The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.13.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 12; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening_21.html

Pictogram Round.

Within the Olympics each sport is represented by a Pictogram. A little picture telling you what it is.

So the Sailing events are represented by a little picture of a sailing boat. The Cycling events are represented by a little picture of a bicycle. And so forth. 

This tradition began at the 1964 Summer Olympics. Held in Tokyo, Japan.

It was introduced as a way to help visitors cope with Japan's pretty impenetrable written language. 

Known as; "Kanji" written Japanese is also pictographic. Each word is represented by a little picture.

The Japanese word for; "Tree" is; "Ki." 

It is written as a single vertical line. With a horizontal line around two thirds of the way up. With two diagonal lines reaching down from the top. Like branches.

It is literally a picture of a tree.

The Japanese word for; "Forest" is; "Mori." It is written as two of the symbols for Tree.

Literally a group of more than one tree.

The Roman or Latin alphabet is made up of 26 individual characters.

The Arabic alphabet is slightly longer. Being made up of 28 individual characters.

The Cyrillic or Russian alphabet is slightly longer still. Made up of 33 individual characters.

Written Japanese is made up of more than 2,800 individual characters.

Made up of the 1,945 characters of Joyo Kanji. 285 characters of Jinmei Kanji. Along with 587 characters which are not included on either list.

Obviously not having an alphabet. In the sense of the Roman, Arabic or Cyrillic alphabets. Japanese doesn't really have a concept of alphabetical order.

Instead their list of characters are arranged according to the number of lines or; "Strokes" they include.

This is done through the; "System of Kanji Indexing by Pattern (SKIP)."

The first thing you have to do is look at how the strokes in the character can be divided;

1. Left and Right.

2. Top and Bottom.

3. Enclosed. As if part of the character was sitting in a box.

4. Other. Characters which can't be divided into any of the three categories.

You then count the number of strokes in each part of the division. The number of strokes in the left-hand side along with the number of strokes in the right-hand side.

This leaves you with a SKIP code.

Take for example; "Haiku." A type of poem that is probably one of the most widely known Japanese words.

The character for Haiku can be divided between Left and Right. So has the number 1. 

There are 2 strokes on the left-hand side of the division and 8 strokes on the right-hand side of the division.

Giving Haiku the SKIP code 1-2-8.

During the games. Along with my continuing, delayed coverage. My paywall readers have been deluged with so much more information on just this topic.

That has turned this section into a further mockery. Of the US/UK and their clumsy attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Throughout the US/UK's overriding objective. At the expense of all other objectives. 

Has been to prove that I'm insane. 

The belief that I have a secret relationship with Miley Cyrus. Who hides secret messages in her Instagram posts being evidence of such.

In the US/UK's extremely disordered thought process. 

They believe that this will erase the last 20 years of evidence and prove, once and for all. That they've been the sane ones all along.

Obviously though. Even they know they can't say that out loud.

So instead they've been arguing that Miley Cyrus and I can't speak to each other directly. Using Direct Messages (DM) or email etc.

As that would be a secret.

Nobody else would be able to see. As the mysteries of Miley Cyrus' rumoured bisexuality is revealed.

Meanwhile. I've been using it as an opportunity to teach everyone Japanese.

That is something I used to do with my lesbian best friend. Before meeting our bisexual girlfriend. Forming the World Famous Thrupple.

We sat around smoking a lot of Marijuana or; "Ma." Trying and failing to teach each other Japanese.

So that's why I've been unable to use Instagram. Since the big crash of October 4th (4/10/21).

The US/UK are trying, and failing, to make sure that any direct communication I would have with Miley Cyrus would be secret.

So they can go back to arguing that Miley Cyrus and I couldn't possibly be allowed to speak to each other directly.

Although I periodically offer them the question of whether they would like to correct their mistake. As it is so obvious that they are absolutely desperate for my help.

I've more-or-less just told them to p*ss off.

If I can't speak to Miley Cyrus directly. You know, that thing humans do. 

Then there really isn't much I can do for her. Meaning there's no point wasting time on it.

A sane person would really have known that.

However the Japanese hosts didn't know that I was going to start a language lesson. Until about 20 minutes before the Opening Ceremony began.

Meaning it was probably the one section of the Opening Ceremony that wasn't intended as a savage mockery of the US and UK. 

In settling on the idea of Pictograms. Ahead of the 1964 Summer Games. The Japanese hosts clearly looked at their language and thought;

"Let's really dumb this down for the foreigners."

Although I have absolutely no evidence to support it. I have often wondered whether it is the sheer complexity of the Japanese language. 

Which has led to them being, possibly, the most educationally and technologically advanced nation on Earth. 

The mind expanding power of having to cram all of that information into your brain. From a very young age.

At around 16:25 on 25/10/21 (UK date) I'll pick this up later. 

Edited at around 17:55 on 26/10/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;

With all of the letters in their vast alphabet being little pictures. Written Japanese is very artistic. To write any word you literally have to draw a series of little pictures.

Not only are the characters ordered by the number of strokes in them. Those strokes are supposed to be applied or written in a specific and precise order.

For example in the word; "Tree/Ki." 

You start by drawing the horizontal line/stroke. You then draw the vertical line/stroke. Followed by the left-hand side branch line/stroke. Finally you draw right-hand side branch line/stroke. 

As a result people who know how to handwrite in Japanese. Tend to be very good at drawing. Making Japan a World leader in traditional animation.

Combined with the level of educational and technological advancement. Which I remain convinced is a direct result of their language.

Japan has also become a World leader in computer animation. Computer Generated Imagery (CGI).

It's actually a huge (friendly) rivalry between Japan and South Korea. Over which country is the best at animation and CGI.

Whatever the animated TV show you've been watching. Wherever it claims to come from in the World. It has been animated in either South Korea or Japan.

Supposedly American TV shows like; "The Simpsons" or; "Family Guy." South Korea enjoys a special relationship with Family Guy.

The same goes for almost all video games.

Using their advanced technical expertise. Japan has decided to update the pictograms for the 2020 games. Making moving pictograms.

The sequence began with a short computer generated animation. 

Telling us the story of how the pictograms came into being at the 1964 games. Then have been used at every games since. It ended by showing us the new, moving, 2020 pictograms.

When the animation ended we returned to the arena. Where the Japanese physical comedy group Gamarjobat had set themselves a challenge.

To act out live versions of 50 of the pictograms. In the space of 4 minutes.

This sequence could only be described as; "Frenetic." 

With urgent music and shaky camera work adding to the sense of jeopardy. As we watched breathlessly to see if the physical challenge could be completed in time.

Some people have likened this to a Japanese TV gameshow. Or what is actually, more often, the gameshow sequence in a much longer Japanese TV variety show.

I think the most globally famous example is; "Takeshi's Castle." Which was sold to more than 30 countries.

Takeshi's Castle was hosted by Takeshi Kitano. Who also featured in the year 2000 movie; "Battle Royale." 

Along with the movie the gameshow was part of that shortlived western obsession with Japan and Japanese culture. Seemingly inspired by Buffy the Vampire Slayer and that Samurai sword attack on a British Church.

A lot of people have commented on the apparent cruelty of Japanese gameshows. There does seem to be an attitude that it's not really entertainment unless someone is really suffering.

Gamarjobat certainly seemed to be suffering. As they raced through their physical challenge.

However I think the sequence also served as an introduction to the pace life in Tokyo itself.

This was something Japan brought up in their section of the 2016 Olympic Closing Ceremony. Held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil those games had something of a laid-back, sitting on the beach sort of atmosphere to them.

Japan tried to warn people that the Tokyo games were going to be the polar opposite of that. 

They did this by showing the pedestrian "scramble" crossing in the Shibuya district. One of the more globally famous Tokyo landmarks.

The Shibuya Crossing sits outside two Tokyo railway stations. Shibuya Station and Shinjuku Station. 

They are used by 6 million commuters each and every day. Many of whom then battle each other and the traffic across the Shibuya Crossing.

It's often said that America's New York City is; "The City That Never Sleeps."

In that case then Tokyo is a city that has been experiencing a 75 year manic episode.

Or at least that's what visitors to the Olympics would have experienced. If the pandemic hadn't locked down the city just before the games.

The 2020 pictograms were done in the two-tone Imperial Purple/White colour scheme of the Ichimatsu Moro/Harmonised Chequered 2020 emblem.

The first 15 pictograms tackled featured only one figure. Even if they were representing team sports.

So they were acted out by a single performer. In an Imperial Purple/Blue costume with their head fully covered. To represent the anonymous, androgynous stick-figure of the pictogram.

In keeping with the style of the pictogram the figure also wore a tightly fitting white jacket. Giving the whole outfit a sense of a Fencing uniform.

The single performer was accompanied by an assistant. Dressed in the same costume. Only all in white. To give the impression of them being hidden in the white background of the pictogram.

This invoked to the Geometric Progression element of the Ichimatsu Moro logo. The never ending rhythm between Purple and White.

As I discussed in that section. To the people of Bali this checkerboard pattern is known as; "Saput Poleng." It is used to symbolise the balance in the Universe. Light and Dark. Good and Evil etc.

In that way it is similar to the "Ying Yang" symbol. Probably the most famous symbol from Taoism. It to symbolises the balance in the Universe.

However a lot of people assume the Ying Yang symbolises just one example of balance. Between Male and Female.

Along the androgynous figures themselves. Suggesting the Universe demands one Male and one Female for a relationship to be balanced. 

Would allow you to really wind up the gay-rights for gays mob. 

Along with the slower nations; America, Canada, New Zealand. Who think Transgender athletes are still an ongoing debate within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

It also reminded me of the SKIP system by which Japanese is organised. 

First you divide the character. Then by casting the light of your gaze you count the strokes in one part of the character. While the other part of the character is cast into darkness.

The figure in white wasn't the only assistant the single performer had. As the camera work became ever more shaky you started catching glimpses of stagehands being caught in the edge of shot.

On the 25th pictogram one of these stagehands. In his baseball cap, cargo shorts and polo shirt was caught dead centre of the shot. 

Making you think they'd made a terrible mistake. Failed their challenge.

Then the camera zoomed in on the logo on his polo shirt. It was the sailing boat! The 26th pictogram!

Pictograms 15 through to 17 were not acted out live. Instead there was a seamless cut to a pre-recorded video.

Those pictograms were shown using only the performer's hands. Sort of like the shadow puppets you would make against a wall.

Some people have said that this was an example of; "Finger Tutting." A style of modern "Street" dance which particularly focuses on hand movements.

I though think it was a reference to; "Bunraku." A form of Japanese puppet theatre which is commonly mistaken for; "Kabuki." More on that later.

The pictograms for the Equestrian events (27-29) were also done in this Finger Tutting/Bunraku style. 

They were particularly highlighted by a change in the music. Which contained elements of the song; "Camptown Races."

Due to its frequent use in "Black and White Minstrel Shows" complete with; "Blackface." Camptown Races considered quite racist. Particularly in America.

It seemed included here to troll the particularly US element. Particularly the Black Lives Matter element. Of the US/UK effort to clumsily hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

As I said. About 20 minutes before the start of the Opening Ceremony. Through to me getting shutout of Instagram. I'd been giving my paywall readers Japanese lessons.

In the several months prior to that. I'd been giving them lessons in the Cavaletti method of horse training.

This involves using logs or small fences. To teach a horse how to control things like pace and stride length.

These basic skills are useful in everything to do with horses. However they are particularly on display in Olympic Equestrian events such as Dressage. 

Specifically the method I was teaching everyone. Was the one pioneered by Reiner Klimke. Who won Gold in Dressage at the 1964 Tokyo games.

This was a massive running joke throughout the Equestrian qualifiers. 

It even played a role in Bruce Springsteen's daughter, Jessica Springsteen. Being selected for the American Equestrian team.

This joke, of course, made an utter mockery of the US/UK's claim. That Miley Cyrus and I couldn't possibly speak to each other directly.

As that would be a secret!

That mockery was continued here. 

The pictogram for "Eventing (29)." Doesn't show Eventing. It shows the Cavaletti method.

At around 18:15 on 26/10/21 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow.

Edited at around 17:20 on 28/10/21 (UK date) to tidy up a bit and copy & paste;

At the 30th pictogram, Canoe Slalom, the sequence returned to live action in the arena.

From the 32nd pictogram, Rowing, they started to show pictograms which included two figures. 

So they brought in a second performer. Dressed in the same Imperial Purple/Blue costume with a White jacket.

At the 33rd pictogram the two performers disappeared behind a White barrier. They would then alternate popping up to show pictograms where only one figure was represented.

On the 41st pictogram the sequence seamlessly cut to a pre-recorded video. To showcase Japan's ability to move seamlessly between live action and pre-recorded video.

The pictograms shown dealt with the Martial Arts of Kumite and Kata, the two of the three disciplines of Karate. Along with the Martial Art of Judo. 

All of which Japan are extremely proud of. Having invented them.

For these pictograms the Imperial Purple/Blue performers wore traditional Karate/Judo uniforms; "Gi."

They stripped off those Gi to represent the pictogram for Wrestling. Greco-Roman Wrestling. Not the Sumo Wrestling Japan invented and prefers.

During this video sequence the White-clad helper started to become more prominent and active. 

Taking on the role of the Referee during the bouts. Even kneeling in a Japanese style during the Wrestling pictogram.

It was the White-clad helper who tapped the Imperial Purple/Blue clad performers on the shoulder. Then rushed them out of the video back to the live action for the final 6 pictograms.

For the 50th and final pictogram, Triathlon. The White-clad helper donned a hat with an Imperial Purple/Blue brim and a white crown. To form the head of the swimmer in the pictogram.

The sequence ended with both of the Imperial Purple/Blue-clad performers and the White-clad helper standing on the medal podium.

The performer in Imperial Purple/Blue fencing outfit was in 1st place. The performer in the Purple/Blue Gi was in 2nd place. While the White-clad helper was in 3rd place.

Although it is difficult to tell. Given the deliberately androgynous nature of the costumes. I suspect that the helper was female. While the two performers were male.

The fed into that recurring theme of these games. Improving rights for women with Japanese society.

It showed the woman finally getting her credit. Unlike the Daiku workgang boss in the Rose of Allendale sequence. Unlike so many women in Japanese society.

It also served as a little tribute to all the games volunteers. The people who work quietly in the background to make the games happen.

It could also be viewed as a reference to The World Famous Thrupple.

Any mention of which inevitably mocks the US/UK's clumsy attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

The notion that I or the World would be shocked from its axis. By the rumour that Miley Cyrus may be bisexual.

Comedy Control Room.

This sequence showed the famous Japanese comedian Hitori Gekidan. Essentially mucking about in an empty TV control room.

This was a reference to Japan's decision not to start the Opening Ceremony with the traditional countdown.

Obviously there is no longer a need for a Countdown as TV broadcast technology has advanced so much since the tradition began. Computerisation has left TV control rooms looking as empty as the one Hitori Gekidan was mucking about in.

The very 1960's style of this TV control room. Saw it resemble the NASA Mission Control. 

As you may have seen depicted in the 1995 movie; "Apollo 13." Or the 1998 TV show; "From The Earth To The Moon."

As was discussed during the Fun With Flags I section. At the end of the Second World War Japan had its current "Peace Constitution" imposed on it.

Article 9 sees Japan give up its right to resolve disputes through war. Along with the right to possess offensive weapons. Such as ballistic missiles.

Ballistic missiles and space rockets are really the same thing. Differing only in what you put at the top of them.

One of the leading figures in NASA's space program was the German scientist Wernhar Von Braun. 

Despite many people thinking he should have been hung for Crimes Against Humanity. In his role as the head of Nazi Germany's V2 missile program. All the slave labour that involved.

So Japan has never been permitted to participate in space exploration. Which must be frustrating for them. Given their technological dominance in all other areas.

To give you an idea of how frustrated the Japanese seem. The key year in the Space Race was 1969. With Apollo 11 landing on the Moon.

In 1969 Japan established Kanamara Matsuri. The Festival of the Steel Penis.

A joke that it seems to have taken Jeff Bezos and Blue Origin 52 years to catch up with. 

Part of Hitori Gekidan's mucking about involved him flicking various switches. Apparently not knowing what they did.

As Hitori Gekidan flicked each switch. Unbeknown to him it would have an effect in the arena. Turning on or off various lights or changing their colour.

Something of a neat trick. Sequencing the live lighting changes with the pre-recorded video.

At one point Hitori Gekidan draw on a digital drawing pad. What was eventually revealed to be a funny face appeared on the big screen in the arena in real time.

The way that these black strokes were applied. Was a reference to the artistic nature of written Japanese.

However it was also a show of support for Russia. Against the US and the IOC's hate campaign against the country.

At the Opening Ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics. The Russian hosts had various sculptures and objects hanging from the arena ceiling.

They used light to create a shadow drawing of a massive penis on the arena floor.

A really technically sophisticated way. Of making a really childish joke.

Which only served to make it even funnier.

Eventually Hitori Gekidan's boss taps him on the shoulder.

In keeping with the recurring theme of the games. Improving rights for women within Japanese society.

It was a female boss.

Specifically Shizuka Arakawa. A very famous Japanese Figure Skater. Who won Gold at the 2006 Winter Olympics. Held in Turin, Italy.

Silently Shizuka Arakawa told her incompent male employee, Hitori Gekidan. To stop messing about and start the show. By finding and pressing the right button.

And by; "Button" we mean; "Clitoris."

After fumbling about for a while it was clear that Hitori Gekidan couldn't find the button. So it fell to Shizuka Arakawa to find and press the button herself.

With the flick of a switch the video started showing the lights come on across Tokyo. Lighting up the Olympic Venues and landmarks to a soundtrack of Soft Jazz.

Which reminded me of the famous opening titles of US TV show; "Saturday Night Live (SNL)." 

Another little swipe at them. For making the mistake of participating in the US/UK's clumsy effort to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

As was discussed at the 2021 Oscars. Movies such as; "Ma Rainey's Black Bottom" and; "The United States Vs Billie Holiday." Along with at the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

Jazz music was invented by Black Americans in the 1920/30's. Jazz and Blues, through genres such as Ska and Reggae, are really the basis for all popular music in the west and, by extension, globally.

The invention of Jazz music also really demonstrates the divergent fortunes of Black Americans. In the years following the US Civil War (1861-1865). Really through to the present day.

Black Americans in the Republican controlled Northern States were free. Leading to a huge explosion in Black American culture. 

Meanwhile Black Americans in the Southern States remained under the yoke of the Democrats. Oppressed by Jim Crow laws they were not free to achieve in the way Republicans were.

By its nature Jazz is non-conformist. Songs are not written in advance but improvised by the musicians on the day. 

The notion of a Jazz record is really a contradiction. More than any other it is a genre of music that must be experienced live.

Japanese society has an extremely conformist culture. So it is odd that they have really embraced Jazz. Introduced by US troops stationed there in the 1940/50's.

It is interesting to see how Japan has taken this very wild, non-conformist style of music. 

Turning it into the very safe, soft version being displayed here. Along with really anywhere else you will go in Japan's nightlife.

That touches on another recurring theme of these games.

Japan's insular society's intense distrust of outsiders. A relic of their "Locked State (Sakoku) Policy" of the Edo Period.

Particularly the tension with Black outsiders. Particularly Black African outsiders. 

Who not only physically really stand out in a crowd. Also tend to come from a cultural background that couldn't be more different from Japan's.

Something which, like improving rights for women in Japanese society. Japan feels it needs to have a conversation with itself about. 

 

To be continued in Part 14.

17:50 on 28/10/21 (UK date).

 

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.12

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 11; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening.html

Opening Speeches. 

It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) protocol that each Opening Ceremony must contain two speeches.

One given on behalf of the IOC. The other given on behalf of the National Organising Committee.

As with the Athletes Parade this isn't a section that requires much coverage by me. The meaning is normally just the meaning of the words used.

The IOC speech was given by its President, Thomas Bach.

He spoke about the journey that Japan has been on in delivering these games. 

It was awarded to them back in 2013. As a way to chart the nation's recovery from the March 2011 Earthquake, Tsunami and Nuclear disaster.

Bach went on to compare this to the journey the World has been on due to the pandemic. The grief and the challenges.

He congratulated the athletes on overcoming those challenges. Finally being able to come together after such a long period of Social Distancing and isolation.

Bach also paid special attention to the Refugee team. Something which would, almost immediately, prove highly embarrassing. Both for him personally and for the IOC in general.

Finally Thomas Bach built on the theme of; "Togetherness." To highlight the new, more inclusive Olympic Oath. Which now includes the word; "Together."

The National Organising Committee speech was given by its President, Seiko Hashimoto.

Hashimoto too spoke about the challenges of the pandemic. Thanking medical workers.

She though particularly focused on the challenges Japan has faced. Recovering from the "3/11" disaster. Then having to deal with the first postponement of a games in Olympic history.

Hashimoto also mentioned the official title of the Opening Ceremony; "Unity in Diversity." Declaring it to mean peace and respect for one another.

In what would prove a pointed reference to Bach's focus on the Refugee team. Hashimoto spoke about those who are still waiting for a glimpse of reality.

Hashimoto also specifically mentioned the Olympic Truce. Which I cited as my excuse for not continuing my coverage of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in the days leading up to the games.

Seiko Hashimoto took over the role of NOC President late on. Being the woman who replaced Yoshiro Mori.

As was discussed during the "Media Clowns I" section. 

Yoshiro Mori's resignation came in response to his comments. That women shouldn't be included in the NOC because they talk too much during meetings.

This was a contribution to that recurring theme of the games. Improving rights for women within Japanese society.

So I found it interesting that some sections of Japanese society. Commented on how Seiko Hashimoto seemed emotional during her speech. Comments such as you being able to hear the emotion in her voice.

Reflective of the attitude represented by Yoshiro Mori. That women can't be trusted with big decisions because they're too emotional.

After the speeches the official Opening Declaration was made by Emperor Naruhito.

Fun With Flags II.

It is also a matter of IOC protocol. That each Opening Ceremony must include the raising of the Olympic Flag and a playing of the Olympic Anthem. 

The sequence began with a wide, outside shot of the arena itself. The white lit circle giving the impression of the Moon rising.

In reference to an Irish rebel song; "The Rising of the Moon." Which is about the 1798 Wolfe Tone Rebellion against British Colonial rule.

However listening to it now it sounds so gay. All about men meeting up in secret at night. To compare their pikes and polish each other's helmets.

The song was heavily referenced by Latvia during the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. In protest against Britain's sickening attack on both the European Union (EU) and Belarus.

Theobold Wolftone was arrested after his rebellion and sentenced to death. However he committed suicide in prison before he could be executed.

Highlighting that it would be a suicide move. For anyone in the EU or Belarus to support Britain's attack against them.

The Olympic Flag was carried into the arena by six flag-bearers. 

Representing the five continents and the Refugee team. Many were chosen because they are both Olympians and medical professionals.

Asia were represented by Kento Momota. A Japanese Badminton player.

Oceania were represented by Elena Galibovitch. An Australian shooter and Doctor.

The Americas were represented by Paula Pareto. An Argentine Judoka and Doctor.

Africa were represented by Mehdi Essadiq. A Moroccan Triathlete.

Europe were represented by Paola Egonu. A Volleyball player who was born in Nigeria but is now an Italian citizen.

The Refugee team were represented by Cyrille Tchatchet. A Weightlifter and Mental Health Nurse.

Cyrille Tchatchet's inclusion was of particular significance. 

A refugee from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) he now lives in Brighton, UK. Where I used to live. Apparently he overcame homelessness to qualify as a Mental Health Nurse and Olympian.

It is a symptom of Britain's complete withdrawal from reality. That apparently I'm not someone who has been at the very top of their chosen profession for the past 20 years.

Someone who is so widely known and respected. That they have large, global events dedicated entirely to them.

Apparently all that is just a symptom of my mental illness.

If I work really, really hard Britain might be able to help me recover to the point I'm able to work as something like a Mental Health Nurse.

The inclusion of Cyrille Tchatchet. In a large, global event dedicated almost entirely to me.

Should really have underlined to Britain and the IOC. Just how insane they sound at this point.

It is certainly not a rational thought process. 

Having to select someone to represent me at a large, global event. To prove that I'm not someone so widely known and respected. That they have large, global events dedicated to them. 

The Olympic Flag was then handed to six Tokyo essential workers. 

Although they have not been credited. I think that amongst the medical professionals there were also other essential workers. Supermarket workers and refuse collectors.

Finally the Olympic Flag was raised by a Flag Detail made up of all three branches of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF). 

Continuing the recurring theme of improving rights for women in Japanese society. This Flag Detail was clearly gender-balanced. With three men on one side and three women on the other.

The Olympic Anthem was performed by a symphony orchestra. 

As with the symphony orchestra used during the Athlete's Parade. This touched on both the BBC Proms issue raised the "Rose of Allendale" sequence and Quantum String Theory.

The Olympic Anthem was also sung by a children's choir. Made up of children from Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushimi Prefectures. The three worst affected by the 3/11 Disaster.

The children were dressed in uniforms intended to invoke memories of; "Sailor Moon."

Originally titled; "Pretty Soldier Sailor Moon" this an animated (Manga) Japanese TV show. Which ran from 1992 to 1997. It was exported globally making it one of Japan's most successful cultural exports.

Sailor Moon tells the story of an under-achieving middle-school (12-15 years old) girl, Usagi Tsukino. Who meets a cat who gives her magical superpowers. Which she uses to battle the evil forces of the; "Dark Kingdom."

It is another symptom of Britain's complete withdrawal from reality. That it genuinely believes that it has magical superpowers.

When it was exported to western countries, particularly America. Sailor Moon caused some controversies.

It actually included a lesbian couple. Sailor Uranus (Haruka Tenou) and Sailor Neptune (Michiru Kaiou). 

As with the "Willow" character in "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." This was deemed an inappropriate sexualisation of children beneath the age of sexual consent. So the show was edited to portray them as cousins rather than lovers.

There was also much concern over the showing of children, beneath the age of sexual consent in the nude. Meaning that some scenes needed to be cut entirely and the water darkened in bathing scenes.

It must be said that Japanese society has a widely accepted sexual fetish for schoolgirls. Particularly their clothing and underwear.

Known as; "Burusera" this is catered for by many shops. Along with public vending machines where you can buy used school girl underpants, swimming costumes, tampons and sanitary towels.

As with issues like Japanese attitudes towards menstruation and miscarriage. Or Japanese attitudes towards race. This is a wider, societal topic that I don't feel particularly qualified to comment on.

However I suspect part of it stems from their pornography laws.

Up until 2014 there was really only one pornography law in Japan. You could show whatever you liked. As long as you didn't show pubic hair.

This not only allowed for child pornography. It seemed to actively encourage it.

It is part of the journey that Japan has been on in preparation for the Olympics. 

That they overhauled their pornography laws in 2014. To bring them more into live with their peers in the G7 group of nations.

I think it is also fed by the wider traditional attitude to women in Japanese society. That women are supposed to innocent and subservient to men.

Pubescent girls begin to show physical sexual characteristics. Along with a burgeoning interest in sex. However they are much more naive and easier to dominate than adult women.

I have now spotted an error I made in the previous part. It was this section which ended with paper Doves falling like ash. 

As a recorded version of the traditional Japanese folk song; "Wings To Fly" (Tsubasa Wo Kadasai) by Britain's Susan Boyle was played.

Media Clowns II.

There was then another quick intermission. By the Media Clowns who had acted out harassing the director earlier.

This time they were shown in a wide shot. With the presenter standing on stage. In front of a crew including a camera operator, boom mic operator and someone holding cue cards.

This type of shot is almost the signature of the US TV show; "Saturday Night Live (SNL)."

Specifically it was referencing the May 2021 episode of SNL. Which featured Miley Cyrus and Elon Musk.

The only believable explanation for doing this. Was to introduce Miley Cyrus to Elon Musk. 

So the three of us could work on developing a technological "Safe Space." In which my relationship with Miley Cyrus could develop.

After all. Clearly nothing else happened as a result.

 

To be continued in Part 13.

17:10 on 21/10/21 (UK date). 

 

 

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt. 11.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 10; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/09/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening_28.html

The Harmonised Chequered sequence began with large rectangular boxes. Being wheeled around the arena floor by children.

The Ceremony's Opening Animation featured drawings of many three dimensional shapes. Both hand drawn and computer animated.

They were intended to resemble toy building blocks. 

The sort of thing you would give to a child at the Kindergarten level of education. To teach them about shapes and spacial awareness.

This was to highlight the educational level that Miley Cyrus and her US/UK captors are stuck at.

The rectangular boxes used in this sequence are even less complicated than the shapes used in the Opening Animation.

They're all the same shape. The shape that has got to be the easiest to fit together. The one that requires the least amount of spatial awareness.

This was done to highlight that we'd over estimated Miley Cyrus and her US/UK captors in the Opening Animation. They've not even made it as far as the Kindergarten level of education.

A point really underlined by the very young children. Who were managing to move the shapes around and fit them together.

It was also a direct, intentional reference to a sequence in the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang in the Republic of Korea (RoK/South).

The overriding, recurring theme of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Was the US Democrat Party's attempt to rig the 2016 US Election in their favour.

They attempted this by simply copying the rigging of the 2012 South Korean Election. By the Saenuri (Liberty Korea) Party of Park Geun-hye.

This saw outgoing South Korean President Lee Myung-bak decide that there was going to be "Foreign Interference" in the election. Specifically from the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK/North).

Lee Myung-bak then set up a specialist unit within South Korea's equivalent of the FBI. To monitor Social Media during the election campaign.

This specialist unit had a clear mission.

To declare any criticism of Lee Myung-bak's designated successor, Park Geun-hye, to be "Foreign Interference" and remove it.

Along with declaring any support for the opponent, Moon Jae-in, to also be "Foreign Interference" and remove it.

Ahead of the 2016 US Election the Democrats, specifically Joe Biden, simply swapped the words; "North Korea" for; "Russia."

The Cauldron at the 2018 Winter games was designed to look like a; "War Machine." From the H.G Wells novel; "The War of the Worlds."

Orson Welles 1938 radio broadcast of War of the Worlds. Is widely considered to be the greatest media hoax ever played on the American public.

Or it used to be. Until the 2016 "Foreign Interference" hoax. 

Although even that seems to have been surpassed now. By the entirely baseless claim of a President Joe Biden.

The specific sequence from the 2018 Opening Ceremony this sequence was referencing. Was a sequence I named; "Beaten Black & Blue."

It featured large, rectangular frames being wheeled around the arena floor.

At one point they lined up to form a sort of doorway or tunnel. At others they were as chaotic as an M.C. Escher painting.

This was a reference to the issue of; "Reunification." Between North and South Korea. All the complexities that involves.

Japan was referencing it here. To show strong and clear support for South Korea. Possibly even North Korea.

Against the threat to the region presented by America. Particularly one that is still trying to pretend Joe Biden is its President.

As these boxes were wheeled around the arena they, momentarily. Resembled the famous "Stonehenge."

Located in the British county of Wiltshire. Close to my mothers' home city of Salisbury.

This was done in mockery of Britain. 

The Novichok Nerve Agent attack it carried out against Salisbury. In that gap between the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics.

One of the immediate, serious problems caused by Nerve Agent poisoning is Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS).

So you can't help but wonder if Britain's stupidity angered the Universe, Wu Xing, Tree of Life, Quantum Field etc so much. That it sent COVID-19 back as punishment.

After all. It absolutely came into being as I was having lunch with my mothers. In a Salisburt restaurant.

As they were being wheeled around these boxes also teased the Harmonised Chequered emblem. Forming to resemble its fan inspired shape.

The emblem itself was then unveiled. In the form of a flag.

In reference to how fans were once used in Japan for battlefield communication. Rather like how European militaries used flags and Semaphore.

We then leapt dramatically forward. In both time and technology.

With the emblem being formed by 1,826 Artificial Intelligence (AI) controlled drones. In the night sky above the arena.

This, obviously, showcased Japan's incredible technical prowess. They are the first people to have ever done this successfully at an Olympics.

You could also interpret it as an attempt to tease Japan's great regional ally and rival. South Korea.

South Korea announced that it was going to use AI controlled drones to unveil the Olympic Rings. In that section of the 2018 Opening Ceremony. They were though unable to deliver.

So it does look like Japan succeeding where South Korea failed. 

However South Korea never intended to use AI drones to form the Olympic Rings. They always intended to fail, blaming it on the; "Olympic Destroyer" computer virus. 

Feeding into the recurring theme of the US Democrat Party's attempt to rig the 2016 US Election in their favour.

Needless to say. The people who pushed the lie of Russian Interference in the 2016 US Election. 

Immediately declared the Olympic Destroyer virus to be a Russian Cyber-attack. Retaliation for the IOC's hate campaign against them.

In doing so those people fell into the trap the South Koreans had laid for them. Koreans really do enjoy pranking foreigners.

After forming the shape of the Harmonised Chequered emblem. The drones then reformed themselves, using AI. Into the shape of planet Earth.

This hung above the arena. Acting as a beacon for every citizen of the city of Tokyo.

Due to the pandemic the citizens of Tokyo have really suffered with the Olympics.

First they had to pay to host the thing as scheduled in 2020. Then, when that was cancelled. They had to pay again to host it in 2021.

As the games approached infections started surging again. Meaning that the games had to be held without spectators and Tokyo had to go into Lockdown.

So not only weren't the able to recover some of the money they'd spent through ticket sales. 

They weren't even allowed to be a part of the very expensive thing they were paying for.

Putting this beacon in the sky struck me as a very clever answer to a difficult problem. Making Tokyo citizens feel included as they watched from their windows.

The action then returned to the arena. With a children's choir singing; "Imagine."

The 1971 song written and performed by John Lennon. Along with his Japanese wife Yoko Ono.

This was another direct, intentional reference to the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Which also saw a performance of Imagine.

A section I titled; "Cowardly Cheese." But was officially known as; "Peace in Motion."

All of the sections of the 2018 Opening Ceremony introduced us to an element from the Wu Xing. Each of which is represented by a colour.  

The Peace in Motion section introduced the Earth element which is represented by the colour Yellow. 

It particularly invoked the nasty chemical shade of yellow you get in American cheese slices. The thing they insist on putting on their McDonalds hamburgers. As a way to mock America.

This section of the 2018 Opening Ceremony actually went on to be heavily referenced by America itself. During the January 2020 'Inauguration' of 'President' Joe Biden.

So Amanda Gorman had her yellow coat. While Lady Gaga was given a brooch. Which people said resembled the "Mockingjay" brooch used in the; "Hunger Games" movies.

The yellow section of the 2018 Opening Ceremony also featured a Mockingjay type bird. Formed in (electric) candles on the arena floor.

This was intended to introduce us to the Fenghuang. A bird that in Chinese mythology uses the sun to move between different dimensions. It is a symbol of peace. Rather like the Dove is in the west.

The 2018 Winter games picked up from the 2014 Winter games. Held in Sochi, Russia.

There we were introduced to the; "Firebird." A bird which in Russian mythology is often used as an allegory for the pursuit of the unattainable.

The Hunger Games movies seem to have just stolen the Firebird with its Mockingjay.

The Firebird was referenced at the 2018 games as a way to show support for Russia. Defending it from the entirely false allegations that it had interfered in the 2016 US Election.

This Cowardly Cheese section of the 2018 Opening Ceremony. Was referenced so heavily by America during the 2020 US 'Inauguration' to send the message;

Joe Biden is not President.

The Democrats stole the 2020 Election.

Just as the Democrats tried to steal the 2016 Election. With their lies about "Foreign Interference."

In singing Imagine the children's choir were joined by adult singers. Supposedly representing all five continents which are said to be represented by the five Olympic Rings.

However there were only four singers. Driving home the point that there are seven continents. Only five Olympic Rings.

Africa was represented by Angelique Kidjo.

Europe was represented by Alejandro Sanz.

Oceania was represented by Keith Urban.

The Americas were represented by John Legend.

John Legend is married to Chrissy Teigen. Who is of Thai heritage.

In October 2020 when there wasn't much going on. Except for America gearing up for the November 2020 Election.

John Legend and Chrissy Teigen experienced a miscarriage. Which is a pretty horrible thing for anyone to go through.

However things seemed likely to get even worse for the couple. Technically a miscarriage is known as a; "Non-procured Abortion."

Procured Abortion or simply; "Abortion" has got to be one of the most divisive issues in American politics. 

At every election the Democrats and Republicans try to use it to differentiate themselves from each other. Being pro and anti respectively.

So suffering a very public abortion. During a US Election campaign has got to be a pretty unpleasant situation to be in.

To make matters worse. Chrissy Teigen underwent elective breast reduction surgery during the pregnancy. Something which is not recommended due to the risk to the foetus.

So it seems inevitable that it would weigh on their mind. Whether that was a factor in the miscarriage? A question that is impossible to answer.

Prior to undergoing surgery Chrissy Teigen took a pregnancy test. This showed that she wasn't pregnant, so there was not risk.

The pregnancy test was wrong. Giving a false negative.

A pregnancy test is a type of Lateral Flow Test. 

Due to the pandemic most of the planet spent 2020 obsessing over Lateral Flow Tests. Particularly how accurate they are.

So it is hard to imagine Chrissy Teigen and John Legend experiencing their miscarriage in a more politically charged way.

Prior to all this I knew precisely one thing about Chrissy Teigen. That she's actually quite good friends with Kim Kardashian.

I got to know Kim Kardashian through my relationship with Rihanna. Which started at the Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Para-Olympics.

There are a host of reasons why I don't use Facebook. I'm currently not even allowed to use Instagram.

However you could say that I'm; "Facebook Friends" with Kim Kardashian. Which I think we all understand means; "Vague Acquaintances." At best.

This might sound like a boast. It's really not though.

When something like this happens I find myself in the unenviable position.

Of not being close enough to do anything to improve the situation.

Yet still being close enough to make things much worse.

So when I first read about Chrissy Teigen's miscarriage on the BBC News site. Knowing the backstory with the surgery.

I leaned back, clasped by hands to my face/nose. And silently asked myself;

"How could this day get any worse?"

As I pulled my hands back I discovered they were covered in blood. I'd clasped my nose that hard I'd caused it to bleed.

Giving me a rather immediate answer to my question.

At around 16:50 on 18/10/21 (UK date) I'll have to continue when I can.

Edited at around 17:10 on 19/10/21 (UK date) to tidy up and copy & paste;

 As was discussed during the "Rose of Allendale" sequence.

It is a symptom of the US/UK's just complete withdrawal from reality. That they believe they have magical superpowers. The ability to perform elaborate Jedi mind-tricks on me.

Specifically they believe they used this magical superpower on me. To get me to swing the 2016 US Election in favour of Donald Trump. Thwarting the Democrat's attempts to steal it.

So, obviously, they believed they could use their magical superpower again in 2020. 

Giving me lots of faux Black Lives Matter outrages to rail against. Thinking that would thwart the Democrat's attempts to steal the 2020 Election.

As a result I spent much of 2020 playing a game of Chicken with the US/UK. 

Either they blink.

Or they get the trainwreck that is the US Democrat Party slamming into them. With entirely predictable results.

You could almost describe this lie of a 'President Biden.' To be the bloody nose I'm forcing America to wear as punishment.

I say we were "playing" chicken.

I was always going to do my usual US Election coverage. Bringing it forward to accommodate the Democrat push for early voting.

Unfortunately Britain screwed that up for everyone. Going on yet another psychotic rampage. Forcing me to delay my coverage.

Rather like how Britain has screwed this up for their American allies.

I think it is obvious to all. That America was planning to have me write this. 

In the week leading up to Kim Kardashian hosting the US TV show; "Saturday Night Live (SNL). While Miley Cyrus was playing a festival in Texas.

A weekend which saw America gripped by protests against Texas' restrictive abortion law.

Obviously I was looking for an excuse.

But it was another of Britain's psychotic rampages. Which led to my father being rushed, well; "hurried" into hospital for several days. Setting me back by a week.

I also only embarked on this game of chicken knowing that there was a fail-safe.

As I discussed, at length, on the day of the 'Inauguration.' In stealing the 2020 Election the Democrats changed State election laws in ways that potentially violate the US Constitution.

They did so without seeking pre-clearance from either the US Department of Justice (DoJ) or the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS). 

Who would only give pre-clearance if they were convinced that the changes did not violate the Constitution.

That pre-clearance is a legal requirement. It is neither negotiable nor optional.

Election results that have been obtained in violation of Election laws cannot be considered either valid or binding.

Unfortunately SCOTUS seems to have become so cowed in fear. It is failing to activate this fail-safe.

Simply refusing to hear the matter. 

As they know they have no option under than law. Other than to declare that the Democrat Party have mounted an Insurrection against the United States.

A recurring theme of these games, particularly this ceremony. Has been improving rights for women within Japanese society.

The earlier "Strength From Within" section looked a menstruation. Really an extension of menstruation I suspect miscarriage is a similarly taboo topic within Japanese society.

Although we hope it is now less of a taboo. As we've all been forced to talk about it.

Meanwhile, in the west. Since 2020 Chrissy Teigen has had to suffer the indignity of every attention seeking wannabe jumping on the topic. For publicity.

So it seems we can't stop talking about miscarriage. Although that might be being used as a metaphor for another example of blood being tragically shed.

It is an outdated piece of International Olympic Committee (IOC) protocol. That each Opening Ceremony must include the release of white Doves.

A symbol of peace. The "Olympic Truce" that all nations are supposed to respect for the duration of the games.

Looking at the IOC's history. Berlin, 1936. Tokyo, 1940. Along with its current behaviour, particularly towards Russia.

It is hard to see how the IOC sees itself as an instrument of peace.

In recent years this piece of IOC protocol has been very much downplayed. Certainly no-one's used live Doves in a good, long while.

Here Japan used paper Doves. Which fell from the sky like hot ash.

This was a reference to Nuclear Fallout. The radioactive dust and ash that is propelled into the upper atmosphere by a Nuclear explosion. 

Which then falls back to the ground like a lethal rain. For days, weeks and even months after the explosion

Japan is the only country which has seen this phenomenon is real life. 

Following the dropping of American Nuclear bombs. On the cities Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945.

They know it as; "Black Rain" (Kuroi Ame).

At Nagasaki the explosion also blew the contents of Tar Pits up into the atmosphere. Which fell back to earth like molten lava.

Ever since 1945 it has been an argument within Japan over how to treat and compensate victims of the nuclear bombings. The "Hibakusha."

Particularly as it's been discovered that Black Rain can affect not just those who were there at the time. But also the generations of people who have come after them.

On the first working day after the Opening Ceremony (26/7/21) the Japanese government really highlighted the issue. 

Agreeing to extend compensation to 84 Hibakusha who were originally deemed to have been outside of the Hiroshima Black Rain area.

These ashes falling from the sky also served as a warning.

About the hard rain that is going to fall on the World.

If America insists on, not only, continuing to wear its bloody nose.

But also keep insisting on poking into places it, clearly, has no right to be.

 

To be continued in Part 12.

17:40 on 19/10/21 (UK date).