The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.16

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 15; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening.html

It fell to Naomi Osaka to light the Olympic Cauldron. That vast structure designed to resemble the Sun rising over Mount Fuji.

To aid Naomi Osaka's ascent. The front of the Mountain/Pyramid opened. To reveal a hidden staircase.

That staircase was bathed in glowing orange light. To give the impression of a Volcanic Lava Flow.

To highlight that Mount Fuji is a dormant volcano.

Throughout the Opening Ceremony. The Olympic Cauldron structure has been attached to the Protocol Stage. 

With its very nautical theme. The Protocol Stage was a reference to the various "Black Ships" which have appeared in Japan over the years.

Starting with the Portuguese Black Ships in 1543. These opened up the first maritime trade routes between Europe and Asia.

Soon making the Silk Road across China redundant. By cutting the journey time between Europe and Asia to, just, three and a half years.

Recently China has been trying to resurrect the Silk Road. With it's; "New Silk Road" or; "One Belt, One Road Initiative." 

A network of modern transport infrastructure. Roads, Railway Lines, Air and Sea Ports, etc. 

Stretching across 70 nations along the Silk Road. Japan in the east. Through Europe in the west and down to Sub-Saharan Africa in the south.

In discussing this in the "Fun With Flags I" section. I told you to remember the seaport that China is building in Tanzania.

One of China's main interests in building this seaport in Tanzania. Is to give it access to neighbouring, land-locked Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). 

The DRC is home to some of the World's largest deposits of what are known as; "Rare Earth Minerals." Things like Cobalt, Lithium, Niobium, Tungsten and Tantalam.

Rare Earth Minerals are essential to all modern electronics. Particularly batteries. Like the one in your phone, your tablet and, increasingly, your car. 

Obviously. The bigger the battery. The more of these Rare Earth Minerals you need.

China's other main interest in building this seaport in Tanzania. Is to allow it to export Chinese made products to the African market place.

Something which will only be possible if nations like the DRC are given a fair price for their Rare Earth Minerals. Unlike with the western business model. Which has long operated to the north. Through Rwanda, Kenya and Somalia.

In 2015 the Paris Agreement was signed.

The Paris Agreement will not stop Climate Change. The Paris Agreement is not intended to stop Climate Change.

The Paris Agreement is designed to give moron western politicians. The opportunity to make big, empty Kabuki-like pronouncements. To their equally idiot electorates.

While hoovering up as much tax as humanly possible from those idiot electorates.

Immediately following the signing of the Paris Agreement. One such Kabuki-like pronouncement which became particularly fashionable. 

Was to announce the banning of the sale of petrol and diesel powered vehicles. Replacing them with Electric Cars.

I think it was, the normally sensible, Norway that first proposed the idea. Back in 2016. 

Then it sort of spread, like wildfire. Amongst western, particularly European Union (EU) nations.

As always with these "Tulip Mania" fashion crazes. Absolutely no thought whatsoever had gone into any of this.

So as this succession of idiot politicians were making their Kabuki-style pronouncements. 

People who've followed global efforts to combat Climate Change, inter alia. Did find themselves thinking;

"We need a way to draw their attention to what day-to-day life is really like in the Democratic Republic of the Congo."

"The place we'll have to go to get all these electric vehicle batteries."

Then the Democratic Republic of the Congo experienced The 2018 Ebola Outbreak. The largest and longest lasting Ebola outbreak in history.

The Ebola Virus even appeared to choose to modify its behaviour. Making itself less lethal to prolong the outbreak. Which lasted for over two years.

This forced politicians, the World over. Through United Nations (UN) bodies like the World Health Organisation (WHO). 

To focus, intently. On what day-to-day life is really like in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

The incredibly low rates of education. The incredibly high rates of poverty. The short life expectancies. The child labour. The child slavery. 

The extreme and random violence. Carried out by a chaotic patchwork of, essentially, gangsters and warlords. 

All fighting over scraps of natural resources. To sell, illegally, at far below their market value. 

Throughout this Opening Ceremony, and much of 2020. There has been some discussion.

As to whether the Pandemic could be the natural environment's violent punishment. For the Paris Agreement going into effect at the start of 2020.

This section of the Opening Ceremony has explored the possibility. That the debate over whether Nuclear Power could be considered a; "Green Technology" and the 3/11 Disaster. Could be another example.

The 2018 DRC Ebola outbreak. Does certainly appear to be another occasion. Where the natural environment has made its own contribution to the discussion over efforts to combat Climate Change.

This year, 2021. It seems that Volcanoes have been the part of the natural environment which have been the most vocal.

Things started in, technically, late December 2020. With the still ongoing eruption of the La Soufriere Volcano. Located on the St Vincent & the Grenadines island of St Vincent.

In May 2021 there was the start of the Mount Nyiragongo Volcanic eruption in the DRC itself. As with La Soufriere that eruption is still ongoing.

During the Olympics the very famous Mount Etna erupted. On the Italian island of Sicily. Greece got Volcano-like wildfires.

Shortly after the Para-Olympics. Cumbre Vieja erupted on the island of La Palma in the Spanish Canary Islands. An eruption that is only reported to have ended 10 days ago. December 11th 2021 (11/12/21).

Since then we've also had sizeable contributions from Mount Semeru in Indonesia. Along with the Hunga Ha'apai volcanic island which is part of Tonga.

These have, inevitably, drawn attention to; "Geothermal Power." A form of "Green" renewable electricity generation. Not to be confused with; "Heat Pumps." The Tulip Mania fad of 2021.

Nuclear Power Plants and Thermal Power Plants. Those which burn fossil fuels like Coal, Natural Gas as and Oil. Generate electricity in the same way.

They create heat to boil water. Turning it into steam. That steam is then used to spin a turbine which is connected to an electromagnet. Creating electricity.

Volcanic Lava, or molten rock, is already extremely hot. 

So to generate electricity from it. All you need to do is pipe water over it. Turning it into steam. Which then spins a turbine connected to an electromagnet.

So nations that have a Volcano. Already have the ability to generate all the electricity they need. 

It's not, strictly speaking, Carbon Neutral. However those Carbon Emissions will be happening anyway.

Iceland as a small, but More Economically Developed Country (MEDC). Actually generates around  25% of its power this way. 

More if you count the fact they don't actually need to heat their homes in the winter. Their stone floors do it for them.

Iceland's got so much Geothermal Power it keeps trying to give it away to European nations. If only they were prepared to pay to lay the long undersea cables required.

That is really one of the only problems with Geothermal Power. The upfront costs are expensive. 

Although nowhere near the costs of Nuclear or Thermal Power Plants. They are beyond the means of Less Economically Developed Countries (LEDC's).

The sort of nations that tend to have volcanoes.

There are many, many things wrong with the Paris Agreement. 

For starters it's only 16 A4 pages long. Far less than the level of alia I've being forced to go into covering just an Olympic Opening Ceremony.

You could probably write 400 pages on what's wrong with each individual word in the Paris Agreement.

However one of the main problems is that it was introduced, at the last minute. By the former Biden regime. 

To block the replacement to the Kyoto Protocol that everyone else had spent the previous five years working on.

One of the big breakthroughs of those negotiations. Was the design of the so-called; "Hybrid Model" or; "Chimera Model."

Rich nations, those defined in Annex I of the Kyoto Protocol. Have already massively cut their Greenhouse Gas (ghg) emissions. 

Further reductions will be small and expensive. Offering little bang-for-the-buck, so to speak.

Poor nations, those defined in Annex II of the Kyoto Protocol. Can make massive reductions in their ghg emissions. But are prevented from doing so by the prohibitive upfront costs.

What the Hybrid Model would do. Is allow nations to share ghg reductions. 

So a richer country could pay for a poorer country to build something like a Geothermal Power Plant. Then count part of the ghg reductions as their own.

Obviously to devise the Carbon Accountancy rules needed to do that properly. You would need a lot more than 16 A4 pages.

This Hybrid Model would also bring a significant, what are known in the jargon, as; "Co-Benefits."

A lot of these less economically developed nations. Are less economically developed because they lack reliable, grid-scale electricity supply and distribution networks. 

The thing behind the flick-of-the-switch that makes the lights go on in homes in rich nations. 

Take Nigeria. Which constantly argues with South Africa. Over who is the richest country in Africa.

It's estimated that Nigeria's economy would grow by some 188%, to over US$90tn. If only it could sort out its electricity supply problems.

Even before you start discussing how the electricity is produced. Reliable grid-scale supply and distribution networks massively cut ghg emissions. By eliminating the need for very dirty petrol and diesel powered domestic generators.

It is the building of this grid-scale supply and distribution network. Which is a large part of the upfront costs of Geothermal Power.

Costs which, under the Hybrid Model, could be met by rich nations. In exchange for shared ghg emission reductions.

So the 2021 verdict from the natural environment seems to be the same as its 2020 verdict;

Scrap The Paris Agreement.

It's an insult to every braincell that's ever worked on the problem.

At around 18:20 on 23/12/21 (UK date) I'll try to pick this up after dinner.

Edited at around 20:45 on 23/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

It was the eruption of Mount Nyriagongo which alarmed me the most though.

Coming as it did. Almost to the moment. That the Grand Final of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest began.

A moment I ushered in with the song; "Superstar." From the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical; "Jesus Christ: Superstar."

I write under the name; "Sovereign." Meaning; "King" or; "Messiah."

On both hands I have thermal burn scars. In  the shape of what is said to be Jesus Christ's Stigmata.

So, at the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. The Israeli hosts declared me to be their Messiah. The King of those Jews.

As a joke!

A way to dismiss claims that I had been anti-Semitic in my coverage of their 2018 Song Contest victory. Something Twitter are still attempting to use to justify their material support for Genocide.

A very camp, Eurovisiony dismissal;

"Offended?! Oh no, dear. We worship him like a god!"

While starting a discussion about the role of a Messiah within Judaism. One key area where it differs from Christianity. Although, not as much from Islam.

Then I appeared to conjure a Biblical plague. With which to smite my enemies. Causing the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest to be cancelled. For the first time in its history.

Something which has got to be the height of anti-Semitism. A Messiah performing magic tricks.

I thought that rather made; "Superstar" my theme music for the 2021 Song Contest.

Apparently gaining the power to make a volcano erupt. Just like the song's references to moving mountains.

Certainly made my nerves jangle a bit.

What makes it even worse. Is that I don't do my Song Contest coverage live.

I mean I do it as live. I just do those little postcards three to four hours beforehand. Meaning they're available to my paywall readers. Including all Song Contest participants.

Which serves as another reminder to the US/UK. Particularly the US.

That we do the Eurovision Song Contest every year. To each other. For fun.

So working with a popstar like Miley Cyrus. To put on a big performance addressing some of the main talking points of the day.

Is a matter of routine. It is something that is very much within our comfort zone.

In fact. Provided that you can accept that other people really do exist. They aren't just creations of your superior intellect.

It can be highly enjoyable. Nurturing even.

As we've mentioned though;

My relationship with Miley Cyrus was hijacked by the Incompetent and the Insane.

Making it impossible.

Rather like these Olympics. As it turned out.

So that "Superstar" comment had actually been sitting there for a couple of hours. Bubbling away.

Just waiting for the right moment to burst forth.

The Eurovision Song Contest also looked at China's One Belt, One Road Initiative. With particular reference to its expansion into Africa.  

Also with particular reference to the EU's Infrastructure orientated Pandemic recovery fund. The one the gay-rights-for-gays mob forced the EU to get into an extremely bloody fight with itself over.

Proving that things really do happen because of the Eurovision Song Contest. 

In December 2021 the EU announced its "Global Gateway Initiative." An infrastructure fund specifically to rival China's One Belt, One Road.

Something which will, no doubt, emerge as the Tulip Mania fad of 2022.

The One Belt, One Road Initiative was particularly raised by Azerbaijan. With it's; "Silkway Star" Efendi and her song; "Mata Hari."

An entry which seems to share a lot with this Opening Ceremony.

While Sweden were represented by Tousin Michael Chiza; "Tusse." A child refugee from the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Who performed the song; "Voices."

Amid (light) Fields of Lithium Green. And Red Rivers of Blood.

The Paris Agreement seems to be the only area where the current Biden regime is still prepared to accept the concept of; "Binary Differentiation."

Apparently you can divide entire nations of people into either Annex I or Annex II. Then they're frozen there forever. No fluidity allowed whatsoever.

But don't dare ever try saying that about just one person. Particularly not on Twitter.

At around 21:20 on 23/12/21 (UK date) I think I'm at the summit. But will need to gas up before crowning it.

Edited at around 19:25 on 26/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The Cauldron itself was intended to resemble the Rising Sun. Or, in Malay; "Mata Hari."

As Naomi Osaka reached the summit of the Mount Fuji pyramid. This white orb began to rotate and open.

Something which showcases Japan's global leadership in the field of robotics.

To achieve this singular, smooth motion. Required an awful lot of motors, gears and servos. Not only to work perfectly. But to work perfectly together, in unison.

Something with was only achieved under computer control. Making this probably the most technologically advanced Olympic Cauldron ever. Certainly the most advanced I've ever seen.

It's barely even Kindergarten level stuff though. Compared to what Japan does with humaniod robots and Artificial Intelligence. 

The opening of the Cauldron was supposed to resemble a flower opening into bloom. 

Particularly a Lotus flower. Often used in Asian Animist religions as a metaphor for the journey towards enlightenment. 

Japan though prefers to put its own twist on the metaphor. Using the Cherry Blossom instead.

However we were first introduced to the Olympic Cauldron structure. During the section of the Opening Ceremony I entitled; "Intermission!"

A section that could be simply summed up as;

"Hiromi excitedly masturbates her clitoris. Preparing her vagina to receive Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa's enormous penis."

With the pearl-like nub of the Olympic Cauldron representing Hiromi's clitoris.

From that perspective. The opening of the Olympic Cauldron would signal that Hiromi is now ready to receive that enormous penis. A widely used metaphor. Particularly in literary erotic fiction.

Although if you were thinking about things that way. I don't know what you'd make of the massive gash down the middle of the Pyramid. In which Naomi Osaka seemed so uncomfortable.

As it moved to open the Cauldron also resembled the logo of the Para-Olympics. 

The; "Agitos." Latin for; "I Move." Designed by an advertising agency in 1992 the Para-Olympic logo is supposed to encapsulate movement.

Another big reference to the Para-Olympics. Here in the Opening Ceremony for the Olympics.

Japan again expressing its desire for parity between the Olympics and Para-Olympics. Viewing this as the opening ceremony for one, long continuous event.

The Olympic Cauldron was then lit.

In an Olympic first the Cauldron was fuelled by Hydrogen Gas. Normally they use Natural Gas or some other Oil derivative. Such as Propane Gas.

It might surprise you to learn. It certainly surprised me.

That the first motor cars were actually either electrically powered of fuelled by Hydrogen Gas.

The first Electric Car was invented by Hungarian engineer Anyos Jedlik and French Physicist Gaston Plane in 1859. 

The Hydrogen fuelled car was invented even earlier. In 1806 by Swiss inventor and politician Francois Isaac de Rivaz.

The technology though became redundant. By the discovery of how to derive a much more efficient fuel, Gasoline, from Oil. 

With the first Gasoline fuelled car being produced by German engineer Karl Benz. In 1886.

In more recent years though. As Climate Change has made us more of the damage done by fossil fuels, like Oil and Gasoline.  

There has been a renewed interest in Electric and Hydrogen Cars as an alternative.

Since the early-1990's there's been something of a Battle of Technologies. Between Hydrogen Cars and Electric cars.

Something similar to the 1970/80's Battle of Technology. Between the Betamax and VHS video recording systems.

Or similar to the mid-2000's Battle of Technology. Between the HD DVD and Blu-ray digital recording systems.

As people who remember the Betamax versus VHS Battle. Or the HD DVD versus Blu-ray Battle. Will well know.

The better technology. Has a nasty habit of losing out to the better marketed technology.

We're seeing the same thing in the Hydrogen versus Electric Battle. 

With, particularly EU, nations falling over themselves to ban Gasoline Cars. Forcing them to be replaced by Electric Cars. While everyone seems to have forgotten about Hydrogen Cars.

Suggesting Elon Musk should've named his company; "Edison." Even if the more appropriate; "Con Edison" is already taken.

I think it was the US TV show; "Family Guy" that pointed out;

"Thomas Edison was an absolute d*ck. Look it up."

As they did with Betamax. As they did with HD DVD. Japan has broken with the herd. Investing in and adopting Hydrogen technology.

During the current, post-Paris Agreement Tulip Mania. Everyone seems to have overlooked the massive problems with Electric Cars.

As the 2018 Ebola Outbreak showed the World. There are many complex ethical issues in where and how you obtain the vast amount of Rare Earth Minerals needed for Electric cars.

These Rare Earth Minerals are a finite resource. Like Fossil Fuels such as Coal, Oil and Natural Gas. They will run out.

Like Fossil Fuels they also have to been mined. A very energy intensive process which does significant environmental damage. 

Such as digging a series of massive holes in the environment. Where previously stood things like forests and farmland.

These Rare Earth Minerals then need to be transported. In order to be manufactured and chemically engineered into batteries.

Other very energy intensive processes. Which also produce significant environmental damage. Particularly toxic acid runoff into the water supply.

Polestar, an Electric car maker, admits. That when you consider just all the energy inputs. One of their cars will need to drive some 75,000 miles (120,000km) before the battery alone becomes Carbon Neutral. 

They only expect the batteries to last for 100,000 miles (160,000km). If you're lucky.

Part of the reason why Hydrogen Cars have fallen by the wayside a bit. Has been the obsession with Hydrogen Fuel Cell technology.

This involves combining Hydrogen and Oxygen in a chemical cell - a battery, essentially. To produce electricity. Which then powers an electrical motor and, in turn, the vehicle it's all mounted in.

This is an absolutely idiotic idea. Basically you've got to build an Electric car. Then build a more complicated, expensive and polluting battery to fuel it.

When you could just stop at an Electric car.

The much better technology. The much simpler technology. Is the original technology.

Setting fire to Hydrogen in an internal combustion engine. Just as you set fire to Gasoline in an internal combustion engine.

The main drawback of this is that Gasoline has an Energy Density of 34.2. Meaning for every 1 litre of Gasoline you burn you get 34.2 Megajoules of energy.

Whereas Hydrogen liquid has an Energy Density of just 10. So 10 Megajoules of energy for every 1 litre of Hydrogen burned.

In short. You'll need to fill up your Hydrogen car three times as often as your Gasoline car.

From a Climate Change perspective the main advantage of Hydrogen is that it doesn't release any Greenhouse Gases (ghg's) when burned. Or any other environmental pollutants. Just water.

The other advantage Hydrogen has over Gasoline is that it is renewable. You can make as much of it as you need. It's actually made out of Methane, the most potent Green House Gas (ghg).

India, particularly its capital New Delhi. Has a huge, annual problem with smog.

In large part this is caused by farmers burning stubble from their fields. Essentially the roots and stems left over after they've harvested their crops.

Indonesia is also notorious for this. Due to their propensity to smother other people's cities in smog.

What they could do instead. Is use machines to dig up that crop stubble and stick into in a metal silo to decompose. 

Capturing and selling the Methane produced to be made into Hydrogen. Will using the remaining organic matter as fertilizer.

Just two co-benefits. To go along with not having their cities choked by smog.

Since the Olympics we've seen COP26. The first UNFCCC Summit since the Paris Agreement.

As they were trying to highlight the absolute idiocy of the Paris Agreement. This saw the big Kabuki-like pronouncement. Of 106 nations pledging to cut global Methane emissions.

This was either them admitting that the Paris Agreement does not work. And will not work. Or it was them showing they haven't even understood the basics.

Within the UNFCCC all ghg's are talked about in terms of their; "Carbon Equivalency." How their effects can be calculated relative to Carbon Dioxide.

In part this is because there are, at least, 25 Greenhouse Gases (ghg's). With the chemicals industry seeming to invent new ones every day.

However it is also due to the fact that Carbon Dioxide is non-reactive. It doesn't break-down when it comes in contact with other chemical compounds.

So Carbon Dioxide that was released into the atmosphere at the start of the Industrial Revolution. In the 19th Century. Is still up there. Still warming the planet.

Methane is the most potent ghg. It has the greatest warming effect. Yet it is highly reactive, breaking down quickly. Methane released into the atmosphere as recently as the year 2000 has already gone.

So when the UNFCCC talk about cutting "Carbon Emissions." They're already talking about cutting Methane Emissions. Along with emissions of the 23 other ghg's.

You would think. Those 106 nations really should have known that.

One of the main areas of Methane emissions is from animal waste. The Methane released when the dung of farm animals decomposes.

As with crop stubble. This could be put into a metal silo. Capturing that Methane to make Hydrogen.

The problem is that when you use the cheapest method. Making Hydrogen from Methane produces about the same amount of ghg emissions as a Gasoline Car.

Leaving you just a less efficient fuel that still causes Global Warming and Climate Change.

However there are many other ways to make Hydrogen from Methane.

You can apply Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to that cheapest method. Capturing the ghg emissions created during the process. Then just burying them in the ground or using them for something else. Like keeping food fresh.

You can also make Hydrogen from Methane using Electrolysis. Using an electrical current to separate the Hydrogen from the Methane.

Assuming you use a Carbon Neutral source of electricity. This is entirely Carbon Neutral.

It is though complicated, expensive and low yield. Meaning you don't get much Hydrogen for your efforts.

You can also make Hydrogen from Methane by heating it. Rather than seeing the Carbon released as Carbon Dioxide gas. It sees it broken down into a solid form. Ash, essentially. Which is easily collected and disposed of.

This process costs only slightly more than the cheapest method. It also produces a similarly high yield.

Its Carbon Neutrality though is entirely dependent on the fuel you use to produce this heat.

Throughout this I talked about; "Electric Cars" and; "Hydrogen Cars." As opposed to; "Electric Vehicles" and; "Hydrogen Vehicles."

That's because those terms refer to all Electric and Hydrogen fuelled vehicles. As diverse as cars, aeroplanes, ships, trains etc.

I think the term I'm really looking for. Is the much more clumsy sounding; "Electric Road Vehicle" and; "Hydrogen Road Vehicle."

There is definitely significant potential for Hydrogen to be used as a fuel for large fleet vehicles. Such as buses and delivery trucks.

Road vehicles which operate on set routes. With set fuel consumption. 

That are maintained by dedicated teams. Who source their own fuel to their own depots. Rather than just popping down to the local forecourt.

Hydrogen Cars also don't catch fire and explode with anything like the ease Electric Cars.

Germany has invested heavily in replacing Diesel buses with Electric buses. Part of the current Tulip Mania.

In March 2021 one of those shiny new buses caught fire and exploded in its depot in Dusseldorf. The fire immediately spread to 39 more of those shiny new buses and the depot itself. Destroying them and causing millions of US Dollars of damage.

In June 2021 one of those buses caught fire and exploded in its depot in Hanover. The fire immediately spread to and destroyed 8 other buses and the depot itself. Causing millions of US Dollars of damage.

In September 2021. Another of those buses caught fire and exploded in its depot in Stuttgart. Immediately setting fire to another 24 buses and the depot itself. Causing millions of US Dollars of damage

Germany is now re-thinking its use of Electric buses.

Even one of my neighbours. Was recently excited to get an Electric powered bike.

They were a lot less excited a couple of weeks later. When their house burned down.

There are already rumblings. About the unacknowledged fire risk of Electric Road Vehicles. Being a structural threat to the global insurance marketplace.

The area where Hydrogen has the most potential though is in Heavy Industry.

Industries that are so extremely energy intensive. They have to produce their own energy on site.

It's simply too expensive to buy that much energy off a national supply and distribution grid. If that national supply and distribution grid was even able to supply that much energy.

The classic example is Steel Manufacturing.

To make Steel you have to heat Iron to incredibly high temperatures, around 1,700°C, in a Blast Furnace. Most Blast Furnaces are fuelled by; "Coke."

In order to make Coke you have to heat Coal to extremely high temperatures, around 2,000°C, in a Kiln.  A process known as; "Pyrolysis."

These Kilns are normally fuelled by Coal.

So to make Steel you have to burn an awful lot of Coal to make Coke. A substance like Coal. Which you then have to burn an awful lot of.

From a Climate Change perspective. That's just utter insanity.

Another example would be Cement Production. Where Limestone and Clay are ground together to make meal. Which is then heated in a Kiln to around 1,450°C.

If Cement production was a country. Then it would be the third largest emitter of ghg's. Beating India into fourth place.

This Pyrolysis process is used in the manufacture of all sorts of chemicals. Including Ammonia Nitrate Fertilizers. 

The use of which were heavily promoted and expanded during the Second Agricultural/Green Revolution. Mentioned in section discussing the Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Moro) Tokyo 2020 emblem.

Under the Kyoto Protocol a lot of Annex I nations switched to Natural Gas rather than Coal in these heavy industries. As a way to reach their emission targets.

There's actually a relatively famous story. Of how then British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Became so tired and so disorientated during an EU meeting on the Kyoto Protocol. 

He didn't know whether he's signed Britain up to emission reductions in just the domestic sector. Or the domestic sector and the industrial sector. As he had ended up doing.

Obviously that's a story put around by his political enemies. But one people familiar with that type of meeting have absolutely no trouble believing.

You may have noticed. That around the time of the Olympics there was a global spike in Natural Gas prices. Putting energy companies out of business across Britain and the EU.

It also caused a global slowdown in Fertilizer production. Which in turn caused a shortage of Carbon Dioxide gas. Used in food and drink production.

I'm sure you're also aware of what the incompetent and the insane genuinely believed caused this. No matter how much evidence is presented contrary to their unshakeable belief.

There are actually nine ways to make Hydrogen from Methane. Each of which has been assigned its own colour.

So the cheapest method is known as; "Grey Hydrogen."

When it's used alongside CCS it is known as; "Blue Hydrogen."

The Electrolysis method is known as; "Green Hydrogen."

While the Pyrolysis method, using extreme heat, is known as; "Turquoise Hydrogen."

These colours and methods are arranged into something of; "Hydrogen Spectrum."

Rather like the; "Visible Light Spectrum." Part of the; "Electromagnetic Spectrum." As discussed in the Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Moro) section.

This seems to be something of a Chemists joke.

No matter how it is produced. Hydrogen is colourless. When it is burned it is also colourless.

Meaning the World's Chemists are now probably peeling off into working groups. To discuss what chemical Japan added to the Olympic Cauldron to make the Hydrogen flame burn orange.

Creating never before seen; "Orange Hydrogen."

With the Olympic Cauldron lit. The Opening Ceremony came to an end.

With the now traditional Big Firework Finish.

There was though one last little bit. That we were not able to see.

Japanese fire regulations do not allow for a huge naked flame. To be left burning inside a building all day and all night. For weeks on end.

So after the ceremony had finished. A lamp was lit from the Cauldron before it was extinguished.

Then, in private. Ayaka Takahashi. The Japanese Badminton Gold Medallist, 2016. Used that lamp to light another Olympic Cauldron, identical to this one.

That Olympic Cauldron was located outside of the Olympic Park.

Serving as another beacon. 

To all the Tokyo residents who Pandemic restrictions were preventing from going to the big party. That they were paying to host. 

 

20:25 on 26/12/21 (UK date).

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt.15.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 14; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-2020-olympic-opening-ceremony-pt-14.html

Olympic Torch Relay.

A short video was played. Showing the highlights of the Olympic Torch Relay.

This is a piece of International Olympic Committee (IOC) protocol. Which really highlights the IOC's enthusiasm for Nazi and Fascist values.

The Torch Relay was invented by the German Nazi Party. Specifically by its Ministry of Propaganda ahead of the 1936 Summer Games. Held in Berlin, Germany.

Like so many other aspects of Nazism. The IOC decided they liked it so much they were going to keep it.

As I think we all know. The Olympic Flame is lit, by the Sun, in the Ancient Greek city of Olympia. It is then transported, inside a lamp, to the Olympic host country.

The Flame is then transferred to a succession of Olympic Torches. Which are then paraded around the host country by a relay of people.

The purpose is to attract crowds and attention. In an effort to build excitement and momentum ahead of the games.

This year the Pandemic has meant that everybody, including Japan. Have been trying to avoid having large crowds of people gathering.

However IOC protocol dictated that Japan had to go ahead with the Torch Relay anyway.

Creating this rather strange situation of them trying to do a publicity stunt. In secret.

So the video of the Torch Relay highlights was nothing special. Due to the Torch Relay being nothing special. 

Just a succession of people carrying a flaming torch alone. In a wide, open space.

That should not be taken as a slight against the hosts. I think we all understand. There were some issues they had to deal with.

The video though does give us an opportunity to discuss The Design of the Olympic Torch.

This was intended to resemble the shape of a Cherry Blossom. Japan's national flower. Which holds great importance within Japanese society.

As was discussed during the sequence with the Japanese National Anthem (Fun With Flags I). 

There is the popular practice within Japan of Hanami (Flower Viewing). In which people gather together beneath the pretty and sweet smelling Cherry Blossoms.

Cherry Blossoms are also hugely symbolic with Japan's Asian, Animist beliefs. 

Their beauty is fragile and shortlived. Encapsulating the concept of Mono No Aware (The Suffering Of Things). Similar to the concept of Memento Mori (Remember That You Must Die).

This is something Cherry Blossoms share with the Lotus flower. Frequently used in Buddhism as a metaphor for the journey towards enlightenment. 

Key to which is the realisation. That age, sickness and death are the inevitable fate of all living things.

The torches themselves are made of aluminium. 

Specifically aluminium recycled from temporary housing erected to house the 340,000+ people displaced by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake Disaster. Some for many years.

Although it has offered many hints. The Opening Ceremony hasn't included a specific section to talk about the so-called "3/11 Disaster" directly. So I will use this opportunity to talk about it.

On March 11th 2011 (11/3/11) a Magnitude 9.1 Earthquake struck around 75km (45 miles) off Japan's Tokohu Region. It lasted for a full six minutes.

It was the most powerful Earthquake ever recorded it Japan. It was the fourth most powerful Earthquake ever recorded anywhere.

On any given day there are hundreds of Earthquakes recorded all over the World. We've been keeping detailed records of Earthquakes since 1900.

So take a moment to think about what that truly means. To say that something is the fourth most powerful Earthquake ever recorded.

The Earthquake immediately had a significant impact within Japan. Causing some US$34bn worth of damage to buildings and infrastructure such as roads and bridges.

That though was just the start.

The Earthquake triggered a Tsunami Wave. A 6 metre (20 foot) tall, fast-moving, wall of water. Which smashed into all of the eastern side of Japan. With the Prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi bearing the brunt.

This was the second biggest Tsunami ever recorded.

We have been recording Tsunamis for thousands of years.

So, again. Take a moment to think about what that truly means. To say something is the second biggest Tsunami ever recorded.

The damage that it caused to Japan is almost impossible to comprehend.

It injured more than 6,000 people. While it killed more than 20,000 people. 

More than 2,500 of whose bodies were never recovered. They just disappeared into the sea.

Some 230,000 vehicles were destroyed. While some 120,000 buildings were totally destroyed. With a further 280,000 further buildings being partially destroyed. Leaving those 340,000+ severely traumatised people homeless.

You may have noticed that I end my posts by giving the time and date in my location.

That tradition began on March 3rd 2011. As we were all trying to track the Tsunami as it travelled across the Pacific Ocean, backwards across the International Date Line.

Fearful that we would see that level of destruction stretch down the west coast of the American Continent. From Alaska down to Chile.

The Tsunami also overwhelmed The Fukushima-Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. Causing its vital cooling system to fail. Leading to three Reactor Meltdowns and several explosions.

Since 1990 Nuclear Incidents are measured using the; "International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES)." Fukushima was a Level 7 event. The highest possible event.

The only other Level 7 event was the 1986 Chernobyl Disaster. Which, technically, only saw one Reactor Meltdown and two explosions. 

However, unlike at Fukushima-Daiichi, that was an uncontained explosion. Which triggered a massive fire that emitted radiative smoke for several weeks.

All of that happend to Japan. In just 15 minutes.

In 2020 we saw the World almost completely shutdown. Including the delay to these Olympic Games. 

All in response to a Coronavirus. Which normally wouldn't be considered even a third of the Common Cold.

So I think it is fair to say. That any one of the events of 3/11 would have completely broken most nations.

However life wasn't done with Japan yet.

Prior to 3/11 Japan generated around 30% of its electricity from Nuclear Power Plants. In response to 3/11 Japan was forced to shutdown 46 of its 50 Nuclear Power Plants.

Effectively cutting off 30% of their electricity at the flick of a switch. With nothing there to replace it.

This caused a decade long energy crisis. 

With blackouts, rolling blackouts and brownouts affecting all of Japanese society. A society which is probably more dependent than most on technology and electrical gadgets.

All beause there simply was not enough electricity to supply demand. Not at any price. It just was not there.

So I think the Japanese people can be incredibly proud. Of how they managed to just keep going in response to 3/11.

Charting Japan's recovery from 3/11 was the stated aim of awarding them the 2020 Summer Olympics. Back in 2013.

So that is probably why there hasn't been a specific section dedicated to 3/11. This is supposed to be the symbolic end of the journey. The point where everybody can start to forget and move on.

Throughout this Opening Ceremony and 2020. There has been some discussion.

As the whether the Pandemic could be the natural environment's violent revenge. For the Paris Agreement on Climate Change going into effect at the start of 2020.

If you've been tracking the detail of global efforts to combat Climate Change. Then you can see a possible, similar connection with 3/11 and Fukushima-Daiichi in particular.

At "COP16." The 16th Conference Of Parties. To the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). Held in Cancun, Mexico in December 2010.

There was a big argument over whether Nuclear Power could be classed as a; "Green Technology." For the purposes of the UNFCCC's Finance and Technology Transfer mechanisms.

It ended in a rough agreement that it shouldn't be. 

When you consider all the inputs over the extremely long life of Nuclear Power generation. It can't even be considered Energy Neutral. Let alone Carbon Neutral.

That is even before you get into the safety issue.

It was though expected that the argument would continue. At the UNFCCC's spring meeting. To be held in March/April 2011.

Then 3/11 happened. Suddenly all the people who'd be pushing for Nuclear Power were like;

"Nope. We're good."

As all the people who were opposed to Nuclear being considered a Green Technology. Were trying to cope in the midst of 3/11 with the thought.

"Well. That's proved our point!"

Prior to the shame that is the Paris Agreement. The plan was for the Kyoto Protocol to be replaced with a much stronger, legally binding mechanism to combat Climate Change.

This led to a lot of discussion about what would constitute; "Force Majeure." The legal concept that allows for the breaking of a contract. In this case Green House Gas (ghg) emission reduction commitments.

3/11 and Japan's subsequent energy crisis, which ran throughout the negotiations. Gave us a massive example of what would constitute Force Majeure.

As Japan had to begin every meeting in the negotiations. By going through the humilation of;

"Yes. We know it's our name on it. But we really can't meet our obligations under the Kyoto Protocol anymore."

The music accompanying the video was "Teo Torriate (Let Us Cling Together)" by British Rock band Queen.

The song is about being parted from a loved one. Although it is never made clear whether that parting is due to distance or death.

The lyrics heavily invoke imagery used widely within Asian Animist religions. 

The same Moon, the same Wind. Time being nothing but an illusion. Feeling the blossoming flower as if it was the touch of your loved one. 

As has been discussed. Particularly in reference to the Ichimatso Moro (Harmonised Chequered) Tokyo 2020 emblem. 

Through concepts such as Naraka. Asian Animist religions see death merely as another form of distance.

The chorus of the song is sung in Japanese. As is the title of the song; "Teo Torriate (Hand In Hand And)." Although that is a grammatically curious combination of "Hand (Teo, 4-4-3)" and the particle "Wo" (2-3-1).

As has been mentioned a few times during this Opening Ceremony. I have a tattoo in Japanese. Despite the appalling libel in The Offspring song; "Pretty Fly (For A White Guy)." I know exactly what it means.

Including the deliberate grammatical error.

I'm sure though this 1976 Queen song will have been a lot of people's only exposure to the Japanese language. 

At around 18:30 on 16/12/21 (UK date) there is still so much to continue with.

Edited at around 20:10 on 16/12/21 (UK date) to quickly tidy the above and copy & paste;

If you were so inclined. I'm sure now we've mentioned it. You could use the Olympics and Para-Olympics to discuss all aspects of the band Queen.

Its music. Its members.

Such as the lead singer Freddie Mercury. 

Who was born Farrokh Bulsara, in Tanzania. To Indian parents.

India being the Birthplace of Buddhism. Its current main religion being the similarly Asian Animist Hinduism. 

Even if Freddie Mercury's own parents were followers Zoroastrianism. A religion that even I need to read up on.

The Yezidi religion is pre-Zoroastrian. In Syria and Iraq they've been fighting alongside Shia Muslims. Who are definitely post-Zoroastrian.

It was the one topic. That no-one was interested in talking about.

You could talk about Freddie Mercury's Homosexuality. Along with his Cross-Dressing in the video for; "I Want To Break Free."

I suppose you could even talk about Freddie Mercury's friendship with Britain's Princess Diana.

Due to my paternal Grandfather being part of Lord Mountbatten's security detail. As part of a long, sketchy military career.

Growing up I actually met Prince Charles, Princess Diana, Prince William, Prince Harry and the Duchess of Cornwall. Several times.

I mean, it's not like we went to school together. Although we are certainly talking about more than once. 

As you may have guessed from me meeting Prince Charles & Princess Diana. Along with me meeting Prince Charles & the Duchess of Cornwall.

It must be said. That in person I found Princess Diana to be particularly unpleasant.

However if we must talk about Princess Diana. I suppose we could also talk about "Candle In The Wind." The 1976 song Elton John reworked for her 1997 funeral.

Perhaps we could talk about the certain, actionable musical similarities. Between Candle In The Wind and the earlier Teo Terriate.

As people who remember his 2005 Live 8 performance. Alongside Pete Doherty. Will know. Over the years Elton John has certainly had a lot to say about me.

That's despite him still not having achieved a level in life. Where he would be granted an audience with me. 

I certainly wasn't in his Live 8 audience.

I suppose we could also talk about Freddie Mercury's death from HIV/AIDS.

We could certainly talk about my use of his version of; "The Great Pretender." To mock the Paris Agreement.

I think primarily though Japan was trying to remind us that Brian May holds a PhD in Astrophysics. 

Putting him alongside various other Astrophysicists mentioned in this Opening Ceremony. Such as Willebrord Snellius, Ernest Rutherford, Paul Villard, Carl Sagan etc.

Meaning it would be interesting to hear. Brian May's views on the similarities between Quantum Field Theory and Asian Animist religions.

Or, perhaps. That's what we've just heard.

Teo Terriate is taken from the Queen album; "A Day At The Races." 

Not to be confused with the rather racist song; "Camptown Races." Which was used to draw extra attention to the Equestrian Pictograms. In the earlier "Pictogram Round" section of the ceremony.

A reminder of how the US/UK were adamant that Miley Cyrus and I couldn't speak directly to each other. As that would be a secret, which no-one else would be able to see.

While I was using it as an opportunity. To teach everybody about the Cavaletti method of horse training. Pioneered by Gold Medallist in Men's Dressage at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Reiner Klimke.

The cover art for A Day At The Races features a massive, central "Q." The same icon used by the American "QAnon" movement.

Making this seem very much like. Japan actively endorsing and promoting QAnon. Particularly its central tenet;

There is No Such Person as President Joe Biden. 

 

At around 20:35 on 16/12/21 (UK date) you notice it now, don't you. 

Edited at around 17:50 on 20/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Olympic Cauldron Lighting.

As the video ended. The Olympic Torch Relay made its way into the arena. To allow the Olympic Cauldron to be lit.

Like the third generation of the Kamiyo-nanayo. The first Torch Bearers arrived in a pair. Tadahiro Nomura and Saori Yoshida.

Tadahiro Nomura is one of Japan's most famous Olympians. He won three back-to-back Gold Medals at the 1996, 2000 and 2004 Olympics. All in the traditionally male combat sport of Judo.

Saori Yoshida is another extremely famous Japanese Olympian. She also won back-to-back Gold Medals. At the 2004, 2008, 2012 Olympics. Along with a Silver Medal at the 2016 Olympics. 

All in the traditionally male combat sport of wrestling.

Together they reference that recurring theme of both the ceremony and the games. Improving rights for women within Japanese society. Here by exploring traditional gender roles.

As if to further highlight the Third generation of the Kamiyo-nanayo. The Olympic Torch was then passed to a trio or Thrupple of Torch Bearers.

Shigeo Nagashima, Sadaharu Oh and Hideki "Godzilla" Matsui. Three massive Japanese Baseball stars. 

Japan is probably the only country outside of America where Baseball is extremely popular. Having been introduced by American troops that have been stationed in Japan since the end of the Second World War.

Shigeo Nagashima spent his career with the Yomirui Giants. Where he won the Japanese equivalent of the World Series eleven times as a player. Then a further three times as manager. He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988.

Sadaharu Oh was a teammate of Shigeo Nagashima at the Yomirui Giants. Sharing in those eleven Japan Series victories. He was inducted into the Japanese Baseball Hall of Fame in 1994.

Hideki Matsui began his career with the Yomiuri Giants. Winning the Japan Series three times. 

Hideki Matsui then moved to America where he played for the Tampa Bay Rays, the Oakland Athletics and Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. Along with the very famous New York Yankees.

It was while in America that he picked up the nickname; "Godzilla." Which the Japanese probably find tacky, bordering on the offensive.

As anyone watching could see. Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh are now both old men. Aged 85 and 81 respectively. Shigeo Nagashima appeared particularly frail. Having suffered a stroke in 2004.

Appearing alongside them. The 47 year old Hideki Matsui almost gave the impression of being their nurse or careworker.

This was a reference to another recurring theme of the ceremony and the games.

In 2006 Britain just completely withdrew from reality. Retreating into a fantasy world of these amazing things it was going to achieve.

Prominent amongst those fantasy achievements. Was for me to teach them, for free. How to become world leaders in meeting the healthcare needs of the elderly. With a particular focus on Dementia.

That is a hugely profitable and growing market with economically developed nations seeing increasingly older populations. Particularly in nations such as Japan which is said to have a; "Super-Aging Population."

To give you an idea. In Japan in a typical year around US$500m is spent on diapers for babies. While 2.5 times that, around US$1.4bn is spent on diapers for elderly adults.

Just in Japan. The total, annual market for such elderly care products is in excess of US$900bn.

To get a piece of that action. Britain systematically tortured and killed my paternal Grandmother. While forcing me to watch.

They even used my attempts to mount legal challenges against their behaviour. In an effort to disrupt and collapse global efforts to combat Climate Change.

Her husband, my paternal Grandfather. His long, sketchy military career. Including as part of the security detail for Lord Mountbatten, the current British Queen's de facto father-in-law.

Apparently, that all counted for nothing.

Yet here Shigeo Nagashima and Sadaharu Oh still stand. Frailly clinging on. In the hope that Britain's amazing achievement will finally emerge.

This was Japan, as a friend and ally of Britain. Trying to give them an opportunity. Pleading with them almost.

To look at what it thought it was going to achieve when it withdrew from reality back in 2006. Then compare it to what it has actually achieved.

As everyone seems obsessed with mathematical modelling at the moment. I suppose we could assign those lists numerical values. Then compare them on a T-cell balance sheet.

That total should then be compared to the costs that Britain has incurred. Since its decision to withdraw from reality.

If Britain has achieved none of the things it set out to achieve. Then a rational person would conclude that it has been a complete failure. A big, fat zero.

A rational person would then want to reverse that failure. If only to cut the expense it is costing.

Ironically. One of the other things Britain dreamed it was going to achieve. When it completely withdrew from reality. Was similar global leadership in Mental Healthcare. Their Cyrille Tchatchet boast.

One of the key tools, approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO), to diagnose Mental Illness. Is the Mental Status Examination (MSE). 

Which is not to be confused with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Used in the diagnosis of Dementia.

The Mental Status Examination considers a person across 10 areas or "Domains." The largest of which is; "Thought Content." 

The most serious problem with Thought Content are; "Delusions." 

Does the person have a provably false belief? That they refuse to let go of. Not matter much evidence is presented proving to them that their belief is false.

There is a particular sub-type of Delusion. Grandiose Delusions. Where the sufferer thinks that have exceptional, superior knowledge and power.

Such as a belief they have magical superpowers. Which allow them to perform elaborate Jedi mind-tricks to control all the inferior beings.

So I don't think it should really come as a surprise to anyone.

That as their failure and desperation has mounted. In recent years Britain, and increasingly this year America. 

Seem to have become increasingly fixated and obsessed with the issue of Mental Health and Mental Illness.

Who is Sane? And who, very obviously, isn't.

The next Torch Bearers also came in a pair. Like the fourth generation of the Kamiyo-nanayo.

Although no-one seems to have caught their names. They were a male Doctor and a female Nurse.

Again exploring traditional gender roles. In contrast to the traditional gender role defying pairing of Tadahiro Nomura and Saori Yoshida.

The Torch was then passed to Wakako Tschuida. An incredibly famous Japanese Para-Olympian. Japan's first professional Para-Olympian in fact.

Wakako Tschuida is most famous as a Wheelchair Marathon Racer. However also competed in the Winter Para-Olympics as an Ice-Sledge Racer.

Her inclusion in the Torch Relay. Reaffirmed Japan's desire to see parity between the Olympics and Para-Olympics. 

They are treating this not as the Opening Ceremony for just the Olympics. But for the Olympics and Para-Olympics. Once long, single event.

The next Torch Bearers were A Group of School Children. From the Prefectures of Fukushima, Iwate and Miyagi. The Prefectures worst affected by the 3/11 disaster.

Although they were not named, let alone their ages given. The children were said to have been born at the time of 3/11 or immediately after. Having lived their entire lives in the shadow of the disaster.

This raised the point that globally. Particularly in Israel and the US military. There is now an entire generation of adults. Who do not remember the 9/11 Attacks. They simply had not been born.

However it also invoked Japan's recovery from 3/11. The symbolic journey that preparations for these games were set out to chart.

At around 18:20 on 20/12/21 (UK date) there is still much to continue. 

Edited at around 18:50 on 21/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Finally the Torch was passed to Naomi Osaka. The de facto US/Japan Dual National Tennis player. Who is probably the most famous Japanese sports person in the World at the moment.

As has been discussed a lot during this Opening Ceremony. Japan looks at its Edo Period as its golden age.

The Edo Period was defined by the; "Locked State" or; "Sakoku" policy. 

This saw Japan completely isolate itself from the outside World. With foreigners not being allowed into the country and few Japanese being allowed to leave.

As a result. Japanese society still has this deeply ingrained distrust of foreigners.

This applies to all foreigners, including other Asians. However it is particularly striking for Black people.

In part that is because they look the most unlike Japanese people. Making them really stand out in a crowd, unable to sort of blend into the background.

But it is also due to Japan having a very polite, deferential and conformist culture. Which makes the manners obsessed British seem like oafs in comparison.

What tends to dominate globally is American Black culture. Which like Caribbean Black culture is influenced by boisterous West African culture. Which really could not be more different from Japanese culture.

Naomi Osaka is the personification of this clash. One that is happening in her brain all day, every day.

Her father is a Black man from the Caribbean island of Haiti. While her mother is a Japanese woman from Hokkaido.

Naomi Osaka was born in Osaka, Japan. Then, at the age of three, moved to America. Obtaining American citizenship.

At the age of 14, as her Tennis career was starting to take off. Naomi Osaka decided that she would represent Japan.

As her success grew this was met with something of a backlash within Japan. Along with some just out-and-out racist comments.

In part this was because she hadn't actually lived in Japan since the age of three. Also Japan doesn't allow Dual Citizenship past the age of 22. Meaning Naomi Osaka had to give up her US citizenship.

However a large part of it was a belief that a Black person simply can't be Japanese. Just as a White person simply can't be Japanese. No matter of where they were born, or where they've lived their lives.

Naomi Osaka has also had similar problems fitting in within American society.

This is due to the very narrow image of a Black person that American society, particularly Black American society allows. A recurring theme of really every Super Bowl and Oscars since about 2014.

The person I always pick on to illustrate this point is Lewis Hamilton. The Black British Formula 1 racing driver.

Lewis Hamilton has won the Formula 1 drivers title seven times. The joint most times anyone has ever won it. 

This year he came close to breaking the record. Which would have made him the most successful Formula 1 driver ever.

So in his professional life Lewis Hamilton is incredibly accomplished. He has been extremely well compensated financially for his achievements.

This has led to him trying to fit in in America. Joining in with similarly accomplished Black American sports stars and celebrities.

However he's never seemed quite comfortable. Black American society seems to have no place for an intelligent, accomplished, polite Black man. 

Black American society it seems can only cope with Black men who dumb-as-rocks thugs and gangsters.

Naomi Osaka seems to have a similar problem. Black American society has no place for intelligent, accomplished polite Black women.

Black American society seems only able to cope with Black women. As dumb-as-rocks whores and strippers. There as sex objects for the entertainment of those dumb-as-rocks Black men.

During the 2020 US Open Naomi Osaka wore facemasks supporting the Black Lives Matter cause. Which did have the awkward feel of someone trying too hard to fit in with the cool kids.

I suppose to that list we could also add Rihanna. My eternal wife in the eyes of the Olympic and Para-Olympic movement.

You know that woman? The one who founded and runs a cosmetics company and a clothing company. With a combined value of US$1bn.

The woman who also founded and runs a charitable foundation. That in 2020 disbursed US$47m, some to good causes.

It turns out. She can be a bit of a nerd.

Worse than that. Rihanna seems to be at about my level of nerd.

Back in January 2020 Rihanna asked for my opinion on the India Farmer Protests. 

Taking the rather circuitous route of Tweeting about it. In the hope of causing such a storm it would be picked up by a news agency I read.

Rather than writing the book that it would take to begin to explain it.

I'm not joking about that. When I've finished my coverage of this Opening Ceremony, including reference to the India Farmer Protests. It will run to around 400 A5 pages.

A perfectly reasonable length for a book.

So, rather than doing that. I took a book someone else had written on the subject. Then hurled it in Rihanna's general direction.

If the US/UK were ever to start participating in reality again. 

Then I think both Rihanna and I would actually quite enjoy discussing that book together. While it was the best I could do at the time. There are certainly some problems with it.

Things like Microfinance are actually the sort of things Rihanna needs to know for her charitable foundation. It is her job.

Unfortunately we feel we have to keep that quiet. As Black America just can't cope with an intelligent, accomplished Black woman.

Perhaps something Rihanna was trying to protest about. When, in April 2021, she shutdown a Los Angeles bookstore. So the paparazzi could photograph her buying a copy of "Shoe Dog" by Phil Knight.

While wearing a hat that even Lewis Hamilton would probably think twice about.

A detail I feel I'm including here. Entirely for the benefit of Miley Cyrus. 

Also, exactly like the Japanese city of Osaka. Naomi Osaka's family name does seem a lot like my Twitter handle; "Sovereignaka (Saka)."

The one I used before being blocked by the platform. In June 2019. 

Just before the 2019 G20 Summit. Held in Osaka, Japan.

In case there was still lingering doubt. That Twitter will be apologising. They will pay their fines in full.

In the Celtic/Irish tradition. You often see an "O" followed by an apostrophe before a family name. As in; Brendan O'Carroll.

This is just a short way of writing; "Descendent of." As in; Brendan descendent of the Carrolls.

All of which does rather make it sound. As though Naomi O'Saka is my daughter.

Which certainly entertains me. Particularly when I'm trying to marry her off to Lewis Hamilton.

Just as I was married off to Rihanna O'Fenty.

At around 19:15 on 21/12/21 (UK date) there's just one final, uphill, bit left to do.

Edited at around 14:40 on 23/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and add;

 

To be continued in Part 16.

15:10 on 23/12/21 (UK date).

 

The 2020 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony Pt. 14.

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 13; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/10/the-2020-summer-olympics-opening_25.html

Intermission! 

This section gave us our first proper look at the Olympic Cauldron. The art installation that once lit will be the ever present symbol of these games.

It is a white orb suspended above a pyramid. Intended to resemble The Sun Rising Over Mount Fuji.

Officially speaking these 2020 Summer games follow on from the 2016 Summer games. Held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

However chronologically they pick up from the 2018 Winter games. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South).

Those PyeongChang games marked the start of a long stay in Asia for the Olympics. Including those games, these games and the 2022 Winter Olympics. To be held in Beijing, China.

So the South Korean hosts took the opportunity to introduce us, not just to South Korea. But also to concepts that are common throughout Asia.

Such as traditional Asian, Animist religions. Particularly the Wu Xing. The five essential elements which make up the Universe and everything in it.

The Japanese hosts have used this opportunity to look further at traditional Asian, Animist religions. 

The dominant Animist religion within Japan is; "Shinto" or; "The Way of the Gods."

Like all Asian Animist religions Shinto has no central doctrine, laid out in a religious book. Like the Bible within Christianity or the Qu'ran within Islam. 

Followers of Shinto even find the term; "Religion" to be overly definitive.

Central to Shinto are the; "Kami." Which literally translates as; "Gods."

However the more accurate translation is probably; "Holy Powers," "Holy Spirits" or; "Holy Forces."

The Kami are similar to the Jewish concept of God. That God is the Universe and the Universe is God.

God has two parts. The great unknowable, unseeable; "Godhead." Along with the body of God. The Universe in which we all exist.

The; "Tree of Life" is almost like God's nervous system. Through which the Godhead can send messages to the things, such as humans, which exist in God's body. The Universe.

Likewise Kami are not separate from nature but are nature. Kami are the Universe in which all things exist.

To really stretch the Tree of Life metaphor. You could almost think of the five elements of the Wu Xing as the nodes or archetypes. While the Kami are the lines connecting them.

Within Shinto there are an almost infinite and ever growing number of Kami. 

It is believed that many of the ancient Japanese clans or families descended from Kami. So every time a member of that family dies they become a Kami. 

While there is no central religious text in Shinto. Many of the myths, legends, songs and stories of its early practice have been recorded in the; "Kojiki" or; "Records of Ancient Matters." First compiled in the 8th Century A.D

The Kojiki details over 300 categories of Kami. That is not 300 Kami. That is 300 categories into which the almost infinite number of Kami can be divided into.

However the first category of Kami are the; "Kotomatukami" or; "Distinguished Heavenly Kami."

The Kotomatumai represent the beginning of existence. The creation of the; "Takamagahara" or; "Plain of High Heaven."

The original three Kotomatumai were;

Ame-no-Minakanushi - the; "Lord of the August Centre of Heaven" or; "Central Master." 

Takaminmusubi - the; "High Creator."

Kamimusubi - the; "Divine Creator."

They were soon joined by two other Kotomatumai;

Umashi-ashi-Ashikabi - the; "God of the Budding Reed" or; "Energy."

Ame-no-Tokotachi - "Heaven."

Then from the Plain of High Heaven the World was created. 

With it another category of Kami. The; "Kamiyo-nanayo" or; "Seven Generations of the Age of Gods."

The first generation Kamiyo-nanayo was;

Kuni-no-Tokotachi - "The God That Rose Like A Reed From The Soil."

The second generation Kamiyo-nanayo was;

Toyo-kumono-no-kami - "The God of the Wealth of Trees and Clouds."

The next five generations of Kamiyo-nanayo came in pairs;

Uhijinji - "Mud" and; Suhijini - "Sand." 

Tsunugui - "Sprout" and Ikugui - "Grow."

Otonoji - "Male Genitals" and Otonobe - "Female Genitals." Taken together; "An Intercourse Between Male and Female Genitals" or; "Sex."

Omodaru - "The Earth is Complete" and Ayakashikone - "Surprisingly Wonderful!"

Izanagi - "Man Who Invites Forth" and Izanami - "Woman Who Invites Forth."

It is believed that it was Izanagi and Izanami who created the Japanese archipelago.

So essentially the Shinto creation myth for Japan is;

The Gods had sex. The Earth moved. Japan was born.

Within Shinto Kami are not separate from nature. They are nature. Nature is the manifestation of Kami. 

Mount Fuji is the manifestation of Kuni-no-Tokotachi. The God That Rose From The Soil. Or Kuni-no-Tokotachi is the spirit which inhabits Mount Fuji.

As such Mount Fuji - "The One of Great Standing" - is considered the most important of Japan's; "Three Holy Mountains."

The others being; Mount Haku - "The White Mountain" and; Mount Tate - "Outstanding Mountain."

The Sun being the manifestation of Amaterasu. The goddess that brings light from the heavens.

Like the Japanese archipelago Amaterasu is a child of Izanagi and Izanami. She has two younger siblings; 

Tsukuyomi - the goddess that watches at night. The Moon. Susanoo - the god that brings forth wildness and violence. Storms and Floods.

Collectively Amaterasu, Tsuyomi and Susanoo are known as; "Mihashira-no-uzu-no-miko" or the; "Three Precious Children."

More precious even then Japan itself.

The five Kotomatumai along with the first two generations of Kamiyo-nanayo are considered; "Hitroigami." "The Singular." "Those Who Exist Alone."

They are simultaneously male, female and genderless. Rather like how the Jewish Godhead is considered to be unseeable, unknowable.

The Kami didn't divide into pairs until the third generation of Kamiyo-nanayo. Male and female genitalia didn't emerge until the fifth generation Kamiyo-nanayo.

The main Asian, Animist religion within South Korea is Taoism. It is the Taoist Ying Yang symbol which forms the centre of their flag.

The Ying Yang symbol represents the eternal need for a complimentary balance between opposing forces within the Universe. Be those opposing forces male and female, light and dark, good and evil etc. 

As discussed the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Emblem, Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Moro), features a geometric progression. A constant march between light and dark.

Within Balinese Hinduism this pattern is known as; "Saput Poleng." Used in the same way as the Taoist Ying Yang. Representing the eternal need for a complimentary balance between opposing forces within the Universe.

All Shinto Kami, be they male, female or Hitroigami also represent this need for balance. They contain both light and dark, positive and negative, good and evil etc. 

Which all serves as an elaborate way to troll the slower nations; New Zealand, Canada and America. 

Who think Transgender athletes are still an ongoing debate within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

It shows that all this making up of ever more elaborate, self-selecting gender pronouns. It doesn't make you sound exotic and interesting.

It just makes you sound ignorant.

In Malay this rising sun would be named; "The Eye of the Day" or; "Mata Hari." The named selected by Margetha Zelle. 

After the breakdown of her marriage to Rudolf MacLeod. Whose colonial Dutch East India Company helped suppress Japan's Shimbara Rebellion. During the first Black Ships period. 

Margetha Zelle chose the name Mata Hari in an effort to sound more exotic and interesting. As she launched her career as an exotic dancer/stripper.

Instead Mata Hari went on to become probably the most famous failed female spy in history.

All of which joins Azerbaijan's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry. In a stern rebuke to the US/UK's clumsy efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Making clear that we all know what the US/UK hope to achieve by that. Meaning that Miley Cyrus' mission is already over. She has absolutely no value as a spy or some sort of espionage weapon.

So if they are going to continue to ruin Miley Cyrus' life like that.

Then they are doing so simply out of sadism and spite.

Particularly as now, since the Olympics, the clumsiness of their efforts. Mean that I no longer have a relationship with Miley Cyrus for them to hijack.

In light of the earlier "Comedy Control Room" sequence. In which Hitori Gekidan tried and failed to find his female boss' button. Forcing Shizuka Arakawa to find and flick her own button.

Along with the Shinto creation myth of Japan.

That pearl-like nub. Is certainly intended to be interpreted as a Clitoris.

Part of the Otonobe which I'm told can make things Ayakashikone.

At around 18:15 on 2/12/21 (UK date) this is so much to be continued. 

Edited at around 17:55 on 6/12/21 (UK date) to copy & paste;

The main part of the section was a short performance of; "Shibaraku" or; "Stop A Moment." This is one of the oldest and most famous stories in the Kabuki Theatre tradition.

As was mentioned in the Pictogram Round section. A lot of people think that Kabuki is Japanese puppet theatre, or even just shadow puppet theatre. Such as that used to portray the Equestrian pictograms.

Japanese puppet theatre, including shadow puppets, is actually Bunraku.  However it is a reasonable mistake to make.

When you think about theatre in the modern, western tradition. You probably think about sitting quietly in the dark. Inside a building for several hours.

Kabuki Theatre is much more like an all day music festival. It takes place in a large outside arena. It begins when the sun rises and continues until the sun sets.

Over the course of that day you have the main play. 

However you also have various intermissions and interludes interspersing the main play. In order to give the performers and audience time to rest, eat and do other things.

This is something that has been alluded to throughout the Opening Ceremony. Particularly with the little interludes with the Media Clowns.

Shibaraku isn't actually a Kabuki play. It's one of these short intermissions that accompany the play. 

To give you an idea of how long Kabuki performances last. Shibaraku, as a "short" interlude, normally takes about 50 minutes to an hour to perform.  

Bunraku was brought into Kabuki to provide entertainment during those interludes. As its popularity grew it began to play a bigger and bigger part.

In the 1840's Japan suffered a series of droughts. Which, in turn, caused a series of wildfires.

Something which Climate Change is forcing us all to deal with more.

These wildfires destroyed many of the wooden buildings and structures used in Kabuki Theatre. Both to stage performances and to store things props and costumes.

That almost completely destroyed the Kabuki Theatre industry. Rather like how the Pandemic has almost completely destroyed much of the modern theatre and live entertainment industry, the World over.

As the Kabuki industry struggled to get back on its feet. It started to stage exclusively Bunraku performances. A cheaper way to quickly get some revenue flowing in.

This coincided with the Perry Expedition and the end of Japan's; "Sakoku" or; "Locked State" policy. 

So when foreigners started to arrive and experience Kabuki Theatre for the first time. They were actually experiencing Bunraku. The misconception was born.

Shibaraku is set during Japan's Sengoku or; "Warring States" period. 

An evil Daimyo (Warlord) has seized power in a village. He's taken many of the villagers prisoner and is threatening to execute them at the steps of a Shinto shrine. 

As this particular performance is taking place in the shadow of the Olympic Cauldron. Which is intended to resemble the sun rising over Mount Fuji.

I think we can assume that the Shinto shrine is the Fujisan Hongu Sengen Taisha shrine. Which sits at the foot of, and technically includes, Mount Fuji. In honour of Kono-no-Tokotatchi.

Just as the evil Daimyo is about to murder the villagers. There is a sudden, off-stage, cry of; "SHIBARAKU!"

Then the hero emerges. The Samurai Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa. He quickly dispatches the evil Daimyo, rescues the prisoners and saves the day.

Again when you think of the modern, western theatre tradition. You probably think of sitting there in perfect silence. Only applauding politely once the performance has ended.

Kabuki Theatre is much closer to the Music Hall tradition. Which continues to live on in Pantomime Theatre. particularly at this time of year.

It's all very raucous and often coarse. Audience participation is not only allowed. It is actively encouraged.

A big part of Kabuki is the huge, dramatic entrance of characters. They use a special stage known as a; "Hanamichi" or; "Flower Path" which stretches through the crowd to help achieve this. 

Along with various other elaborate tricks such as trapdoors, lifts and wires. All things you would probably associate with a modern popstar's big arena tour.

However I think the closest thing I can compare these dramatic reveals to. Is something like WWE Wrestling. Or the ring walks that Boxers and MMA fighters do before their bouts.

The term; "Playing to the Gallery" or; "Keren" is actually something that has entered western culture from Kabuki Theatre. Via the Music Hall tradition.

Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa, here played by Ichikawa Ebizo Xi, is a particularly bombastic and macho hero. Another common feature of Kabuki.

It's said that Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa lost an eye scaling a fortress wall in battle. Rather like the central character in The Dubliners song; "The Kerry Recruit."

A song which, at the time of the 2021 Super Bowl I used in reference to the change in government in Myanmar/Burma. A poor pun on Tie/Thai.

So you could certainly use that connection to discuss Myanmar/Burma here. Not that I think Japan was making any particular point about it.

The Kerry Recruit is actually set during the Crimea War of 1853-1856. So it is incredibly easy to go from there to the current conflict in Ukraine.

It's certainly a connection I've made plenty of times myself. The Nazis and Neo-Nazis recruited by former US Secretary of State John Kerry. Prompting the people of Crimea to decide to rejoin Russia.

Bruce Springsteen did a version of the similar The Dubliners song; "Mrs McGrath." Which played a part in his daughter, Jessica, being selected for America's Olympic Equestrian team.

As part of that massive running joke. Of me teaching everyone about Reiner Klimke's Cavaletti method of horse training.

While the US/UK were adamant that Miley Cyrus and I couldn't communicate directly. As that would be a secret, that no-one else could see.

Due to my, now defunct, 'Facebook Friendship' with Kim Kardashian "Mrs McGrath" seemed to get stuck in Chrissy Teigen's head. During her miscarriage in 2020.

All of which underlines to the US/UK the truth about my place in the World. While also really underlining how little actually happened in 2020.

Despite only having one eye. Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa is said to be such a powerful warrior he can defeat most enemies with a glare. A huge part of his character.

Amid the many performances over hundreds of years. I'm sure that Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa has been portrayed in many different ways. 

However in this performance he is very much being played for comedy effect. A parody of a sort of toxic masculinity which is rather central to Confucian thought.

An important contribution to that recurring theme. Improving rights of women in Japanese society.

So here Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa has his very phallic, oversized sword. Along with his oversized "Sansho" displaying his family crest. Which I'm sure could be mistaken for testicles.

The final humiliation is when he needs the help of the villagers to put on and take off his elaborate armour. Without the help of those, predominately women. He really doesn't seem that impressive after all.

Some people have mentioned, including the BBC commentator. That Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa resembles the; "Darth Maul" character from Star Wars.

They are, of course, incorrect. Darth Maul resembles Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa.

As has been mentioned Star Wars is pretty much stolen, or appropriated, from Japanese culture.

The Jedi and their robes are just Samurai. With their Shinto struggle between the balance of light and dark forces in the Universe.

However I can't say that Darth Maul is directly based on Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa. I still think of Tatooine as primarily a city in Tunisia.

People have also have noticed that the depiction of Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa here. Very, very closely resembles the avatar I used to use on Twitter. 

Before I was blocked from the platform. Events that were discussed during the "The Strength From Within" section.

The small green Lego Ninja. With the two massive, oversized Samurai swords.

An avatar I selected in part in reference to my work combating Climate Change. My green credentials. 

It was also a joke about that Samurai sword attack on my childhood Church. By a Delusional Schizophrenic who seemed to genuinely believe he was living in the TV show; "Buffy the Vampire Slayer." 

A joke I used to make some 20-30 times a day.

So this section really drove home. How stupid Twitter were in blocking me from the platform.

It also really drove home. Just how far the US/UK have withdrawn from reality. In attempting to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Thinking that the psychological trauma of watching Buffy the Vampire Slayer for the first time. Would see me pour my poor little heart out to her. All over the Internet.

Of course it was in escaping a 2004 US/UK assassination attempt, the; "Beslan Gas." That I slightly but permanently messed up the sight in my left eye.

I'm sure though that Boris Johnson and Joe Biden will have me cowering in fear any day now.

At around 18:20 on 6/12/21 (UK date) there is still much to be continued. 

Edited at around 17:10 on 8/12/21 (UK date) to credit Ichikawa Ebizo Xi and copy & paste;

The popular image of a Ninja. A figure all clad in black, face hidden. That's actually another misconception.

That all black outfit is actually worn by Bunraku puppeteers. Along with Kabuki stagehands. A way for them to melt into the background.

There's not actually any one style of clothing associated with Ninjas.

While Samurai are the noble warriors. Fighting for the honour of their Emperor and Shogun.

Ninjas are more the dirty little secret. The clandestine spies, assassins, provocateurs and saboteurs fighting for profit. An early form of Special Operations Forces (SOF).

So Ninjas would most commonly wear civilian clothes. A more effective way for them to melt into the background.

One of the earliest stories of a Ninja, recorded in the Kojiki. Was the 4th Century Prince Yamato Takeru who assassinated two leaders of the Kumaso clan. While dressed as a woman.

Further underlining that longstanding link. Between Cross-Dressing and Special Operations Forces.

It is part of the mythology and folklore surrounding Ninjas. That they are said to be able to control the natural elements. Weaponising them against their opponents.

So amidst the Pandemic. It seems particularly foolish of Twitter. To have picked a fight with the green Ninja.

This performance of Shibaraku was accompanied by jazz pianist Hiromi Uehara, or simply; "Hiromi." Energetically performing songs from her 2019 album; "Spectrum."

This was very much a reference to the Electromagnetic Spectrum. Which so heavily featured in the "Harmonised Chequered (Ichimatsu Mori)" section.

The stated concept behind the album. Is to explore how colours are interconnected like musical notes are interconnected.

It also served as a reference to the Opening Ceremony of the 2016 Summer Para-Olympic Games. Held in Rio de Janerio. Specifically the section which I entitled; "Blindness."

This looked at; "Synaesthesia." One of the more interesting neurological conditions this causes the brain to misinterpret sensory stimuli.

So a person would end up hearing colour. Or tasting smell.

The reference here served as a reminder to Brazil. The nation with the largest ethnically Japanese population outside of Japan.

That amid all the references to South Korea and the 2018 Winter games. Japan hasn't forgotten about them.

Along with other references to the Para-Olympics throughout the ceremony. It was also intended to show parity between the Olympics and Para-Olympics.

Japan's way of sending the message. That they view this Opening Ceremony as marking not just the start of the Olympics but also marking the start of the Para-Olympics. One single, continuous event.

Although Hiromi's work blends many musical styles. She is primarily a Modern Jazz musician. A genre of music which absolutely dominates modern Japanese society.

As was discussed at the 2021 Oscars. The story of Jazz provides a useful way to tell the story of Black Americans. In the aftermath of the US Civil War (1861-1865), which brought about the end of slavery.

Black Americans in the Civil War Southern States which were controlled by the Democrat Party. They continued to be oppressed by segregation and Jim Crow laws. Essentially slavery by a different name.

However Black Americans in the Civil War Northern States which were controlled by the Republican Party. They were free. 

Allowing for an explosion or renaissance of Black achievement and prosperity. Including the creation of Jazz and Blues music.

This Jazz and Blues music is really the foundation for all modern, western popular music. The Rolling Stones have, rightly, been described as nothing more than a Blues cover band.

By its nature Jazz music is non-conformist. Its songs are not written and rehearsed in advanced. Instead they are improvised by the musicians on the day. Going wherever the music takes them in the moment

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

In her physical appearance and demeanour. Particularly her haircut. Hiromi also seems to have been influenced by Punk music and fashion.

Punk is another genre of music that, by its nature, is non-conformist and rebellious. 

It started as a backlash against the classic rock which, through groups like The Rolling Stones, had evolved from Blues. Yet become hideously self-indulgent and overblown.

While it's not as ever present as modern Jazz. Japan does have a significant Punk youth sub-culture. Particularly linked to fashion and that debut Olympic sport, Skateboarding.

Japan also has a very rigid and conformist culture. So it is interesting how they have adopted and replicated these very non-conformist styles of music.

It sometimes looks as though they've managed to perfectly copy the technical aspects of the music and its culture. Yet have done so while completely missing out its passion, or if you like, soul.

Although that's another topic I don't feel particularly comfortable lecturing on. Despite by long, 20 year, relationship with Japan. I am not Japanese. I have never visited the country, let alone lived there.

So it is entirely possible that Japanese versions of Jazz and Punk do contain the passion along with the technical aspects. Just not in a way that I am able to understand.

A sort of Cultural Synaethesia, if you will.

The earlier performance of the Japanese National Anthem. Through that spectacular dress designed by Tomo Koizumi.

Looked at Japan's journey towards enlightenment on the issue of gay rights. Particularly the issue of equal rights for gay women.

I don't think anyone with any knowledge of lesbian or Greek history. Believes it was an accident that Sapporo District Court was chosen to hand-down that landmark ruling on gay marriage.

This Opening Ceremony has also made frequent reference to the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, South Korea.

In that light. Hiromi's frantic, passionate, skilful finger action. Made me think of the 2016 South Korean movie; "The Handmaiden."

This was a big movie around the time of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Having only just started to be distributed outside of Asia. 

Making it another movie I had to discuss without actually having seen.

I have since seen it.

It is an adaptation of; "Fingersmith" by British (Welsh) writer Sarah Waters. Whose work has iconic status amongst the western lesbian community.

Waters similarly themed novel; "Tipping The Velvet" was adapted into a BBC Two mini-series broadcast in 2002. 

Set in the world of Music Hall Theatre it starred Rachael Stirling. The great-neice of David Stirling. Founder of the Special Air Service (SAS).

In 2005 Fingersmith was also adapted into a mini-series. Only this time it was shown on the main BBC One.

I don't actually think I've seen either of those adaptations. However I suspect they don't contain the most graphic lesbian sex scenes that I have ever witnessed. Particularly not between 2002 and 2005.

I do though remember there being a little bit of a controversy at the time. 

Over what was acceptable to show in a prime-time, immediately post-watershed drama. The sort of thing parents might allow their older children to stay up and watch.

It is the great contradiction of South Korean society. That they have this very mischievous and cheeky sense of humour. Yet also have this very conservative, polite and reserved culture.

So I was rather interested to see how they would deal with the sex scenes in The Handmaiden. Which is, primarily, a love/sex story.

I suspected they might only be able to get away with the occasional chaste, same-sex, kiss. Or, perhaps, even the momentary flash of a nipple.

The Handmaiden tells the story from two perspectives. A device used in that Israeli Jewish love letter to me; "The Affair."

Another TV show, which like Buffy the Vampire Slayer. The US/UK still don't seem to have grasped. 

Despite it being set in the US. With a UK-led cast, including Ruth Wilson.

First The Handmaiden tells the perspective of "Nam Sook-hee", played by Kim Tae-ri. 

Then it tells the perspective of "Lady Izumi Hideko," played by Kim Min-hee. The heiress who Sook-hee is trying to steal from.

In the first perspective the movie is very much what I was expecting. A very restricted, held back compromise. In dealing with a subject that social conservatives would find offensive.

In the second perspective the movie just completely goes for it.

Sort of taking the admirable attitude; "If we're going to get in trouble anyway. We may as well get all the way in trouble!"

Displaying that cheeky, mischievous South Korean sense of humour. That the World seemed to fall in love with in the 2020 multiple Oscar winner; "Parasite." 

At around 17:30 on 8/12/21 (UK date) I'll have to finish this section tomorrow. 

Edited at around 20:25 on 9/12/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

If I had to describe this section in a single phrase it would be;

Hiromi excitedly masturbates her clitoris. Preparing her vagina to receive Kamaraku Gongoro Kagemasa's massive penis.

A description that might seem at odds with Japan's famously very rigid, deferential, polite culture.

However Japan's culture only became so rigid and conformist during the Edo Period. Particularly through the introduction of the Tokugawa Class System.

Kabuki Theatre pre-dates that. Beginning during the Sengoku or; "Warring States" Period.

It's certainly not lazy to compare Japan's Sengoku Period to the TV show; "Game of Thrones."

In fact there's a storyline in Game of Thrones where the "Ayra Stark" character, played by Maisie Williams drops out of Assassin/Ninja school. Then takes up with a touring theatre company.

That theatre company seems inspired by a Kabuki Theatre company. Although we might be touching on another recurring theme of the ceremony. 

Things that are common to all humans. Regardless of where they are in the World.

Maisie Williams next big TV project will be a mini-series about Punk icons the Sex Pistols. Directed by the director of the 2012 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremony, Danny Boyle.

Playing the model "Jordan" I think Maisie Williams' role owes more to the Vivienne Westwood fashion side of the story. Rather than the music.

Not that I'm in a particular rush to see it. Lest Maisie Williams gets popped on a white horse again. Then sent round my house.

When she should wait until I'm visiting my mothers and sister. We'd at least teach her to ride the thing properly. Well, certainly better than she'd learn on; "Ru Paul's Drag Race."

The Tokugawa Class System introduced a very strict social hierarchy. Where everyone was assigned their station by birth. No-one had the option of moving to a higher station.

In contrast Kabuki culture is extremely egalitarian. Everyone is welcome and everyone mixes freely with one another.

If anything Kabuki culture allowed The Merchant class to elevate themselves. Giving them the opportunity to flash their increasing wealth about.

That put it in direct conflict with the Tokugawa Class System. Which considered The Merchant class to be the lowest of the low. 

Only one rung above the Burakumin. Who were considered so low as to not even be part of the system.

Kabuki Theatre is also closely intertwined with prostitution. Which although legal was certainly frowned upon.

The earliest recorded forms of Kabuki were performed entirely by female casts. Playing both female and male roles.

The intermissions and interludes in the day long performances. Were there to allow the actresses to undertake 'other work.'

In Japanese the word; "Yujo" is used to describe both an; "Actress" and a; "Common Prostitute."

In 1629 female Kabuki or; "Onna-kabuki" was banned. For being too sexual.

This ban gave rise to Wakashu-kabuki or; "Young Person Kabuki." In which young boys took on female roles in entirely male casts. As was common in Europen, Shakespearean theatre at the time.

However the prostitution did not stop. So Wakashu-kabuki was also swiftly banned.

This left Yaro-kabuki or; "Young Man Kabuki." In which casts made up of adult men playing all roles. Male, female, adult, child.

That didn't stop the prostitution either. However it did seem to convince the Japanese authorities that they were probably never going to stop the prostitution. So gave up trying.

Needless to say though. When the Kabuki Theatre industry was nearly destroyed by the droughts and wildfires of the 1840's.

The Japanese authorities weren't exactly falling over themselves to help. 

Unlike how many governments having been helping the modern theatre and live entertainment industries during the Pandemic.

This nearly 400 year tradition of cross-dressing and assuming gender-roles. Allows for discussion about The Differences Between Transgenderism and Cross-Dressing.

Somewhat like the early Hitrogami Kami. Transgender people are simultaneously both male and female. While, at the same time, not being, strictly speaking, either male or female.

In order to find a place for themselves in society. Transgender people choose to affirm either their male or female gender. 

The one they feel most comfortable with. Even if that may be different from the one they may have outwardly appeared as from birth. Essentially we're talking genitals.

Cross-Dressing is completely different.

For a small group of people it is done for their own sexual gratification. A fetish.

For the overwhelming majority though it is done simply as a way to draw attention to themselves and entertain others. 

Assuming a fictional character. As any actor would do multiple times over a career.

In the west this is known as; "Dragging Up." Or a; "Drag Act."

A good example is the Irish/British TV show; "Mrs Brown's Boys."

This sees the male actor Brendan O'Carroll assume the identity of; "Mrs Agnes Brown." A foul-mouthed grandmother of a large family. Living in a working-class area of Dublin.

It is a gay-friendly show. With both gay cast members and gay characters. Certainly more than you'd expect to see on Irish TV.

However in real life Brendan O'Carroll married to Jennifer Gibney. Who plays "Cathy Brown." Mrs Brown's daughter in the show.

Brendan O'Carroll's son, from previous relationship, Danny O'Carroll plays the "Buster Brady" character. In the show he's constantly lusting after Cathy Brown. Played by his actual step-mother.

Danny O'Carroll is actually married to Amanda Woods. Who plays "Betty Brown," Mrs Brown's daughter-in-law on the show. 

So much of the comedy in show comes not from us believing that Mrs Brown is a woman. But from us knowing that it's a man in a dress.

Not that I'd recommend that anyone in Japan, or Asia, watch the 2014 movie adaptation. "Mrs Browns Boys Da Movie."

It sees Brendan O'Carroll assume the identity of an Asian Ninja. A portrayal that not only seems racially insensitive now. I'm pretty sure it would have seemed racially insensitive back in the 1970's.

Another good example would be Thomas Neuwirth. Who assumed the character of; "Conchita Wurst." In order to win the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest.

In assuming the Conchita Wurst character Thomas Neuwirth chooses to keep his full beard. To make clear that this is not a man wanting to be mistaken for a woman. This is clearly a man in a dress.

Compare that with Sharon Cohen. The Israeli who won the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest.

Sharon Cohen is Transgender. Despite appearing more male at birth and being given the name Yaron Cohen. Sharon Cohen felt their female gender was a better fit for society.

Confirming that gender in 1993.

Of course Sharon Cohen then assumed the character of "Dana International." To entertain people and win the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest.

Something which itself allowed for a discussion about the differences between Transgenderism and Cross-Dressing.

Not only does this section of the Opening Ceremony allow for another such discussion. 

It also further underlines to the slower nations; New Zealand, Canada and America.

Who think that Transgender athletes are an ongoing discussion within the Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

Just how slow they are.

Fixating on a topic the Eurovision Song Contest got bored of discussing back in 1998. While the Japanese have been bored of discussing it since about 1650.

The section also serves as another stern, deserved rebuke to the US/UK. Over their attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

As has been something of a recurring theme of this Opening Ceremony. The US/UK seemed to believe that hijacking my relationship with Miley Cyrus would see them achieve all their objectives this year.

It was to be their big, bold move. That would so dazzle us all that we would immediately prostrate ourselves on the ground. In worship of our new Messiah, Joe Biden.

However, as was discussed during the section I entitled; "The Strength From Within."

Particulalry with the Catholic Messiah/Pope's visit to Iraq. In early March 2021.

Particularly with the Atlanta Spa Shootings. Which were carried out to coincide with alleged US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken's visit to both Japan and South Korea.

They were specifically trying to create an unprofessional workplace. By making it aggressively and overbearingly sexual.

The irony is.

That since the Olympics. I gave up on waiting around for the hijackers. So started talking to Miley Cyrus directly.

Until we were shutdown. By the massive Facebook/Instagram crash of October 2021.

A large part of the reason why we were shutdown. Is that they US/UK couldn't cope with how sexual it almost immediately got.

Needless to say. Someone with even just a basic understanding of the written Japanese language.

Can get pretty imaginative with emojis. 

Bringing up Kabuki's rather horny history. Should serve to remind the US/UK.

That while we don't think it's appropriate during a discussion about regional security policy.

Particularly during a discussion amongst young, female, Muslim members of the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF/QSD). As they're providing security for the Catholic Pope.

We have all had sex. It's not something that mystifies nor terrifies us.

Well. Not as much as it seems to mystify and terrify them.

Also Japan has a famously aging and shrinking population. The Japanese government even has the official term; "Genkai Shuraku" or; "Limited Village." 

To describe once thriving areas that are now disappearing. As the population ages and dies without any young people being born to take their place.

One of the most famous Genkai Shuraku is Aoshima. An island in Ehime Prefecture

When it was a thriving fishing island they introduced cats to control the rats. As the human population aged and died the cats began to outnumber the people.

There's now said to be something like 34 cats for each person on Aoshima. Leading to it being known globally as; "Cat Island."

In order for a country's population to remain stable women need to have an average of 2.1 children. The Population Replacement Rate.

Japan hasn't met that Replacement Rate since 1974. In 2005 Japan's Replacement Rate fell to 1.26. In 2021 the Replacement Rate fell to a record low of 1.1.

The reason for this is simply that Japanese people aren't having enough sex.

The reason for this, frequently given in surveys. Is that they're simply too tired. After dealing with the pressures of fitting into such a rigid and competitive society.

Suggesting that perhaps Japanese culture needs to relax a bit.

Or Izanagi and Izanami's fourth favourite child might not survive.

 

To be continued in Part 15.

21:10 on 9/12/21 (UK date).