AdvertisementThe reasons behind Japan’s less-than-ideal readiness to host these pandemic Games may lie in the nation’s early success in curbing the virus and its citizens’ voluntary adherence to the government’s recommended precautions. “Japan started the COVID experience with complacency, there’s no doubt about that,” said Koichi Nakano, professor of political science at Sophia University in Tokyo. He said that Japan’s early performance in the fight against COVID-19 was largely thanks to the efforts of individual citizens being vigilant and cautious, and that the government took undue credit. “Majority of Japanese feel they are being exploited, and their patience and perseverance was not for the Olympics. “This time, Japan will be the most Japanese in these Olympics, trying to be the best of Japan,” he said.

Source: Los Angeles Times July 15, 2021 10:03 UTC