebook.com\/debitoorg<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/embeddedrcsmJapan<\/a>
\nhttp:\/\/www.facebook.com\/handbookimmigrants<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/JapaneseOnlyTheBook<\/a>
\nhttps:\/\/www.facebook.com\/BookInAppropriate<\/a><\/p>\n

Hi Blog. \u00a0Getting to this one a bit late, sorry. (Got two more new classes this semester; just starting to get into a semester groove now.)<\/p>\n

Have a look at this Japanese Government article in their “Kizuna<\/a>” Magazine trying to present the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as a liberalizing force, allowing Japan to embrace “inclusivity”.<\/p>\n

Of course, we here at Debito.org are all in favor of inclusivity. \u00a0But when even the data it presents below doesn’t substantiate the headline, you know even the Japanese government is indulging in propagandizing clickbait based on incomplete social science. \u00a0No surprises there, I guess, but let’s parse. \u00a0My comments interspliced within the article:<\/p>\n

\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

PORTRAITS OF JAPAN<\/strong>
\nBEYOND TOKYO 2020: LEADING THE WAY TOWARD AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY<\/strong><\/p>\n

Kizuna Magazine, Winter 2021<\/strong>
\nhttps:\/\/www.japan.go.jp\/kizuna\/_userdata\/pdf\/2021\/winter2021\/beyond_tokyo_2020.pdf<\/a><\/p>\n

The Tokyo 2020 Games, which reached a safe conclusion even under the difficult circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, made a significant step toward the realization of an inclusive society\u2014one in which everyone respects one another regardless of gender, age, or ability.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

(Comment<\/span><\/strong>: \u00a0So the inclusivity is restricted to gender, age, and ability? \u00a0Not nationality, minorities (who were in fact shut out of the Games<\/a>), or other racialized characteristics for Visible Minorities<\/a> in Japan? \u00a0Granted, those three items are good ones, but it’s a narrower scope for “inclusivity” than should be possible or laudable.)<\/p>\n

It was precisely because the world had been facing great difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic that Japan determined to fulfill its responsibility as host country to hold the Tokyo 2020 Games, even without spectators, and to provide the world with a sense of solidarity and to offer hopes and dreams, especially to children, who hold the future in their hands. Firmly intent on making this happen, many people throughout Japan worked in unison, striving to implement measures for safety and security to ensure that Japan bring the Games to a safe conclusion.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

(Comment<\/span><\/strong>: \u00a0Trope check: \u00a0We hardworking Japanese should take a bow for “working in unison” (echoing the wartime sentiment of all Japanese hearts beating in unison without exception) making everything safe and secure for providing the world with hopes and dreams and solidarity. \u00a0Especially the children. \u00a0And according to the first sentence, Japan did this for the world? \u00a0I think more for its sponsors<\/a>, both foreign and particularly domestic.)<\/p>\n

The Tokyo 2020 Games not only moved and inspired many people through sports, but also advanced the Games\u2019 core concept of \u201cUnity in Diversity,\u201d serving to promote the further growth of this movement. The percentage of female athletes participating in the Olympic Games was a record 48.8. Moreover, the number of athletes who identified themselves as LGBTQ+ was reportedly over 180\u2014-more than triple that of the Rio 2016 Games\u2014-and they won more than 55 medals among them. In order to promote gender equality, the number of mixed-gender events was doubled to 18. Seeing men and women teaming up to compete for their country was like a breath of fresh air. The Paralympic Games, which was held in Tokyo for the second time, served as an opportunity to convey to the world and cultivate the \u201cbarrier-free mindset\u201d that is at the foundation of an inclusive society, in which everyone, with or without impairments, can lead a vibrant life.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

(Comment<\/span><\/strong>: \u00a0Ah yes, the “Unity in Diversity” trope that I critiqued for SNA<\/a> last August. \u00a0I will excerpt that below and show how ironic that trope actually was. \u00a0But look at how the article categorizes “diversity”: \u00a0Females. \u00a0LGBTQ+. \u00a0Mixed-gender. \u00a0Paraolympics. \u00a0Nothing about, for example, Visible Minorities.<\/p>\n

But again, this has nothing to do with Japan, and more to do with the Olympic-sponsored events themselves. \u00a0Claiming this as something that we Japanese created is like claiming that Japan promoted better chocolate because Japan hosted a chocolate festival that somebody else created and sponsored. \u00a0And that that better chocolate somehow created mindsets throughout society to make them more inclusive of chocolate, even for those who hate chocolate. \u00a0There’s simply no data to support this assertion that any mindsets changed here, there, or anywhere. \u00a0Then we actually get to their dataset for their claims:)<\/p>\n

Supporting the success of the Games from behind the scenes were more than 70,000 Games volunteers, who ranged in age from 19 to 91. These volunteers, regardless of age, gender, or disability, played the vital role of actuating the concept of \u201cUnity in Diversity\u201d by providing hospitality and supporting athletes and staff from around the world. MIURA Hisashi, who has a hearing impairment, was one of these volunteers. Wanting to contribute in some way to this historic event, he performed reception and maintenance duties, among others, at the residential buildings and fitness center at the Olympic and Paralympic Village. \u201cAs I actively offered my own opinions and shared sign-language skills, my teammates also naturally started to communicate more openly, showing their care for one another using both spoken words and sign language. Ultimately, I felt that we made an excellent team, and were able to fulfill our role. It was also unforgettable to have the chance to communicate with players and staff visiting from all around the world using gestures and body language. I\u2019m glad that I was able to support them, even if only in a small way\u201d, says Miura.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

(Comment<\/span><\/strong>: \u00a0Wow, Miura got a lot of space. \u00a0One guy with a hearing impairment who performed “reception and maintenance duties” leads the way with gestures and body language. \u00a0A diverse sample size of one proves the point that society’s mindsets are changing. \u00a0And that’s basically the meat of the article.)<\/p>\n

Respecting and supporting one another regardless of differences is crucial to the realization of an inclusive society. At this year\u2019s Games, this notion was reiterated to many people throughout the world. Miura says, \u201cThe Tokyo 2020 Games offered an opportunity to make great progress in terms of \u2018Unity in Diversity.\u2019 I am thankful that I was able to make my personal contribution as a volunteer at the Games, and I believe it is important to continue building up such experiences, not just at the Olympics and Paralympics.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

(Comment<\/strong><\/span>: \u00a0Even more space for Miura. \u00a0That’s lazy journalism. \u00a0And it repeats that trope that we Japanese unified to somehow welcome more diverse people, whoever they are.<\/p>\n

Note there’s not even a mention of the truly diverse people involved, notably tennis champ Osaka Naomi lighting the Olympic Cauldron in the Opening Ceremonies. \u00a0I guess that’s not the diversity they’re looking for: \u00a0It doesn’t fall into the “gender, age, and ability” point they’re trying to prove, then don’t.)<\/p>\n

Each of us embracing diversity will create a vitality that will lead to the realization of a world where everyone can live comfortably. The Tokyo 2020 Games were a sure, significant step in that direction.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

ARTICLE ENDS<\/strong><\/p>\n

ARTICLE PHOTOS: Some 11,000 athletes from 205 countries and regions and the Refugee Olympic Team participated in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, giving inspiring performances and setting numerous records. (Photo: Closing ceremony of the Olympic Games, August 8) AFLO SPORTS<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Top: MIURA Hisashi (left), who has a hearing impairment, participated in the Games as a volunteer. Through the assistance of the Nippon Foundation Volunteer Support Center, which provides support to volunteers with impairments, he worked on a team together with an individual (right) who was able to offer sign-language interpretation at the venue to support the athletes. THE NIPPON FOUNDATION VOLUNTEER SUPPORT CENTER<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Bottom: With the help of volunteers, Slovenian sprinter Anita Horvat exits the venue after the competition. Volunteers offered their assistance to athletes and Games personnel not just at the competition venues, but also at various locations around the country. XINHUA\/AFLO<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Left: Tom Daley (foreground), an openly gay athlete who won the gold medal for Great Britain in the men\u2019s synchronized 10-meter platform, told the press, \u201cI\u2019m incredibly proud to say that I\u2019m a gay man and also an Olympic champion.\u201d<\/em><\/strong>
\nPICTURE ALLIANCE\/AFLO<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Top: The Japanese duo of MIZUTANI Jun and ITO Mima won the gold in a new event, mixed doubles table tennis. REUTERS\/AFLO<\/em><\/strong>
\nENDS<\/p>\n

===============================<\/p>\n

As mentioned above, here’s an excerpt of my SNA column of August 16, 2021<\/a> critiquing that “Unity in Diversity” trope:<\/p>\n

===============================<\/p>\n

SNA Visible Minorities; \u00a0Tokyo 2020 Olympics Postmortem<\/strong> (excerpt<\/em>)<\/p>\n

By Debito Arudou<\/strong><\/p>\n

\u2026That\u2019s why I had some pretty low expectations for Tokyo\u2019s Opening Ceremonies on July 21. Scandal after scandal had erupted over Japan\u2019s Olympic Committee abysmal leadership choices, including the creative head cracking fat jokes about a female entertainer, the composer of the ceremony bragging about his history of abusing disabled people, the director of the ceremony making wisecracks about the Holocaust, and, of course, Yoshiro Mori, the octogenarian chair, resigning after sexist remarks.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

After this, how would Japan introduce itself to the world?<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Surprisingly, as a land with some degree of diversity. In prominent positions were people in wheelchairs and Visible Minorities, including hoopster Rui Hachimura as Japan\u2019s flag bearer, Zainichi Taiwanese baseball legend Sadaharu Oh on the torch relay, and of course tennis champ Naomi Osaka having the great honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron. This caused much media buzz about how Japan was finally changing, coming to terms with the reality of its own diversity.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Sadly, I disagree. I would say this represents less a contradiction of Japan\u2019s \u201cmonoethnic society,\u201d more an affirmation of the power of tokenism.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Remember how Tokyo got these Games in the first place: By wheeling out French-Japanese TV announcer Christel Takigawa to give a fluent gaijin-handling presentation about Japan\u2019s mystical prowess in omotenashi hospitality. Once her purpose as a token of diversity was served, she essentially disappeared from the Games, and the old guard took over and reverted to its scandalous form.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The thing is, tokenism isn\u2019t acceptance. At best it\u2019s a way station to your acceptance as an exceptional individual, successful DESPITE your background, and even that depends on whether you\u2019ve fulfilled your assigned purpose. For the Olympics, if we\u2019re putting you center stage, you\u2019d better do your job and win Gold for the nation.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the tokens didn\u2019t win. Osaka was defeated in her third tennis match. Hachimura\u2019s basketball team placed eleventh. Despite Japan\u2019s record haul of medals, as far as I can tell only two Visible Minorities (Aaron Wolf in judo and Kanoa Igarashi in surfing) made it to the podium.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

And Igarashi, US-born resident of Huntington Beach, CA, indicatively promotes himself on his Olympics website entry in classic Olympic \u201cthoroughbred-ism\u201d: \u201cI have so much support here in the USA and America will always be part of who I am. But I\u2019ve grown up with a lifestyle and in a generation where things can seem a bit borderless. And so representing Japan felt like a solid, comfortable decision. My blood is 100% Japanese. That\u2019s something that you don\u2019t change.\u201d<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Good for his bloodline, I guess. But for mongrel non-medalists like Osaka, as the New York Times noted, Japan\u2019s social media pounced, contesting her Japanese language ability, her standing to represent Japan, and even her Japaneseness, all of which mattered much less when she was winning.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

The final straw was when The Daily Beast reported August 4 that Yoshiro Mori had lobbied against Osaka lighting the Olympic cauldron in the first place, in favor of a \u201cpure Japanese man.\u201d With her lackluster performance, no doubt many bigots feel Mori has been vindicated.
\n<\/em><\/strong>EXCERPT ENDS<\/em><\/p>\n

===============================<\/p>\n

“Unity in Diversity” indeed. \u00a0Debito Arudou, Ph.D.<\/p>\n

The article itself is available as a screen capture here (click to expand):<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n

======================
\nDo you like what you read on Debito.org? \u00a0Want to help keep the archive active and support Debito.org’s activities? \u00a0Please consider donating a little something. \u00a0More details here<\/a>. Or if you prefer something less complicated, just click on an advertisement below.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Have a look at this Japanese Government article in their “Kizuna” Magazine trying to present the Tokyo 2020 Olympics as a liberalizing force, allowing Japan to embrace “inclusivity”. \u00a0Of course, we here at Debito.org are all in favor of inclusivity. \u00a0But when even the data it presents below doesn’t substantiate the headline, you know even the Japanese government is indulging in propagandizing clickbait based on incomplete social science. \u00a0No surprises there, I guess, but let’s parse the article. Here’s the opening, with my comment:
\n\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/<\/p>\n

PORTRAITS OF JAPAN
\nBEYOND TOKYO 2020: LEADING THE WAY TOWARD AN INCLUSIVE SOCIETY
\nKizuna Magazine, Winter 2021
\nhttps:\/\/www.japan.go.jp\/kizuna\/_userdata\/pdf\/2021\/winter2021\/beyond_tokyo_2020.pdf<\/p>\n

The Tokyo 2020 Games, which reached a safe conclusion even under the difficult circumstances presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, made a significant step toward the realization of an inclusive society\u2014one in which everyone respects one another regardless of gender, age, or ability.<\/p>\n

(Comment from Debito: \u00a0So the inclusivity is restricted to gender, age, and ability? \u00a0Not nationality, minorities (who were in fact shut out of the Games), or other racialized characteristics for Visible Minorities in Japan? \u00a0Granted, those three items are good ones, but it’s a narrower scope for “inclusivity” than should be possible or laudable.)<\/p>\n

Article continues, and so do I…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[67,36,22,50,12,26,4,13,60,11,65,17,53],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-16904","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-embedded-racism","category-bad-social-science","category-cultural-issue","category-gaiatsu","category-immigration-assimilation","category-ironies-hypocrisies","category-japanese-government","category-media","category-nj-voices-ignored","category-problematic-foreign-treatment","category-racist-images-in-media","category-sport","category-unsustainable-japanese-society"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16904","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=16904"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16904\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":17005,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/16904\/revisions\/17005"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=16904"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=16904"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.debito.org\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=16904"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}