For Japan, the Tokyo Olympics have been filled with bumps and potholes and disappointing surprises. A yearlong postponement, the barring of international fans — then all fans — and the hemorrhaging of billions of dollars from lost ticket sales and tourism. Even a typhoon blowing just north on Tuesday provided a storm cloud metaphor they did not need.
Now, the Olympics have lost the athlete who most embodied the hope and joy of the Games. Naomi Osaka, the Japanese tennis superstar who lit the cauldron during the opening ceremony, was eliminated in the third round of the women’s singles tournament.
While the first days of competition have brought some cheer for Japan, the loss of Osaka dealt a sharp emotional blow and generated discussion over the state of her game.
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