Excited about the Olympics? Sentiment is divided among IISJ students about the upcoming Games. Many have tickets to events but are reconsidering their attendance due to the pandemic. 

“I want to go, but the current situation might suggest that I don’t,” said one IISJ sophomore who has tickets to basketball. He spoke to Hibiki on condition of anonymity.  “The country isn’t safe enough to travel around and not everyone is vaccinated. If someone tests positive for the virus, then it’s a high risk,” he added. So, what about his tickets? “If I can’t go, I’ll sell my tickets at a lower price to someone who wants them.”

Anisha Pillai, an IISJ senior who owns tickets to the hockey semi-finals, feels the same. “If the condition around the world improves and we are in a situation where the Olympics can take place, it would be a matter of honor for me to attend the Olympics,” she said. “But no Game is more important than our safety. Thinking of the situation of people around the world, I will reconsider my decision,” she added. 

But it’s tempting. “I will attend the games in person,” said an IISJ sophomore who did not want his name used. “There is a huge difference between watching an event on TV and watching it on the spot.” This student has tickets to basketball, hockey, and soccer. “The Olympics is in Tokyo and…anyone would want to see such a big event,” he said. But given the pandemic, he’s torn in his decision. 

At press time, the Japan Olympic Committee is pressing ahead with the Games with a start date of July 23, 2021.