Tokyo 2020: the Japanese superfan who spent $ 40,000 on tickets to the Olympics



[ad_1]

He had spent nearly $ 40,000 on 197 tickets for himself and his friends, to cram into as many events as possible during Tokyo 2020, which begins on July 23.

“It took an incredible amount of time, effort and passion,” Takishima told CNN. “But I was so passionate about the Olympics that although it was very difficult and stimulating, I enjoyed the ticket buying process.”

The 45-year-old real estate businessman understood that if he had watched all the events he had booked, he would have broken the Guinness World Record for attending Olympic events. He will now be reimbursed for the tickets he has purchased.

“All I have now is sadness, and every time I look at the tickets I cry,” Takishima said. “I’m just sad.”

READ: Roger Federer withdraws from the Olympics
Takishima attends a hockey match at the London 2012 Olympics.

Takishima’s love for the Olympics began in 2005 when he first attended a figure skating competition and immediately bought tickets to the 2006 Turin Olympics in Italy. He was addicted.

“I went with low expectations,” he said. “But when I saw Shizuka Arakawa win the gold medal, it inspired me so much that I’ve been going to the Olympics ever since.”

He said the drive and passion of all the athletes keeps him coming back.

“When I see their tears of joy at winning the medal, or their tears of frustration at losing, it makes me want to work harder,” he said. “I get that kind of courage and emotion every time I go there.”

And it is the athletes who will suffer the most from the lack of support in the stands, he said.

“It’s a great loss when your family can’t come,” Takishima said. “So I hope everyone cheers them on at least in front of the TV.”

READ: Tokyo Olympics called ‘best ever prepared’ by IOC President as athletes continue to arrive for Games
Takishima still hopes to break the Guinness World Record for participation in the Olympics.

Only members of the media and selected dignitaries will be allowed to watch this year’s Games events, which have been delayed from summer 2020 due to the pandemic.

The decision by Olympic officials to ban spectators was designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Japan has just entered its fourth state of emergency as coronavirus cases increase, with more than 1,000 daily cases reported just in Tokyo this week.

But Takeshima believes the risks are low, especially when millions of people a day still use the metro in Tokyo.

“(The) decision to ban spectators was made on the basis of emotion rather than numbers,” Takishima said. “I think the European countries which organized the football match made the right decision. I am really disappointed with the government and the organizing committee for the Tokyo Olympics.”

“The biggest difference between the UK, US and Japan is that Japan is slow to take political decisions and unable to take risks,” he added.

Despite his disappointment, he says the experience won’t deter him from being an Olympic superfan.

“I will continue to visit and support the Olympics until the day I die,” Takishima said. “While I can still move, I plan to see all the Games from open to close (ceremonies). I can eventually break the record.”

[ad_2]

Source link