Although I was excited about the Olympics after they started and enjoyed watching many televised events and the superb sportsmanship that was displayed, but those feelings were replaced by exasperation at Japanese broadcasters' incredibly insular, boring and petty coverage. Let me say, first, that I love living in this country and find most of its people friendly and obliging with excellent manners. Coming from Britain, I am well-used to the domestic bias of sporting events, but not with the breathtaking audacity indicative of Japan's groupthink mentality.
At least the BBC or its rivals show a balance of events, including those that are simply exciting. Western logic dictates that people probably would want to watch exciting events, even without the domestically biased pomp and circumstance, but Japanese society does not seem based on logic. Hence I got to watch endless repeats of Kosuke Kitajima and others winning medals, with never-ending commentaries and interviews. More than once I saw repeats of Japanese competitors at the same time on ALL three channels "showing" the Olympics.
What about the new events such as BMX biking, or classic clashes like the Argentina-Brazil soccer match? Not to mention that after-the-pub staple for men the world over -- beach volleyball. In my opinion the Japanese broadcasters should be ashamed of perpetuating Japan's insular (and often outwardly racist) mind-set with this fodder. Isn't it time that NHK, Fuji TV, etc. show us something new and maybe change the world?
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.