To be read as a direct continuation of Part 6; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing_11.html
The Life Beyond The Wire section looked at that recurring theme of these games. The seemingly ever increasing pace of modern life. Particularly technology's role in increasing the pace of life.
It did this by exploring music.
The microprocessor's role in the development of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Music that is typically played by electronic instruments, much faster than any human ever could.
This was really the main theme of the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Summer Para-Olympics. Held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.
There the hosts really just threw a party for the athletes. A party that gave them a tour of Brazil. Using famous musicians from different Brazilian regions and States.
The 2016 Summer games officially picked up the baton from the 2012 Summer games. The Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Para-Olympics featured the global Popstar Rihanna. Along with Jay Z.
Although famous. None of the musicians featured in the 2016 Para-Olympic Closing Ceremony were that globally famous.
The reason for this is that Brazil is unique in South America in speaking Portuguese. Rather than Spanish.
Meaning that a Brazilian Popstar really only has the option of being famous within Brazil. Along with, possibly, Portugal and some African nations like Mozambique.
The US has The Grammys music awards for English speaking artists. It also has The Latin Grammys for Spanish speaking artists from the US and Latin America.
Brazilian artists don't even get a look in at the Latin Grammys.
The point the Brazilian hosts were trying to make. Is that the World has now become so interconnected, so globalised. Particularly through the Internet.
That language is really the only barrier between nations and peoples left.
Increasing developments in things like Artificial Intelligence (AI) translation software. Are even fast chipping away at that barrier.
Although, having spent a year struggling with an English speaking Miley Cyrus. Living on the west coast of the US. While I live, pretty much, on the Greenwich Meridian.
I would say that time-zones also represent something of a significant barrier.
Given the increase in global travel. For both business and diplomacy. I think quite a few people would be interested. In seeing how Miley Cyrus and I would overcome that barrier.
If only Miley Cyrus and I were permitted to speak to each other, directly.
Occurring in the middle of a long Olympic/Para-Olympic stay in Asia. These 2020 games have been rather forced to focus on Asian issues. Such as the Wu Xing. Particularly during the Pandemic.
As a result they've not been able to give much attention to the 2016 games. The games they were officially picking up the baton from.
So this Life Beyond The Wire section was actually a massive tribute to the 2016 games. Particularly the Para-Olympic games.
A reminder to Brazil. The nation with the largest ethnically Japanese population outside of Japan.
That Japan had most certainly not forgotten about them.
While also serving as another advert for the Para-Olympics. Here in the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Fun With Flags II.
It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section.
In which the National Flag of Greece is raised and the Greek National Anthem is played.
In an effort to perpetuate the myth that the Olympics have anything to do with Ancient Greece. Rather than being something invented by a Frenchman, at the end of the 19th Century.
Here this piece of IOC protocol was treated with the minimum amount of respect possible.
The Greek national flag was raised. By a strictly gender-balanced flag-detail. Made up of all three branches of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).
A recording of the Greek National Anthem was then played.
Medal Ceremony.
It is IOC protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section.
In which medals are awarded to one group of winners. Representing all the Medal Ceremonies that have taken place throughout the games.
It is always a little interesting. To see which event is chosen. As the result of a negotiation between the IOC and the hosts.
Here the Marathon events were chosen. From the discipline of Athletics.
The medals in the Womens Marathon were handed out first;
Bronze went to Molly Seidel of the US.
Silver went to Brigid Kosegei of Kenya.
Gold went to Peres Jepchirchir or Kenya.
The only thing I noted is that in accepting her medal. Peres Jepchirchir raised her index finger to the sky. Thanking God.
Something which some people might have mistaken as a Muslim gesture. Or even the salute of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).
It wasn't.
It was just thanking God. Peres Jepchirchir is a devout Christian.
Then the medals in the Men's Marathon were handed out;
Bronze went to Bashir Abdi of Belgium.
Silver went to Abdi Nabeeye of The Netherlands.
Gold went to Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya.
This could be taken as a reference to that big, recurring theme of these games. Improving rights for women, particularly within Japanese society.
With the Womens Marathon not just being given equal standing as the Mens Marathon. But being given a slightly elevated standing. By being put first.
However this was also just the chronological order in which the events took place.
The Womens Marathon medals were handed out by Thomas Bach. The IOC President. While the Mens Marathon were handed out by Anita DeFrantz. The IOC Vice President.
Perhaps another sign. Of the Womens Marathon being given ever so slightly more prestige.
The bouquets of flowers in both the Womens and Mens Marathon. Were handed out by my old friend from Seville. Sebastian Lord Coe. Currently the head of the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF).
Giving everyone a good long look.
At one of the main reasons. Why the IOC is now so corrupt, so incompetent. It couldn't even manage to organise an Olympics this year.
Despite being sponsored by Nike. Despite training at Nike's infamous Oregon (drug) Project. With its building dedicated to Sebastian Lord Coe.
Molly Seidel was incredibly lucky to win Bronze. Competing in only her third ever marathon.
Her 'achievement' was entirely the result of Beta Israel (Ethiopia) Israeli athlete Lonah Chemtai Salpeter. Having to pause during the race. Due to very Miley Cyrus-style menstrual cramps.
Normally Team USA wouldn't have expected to feature at all in this section.
This section dedicated to taking a long, hard look.
At why the IOC has become so corrupt, so incompetent. It couldn't even manage to organise an Olympics this year.
Athletes Commission.
It is IOC protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section.
In which the new members of the Athletes Commission, elected during the games, are welcomed.
The Athletes Commission functions as almost something of a Trade Union for the athletes. Attempting to protect them from the corruption, incompetence and exploitation of the IOC.
The newly elected members are;
Pau Gasol. A Mens Basketball player from Spain.
Federica Pellegrini. A Womens Swimmer from Italy.
Yuki Ota. A Mens Fencer from Japan.
Maja Martyna Wloszczowska. Womens Cyclist from Poland.
Needless to say. As the new members of the Athletes Commission made their way into the arena, up onto the Protocol stage.
They were literally led by clowns.
Thank You Volunteers.
It is IOC protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section.
In which the volunteers, the; "Games Makers" are thanked.
At an Olympics/Para-Olympics you actually have two categories of Games Maker volunteers;
Those who work in the venues. Known as; "Field."
Along with those who work outside of the venues. Helping with transportation and people navigating their way around. They are known as; "City."
Traditionally the Olympics have only thanked the Field Games Makers. In a first, on this occasion they thanked both the Field and City Games Makers.
The section began with a short video. Showing some of the things the Games Makers have done. Representing all of the things the Games Makers have done.
If you're the mother of any of the Games Makers. Particularly ones featured in the video. Then I'm sure you've saved this video for posterity and already watched it a million times.
However there only two things of note I picked out.
It included footage of Games Makers carrying national flags during the earlier Flag Parade section. Quite a neat trick, getting it edited together so quickly.
It also highlighted a unique duty that fell to Games Makers at these games. Due to Pandemic restrictions. They had to carry flags that would normally have been carried by an athlete from that nation.
It also showed a young, male Games Maker. Keeping a queue entertained by showing off his Break-Dancing skills.
A reference to how "Breaking" will be making its debut as an Olympic sport in 2024. In no small part due to Asian youths' passion for it.
Despite Black Lives Matter wanting this appalling; "Thought Crime" of; "Cultural Appropriation" to be strictly outlawed.
All the Games Makers were represented here by a gender-balanced group of four. Male and Female Games Makers from Field. Along with a Male and Female Games Makers from City.
As is IOC protocol. They were handed bouquets of flowers by the four new members of the Athletes Commission. In thanks.
At around 18:15 on 13/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up when I can.
Edited at around 17:20 on 15/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;
Memento Mori.
It is a matter of tradition. Rather than IOC protocol. That at least one of the Olympic ceremonies contains a moment for quiet reflection. To remember those who have died since the last Olympics.
When this In Memoriam section is included. It tends to be held during the Closing Ceremony. For the rather macabre reason of allowing us to remember any Olympians killed during the games.
Japan decided to hold such a section in the Opening Ceremony.
A way to focus on the 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre. Britain's decision not to mark the 40th anniversary of the massacre at the 2012 Summer games.
Along with the issues surrounding Israel's response to the 1972 Munich Massacre.
Japan also decided to include such a section here, in the Closing Ceremony.
A reminder of those first three lessons learned by Siddhartha Gautama. On his journey towards enlightenment, becoming the first Buddha.
Lessons which are shared by all Asian Animist religions. Including the Japanese practice of Shinto.
Age, sickness and death are the inevitable fates of all living things. In short, remember that you must die (memento mori).
Plus, you know. Just in case.
The section began with one man striking one very large drum.
This may have reminded some people of a scene in the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South).
A section I entitled; "A Royal Welcome" welcomed us to the games. With a version of a welcoming ceremony used to greet visitors to the Joseon Royal Court.
Rather like Japan and its Edo Period. Korea, particularly South Korea, looks on the Joseon Era as its golden age. Officially North Koreans believe they were created by Kim Il-sung in, about, 1952.
That version of a Joseon Royal Welcome also began with one man striking one very large drum. Known in Korea as a; "Pungmul-buk"
As was discussed extensively at the 2018 games. The border between China and the Korean Peninsula has always been somewhat flexible.
It was China that helped Korea unite during the; "Three Kingdoms" Period. 18th Century B.C to 6th Century A.D.
So this type of drum performance is also common within Chinese culture.
As the 2020 Opening Ceremony explained. Japan actually invaded Joseon Korea. Twice. In 1592 and 1597.
So this type of drum performance is also common with Japanese culture.
The focus on drumming throughout the 2018 ceremonies. Was a reference to a sequence in the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Held in Beijing, China. Which featured 2,008 drummers.
South Korea did this to mock US Black Lives Matter activists. Their absurd claim that Black people from the country of Africa invented drumming and, therefore music.
So no other race of people are ever allowed to do drumming or any form of music. Lest they commit that horrific thought crime of; "Cultural Appropriation."
Asia's even longer history of drumming and music. Shows just how absurd Black Lives Matter are.
I once watched a Fox cub play with a plank of wood. Resting, Seesaw like, on a brick.
He discovered that if he pushed down on this plank of wood. It would make an interesting noise as it sprang back into place.
So he kept doing it.
Proving, to me at least. That not only can no one race of humans claim a monopoly on drumming. I don't think the human race can claim a monopoly on drumming.
By referencing the 2018 Winter Olympics. Japan were agreeing with and reinforcing South Korea's mockery of Black Lives Matter.
While providing another advert for the Para-Olympics. Here in the Olympic Closing Ceremony.
Within Japan this type of very large drum is known as an; "O-daiko." Literally; "Large Drum."
They are used alongside other types of drum and percussion instruments in an artform known as; "Taiko."
*Alongside the Fans. Which inspired the Tokyo 2020 emblem. Japan used to use drums as a form of battlefield communication.
So one rhythm would covey one order. While another rhythm would convey another.
The earlier Life Beyond The Wire section. Looked at Ludwig van Beethoven's fifth symphony.
How the pattern of the first few distinctive notes. Correspond with Morse Code/Marconi Cipher for the letter; "V."
The Morse Code being the sound of the notes. While the Marconi Cipher being the device you use to interpret them as the letter; "V."
This was done in mockery of the US/UK's efforts. To hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. In order to turn her into some sort of Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.
Making the point that people have been doing that sort of thing. At least since during the Second World War, before the birth of Pop music.
By referencing how they used to do this during the; "Warring Sates" or; "Sengoku" Period (1467-1615). Japan was really driving home the point.
People have been doing this sort of thing for a very, very long time.
The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus. It is absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing to be associated with.
For, probably, at least a thousand years. Taiko was really the only form of music in Japan. So would be used wherever people would want to listen to music.
So weddings and other family/local celebrations. Sporting events like Sumo wrestling. In the theatre such as Kabuki. In Tea houses, brothels or anywhere else people went for pleasure.
However within Buddhism, which influences Japanese Shinto. Taiko drumming is considered to be, almost, a form of prayer.
So the noise of the drum represents the voice of the Kami (Gods, Holy Spirits, Holy Forces). While the striking of the drum represents the balance of the Universe. The people striking the drum represent people.
The entire process is a celebration of people's relationship with the Kami and the Universe.
Often, typically, Taiko performances begin with a specific type of drum-roll.
Known as; "Oroshi" or; "The Wind Blowing Down the Mountains." Both elements of the natural environment in which the Kami can manifest themselves.
So Taiko is used heavily within Shinto Shrines and festivals. Particularly ones honouring the dead.
Such as the Bon Festival. In which the spirits of the dead return to this world from the other dimension of Naraka.
As the drummer drummed. A lone female dancer, Aoi Yamada, performed on the Pitcher's Mound stage.
Giving it the impression of the cauldron which would hold an Eternal Flame. In memory of the dead.
A repeat of the Memento Mori sequence in the Opening Ceremony. In which the male dancer, Mirai Moriyama also performed as an Eternal Flame in its cauldron.
Aoi Yamada also performed in the Butoh style.
It is said that the essence of Butoh is to defy definition. Which is really what you want to hear when you're tasked with defining Butoh.
Butoh does though tend to focus on slow, hyper-controlled, meaningful movements. Often addressing topics which are considered taboo, grotesque or distressing. Such as death.
If often tries to subvert these taboos by exposing their absurdity. Leading to Butoh sometimes being described as; "The Theatre of the Absurd."
As she was performing Aoi Yamada was wearing this strange green, feather-like dress.
This was a reference to Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry. "Shum" (Noise) by Go_A.
In case you didn't realise it was a reference to Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry. Then the floor around stage was surrounded by lights resembling the petals of a blossoming flower.
The Cherry Blossom or Lotus Flower. Used within Asian Animist religions as a metaphor for the journey towards enlightenment.
Enlightenment was certainly something these flower petals provided. Swirling to take on the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian National Flag.
The area around the Pitcher's Mound stage was also filled with traditional Asian/Japanese paper lanterns. Providing further enlightenment.
Rather than being forced to spend 2021 juggling live hand-grenades.
It would have been better if I'd been able to fully cover the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. Including Ukraine's entry.
However the main thrust of Ukraine's entry. Was a hardcore Techno re-working of a traditional Ukrainian folk song.
This was done to discuss the way that Techno music. Is used to promote and recruit people to White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.
While acknowledging. It is Ukraine that continues to be the main source for the promotion of such White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.
Ukraine were forced to withdraw from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Held in Tel Aviv, Israel. Due to the rabid Anti-Semitism which is central to their White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.
Through their 2021 Eurovision entry. Ukraine also acknowledged why it has become the global centre for the promotion of White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.
The previous Biden regime directing Ukrainian Nazis and Neo-Nazis to overthrow the Ukrainian government in 2014. Just before the 2014 Winter Olympics. Held in Ukraine's Black Sea neighbour, the Russian city of Sochi.
As punishment. For Russia's opposition to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated groups. Groups the previous Biden regime was not only actively supporting but seems desperately in love with.
Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision entry then went onto acknowledge.
That having installed Nazis and Neo-Nazis in power in Ukraine. The former Biden regime then corruptly forced the dismissal of Viktor Shokin from the post of Chief Prosecutor.
To allow the appointment of Yuriyi Lutschenko. So Yuriyi Lutschenko could falsify the so-called; "Black Ledger."
Allowing the FBI to open a special unit to
investigate; "Foreign Interference" in the 2016 US Election. In order to rig that election in favour of Hillary Clinton
Copying the South Korean Liberty Korea (Saneuri) Party's playbook. In its rigging the 2012 South Korean President Election.
Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision entry did this by invoking the famous Led Zeppelin song; "Stairway to Heaven." As in;
"Hillary Clinton was buying her stairway to the White House."
Acknowledging
that even Ukraine considers the Mueller Report to be a forgery. They did most of the forging.
Brought and paid for by Joe Biden. With the corrupt appointment of his son Hunter Biden to the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.
During the live performances the lead singer, Kateryna Pavlenko. Wore an almost shawl of similar green feathers.
A reference to the; "bustle in your hedgerow" the; "spring clean for the May queen."
Theresa May was Prime Minister. When Britain carried out a Novichok Nerve Agent attack against the British city of Salisbury. In that short gap between the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics.
Quite a few British Eurovision viewers however. Pointed out how Kateryna Pavlenko resembled Orville the Duck.
Miley Cyrus was particularly interested in Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry.
Using the day of the Grand Final to pitifully fish for information. Posting an Instagram picture confirming she'd had her first Covid vaccine. While wearing a Led Zeppelin t-shirt.
So this was Japan having another really good laugh at Miley Cyrus.
Comparing her to Orville the Duck. The ventriloquists' dummy controlled by Keith Harris.
Rather like Billy Ray Cyrus. Keith Harris and Orville had one novelty hit, back in the late-1980/early-1990's. Entitled; "I Wish I Could Fly."
It is about Keith Harris trying to reassure Orville. After Orville realises that no-one likes him because he can't fly. Even though he wishes he could.
It was also a reference to the CIA officers embedded within Ukrainian Air Traffic Control.
Who deliberately directed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 to fly into a warzone. Knowing that it was more likely that not that it would be shot down.
Back in July 2014. Just four months after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 'mysteriously' disappeared. During the 2014 Winter Olympics.
The performance ended with Aoi Yamada bending all the way over backwards.
Bending over backwards farther than should be humanly possible. Far further than any human should ever be asked to bend over backwards.
A reference to how the Japanese hosts have been bending over backwards here.
To give the US/UK an opportunity to read what I have to write. About France, Italy and Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entries.
When Miley Cyrus and I could have just been speaking to each other directly.
To be continued in Part 8.
17:55 on 15/1/22 (UK date).
Edited at around 16:40 on 16/1/22 (UK date) to expand on Taiko* and generally tidy up.
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