The 2020 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Pt.7

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 6; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing_11.html

The Life Beyond The Wire section looked at that recurring theme of these games. The seemingly ever increasing pace of modern life. Particularly technology's role in increasing the pace of life.

It did this by exploring music. 

The microprocessor's role in the development of Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Music that is typically played by electronic instruments, much faster than any human ever could.

This was really the main theme of the Closing Ceremony of the 2016 Summer Para-Olympics. Held in Rio de Janerio, Brazil.

There the hosts really just threw a party for the athletes. A party that gave them a tour of Brazil. Using famous musicians from different Brazilian regions and States.

The 2016 Summer games officially picked up the baton from the 2012 Summer games. The Closing Ceremony of the 2012 Summer Para-Olympics featured the global Popstar Rihanna. Along with Jay Z.

Although famous. None of the musicians featured in the 2016 Para-Olympic Closing Ceremony were that globally famous.

The reason for this is that Brazil is unique in South America in speaking Portuguese. Rather than Spanish.

Meaning that a Brazilian Popstar really only has the option of being famous within Brazil. Along with, possibly, Portugal and some African nations like Mozambique.

The US has The Grammys music awards for English speaking artists. It also has The Latin Grammys for Spanish speaking artists from the US and Latin America.

Brazilian artists don't even get a look in at the Latin Grammys.

The point the Brazilian hosts were trying to make. Is that the World has now become so interconnected, so globalised. Particularly through the Internet.

That language is really the only barrier between nations and peoples left.

Increasing developments in things like Artificial Intelligence (AI) translation software. Are even fast chipping away at that barrier.

Although, having spent a year struggling with an English speaking Miley Cyrus. Living on the west coast of the US. While I live, pretty much, on the Greenwich Meridian.

I would say that time-zones also represent something of a significant barrier.

Given the increase in global travel. For both business and diplomacy. I think quite a few people would be interested. In seeing how Miley Cyrus and I would overcome that barrier.

If only Miley Cyrus and I were permitted to speak to each other, directly.

Occurring in the middle of a long Olympic/Para-Olympic stay in Asia. These 2020 games have been rather forced to focus on Asian issues. Such as the Wu Xing. Particularly during the Pandemic.

As a result they've not been able to give much attention to the 2016 games. The games they were officially picking up the baton from.

So this Life Beyond The Wire section was actually a massive tribute to the 2016 games. Particularly the Para-Olympic games.

A reminder to Brazil. The nation with the largest ethnically Japanese population outside of Japan.

That Japan had most certainly not forgotten about them.

While also serving as another advert for the Para-Olympics. Here in the Olympic Closing Ceremony.

Fun With Flags II.

It is International Olympic Committee (IOC) protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section. 

In which the National Flag of Greece is raised and the Greek National Anthem is played.

In an effort to perpetuate the myth that the Olympics have anything to do with Ancient Greece. Rather than being something invented by a Frenchman, at the end of the 19th Century.

Here this piece of IOC protocol was treated with the minimum amount of respect possible.

The Greek national flag was raised. By a strictly gender-balanced flag-detail. Made up of all three branches of the Japanese Self-Defence Forces (JSDF).

A recording of the Greek National Anthem was then played.

Medal Ceremony.

It is IOC protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section. 

In which medals are awarded to one group of winners. Representing all the Medal Ceremonies that have taken place throughout the games.

It is always a little interesting. To see which event is chosen. As the result of a negotiation between the IOC and the hosts.

Here the Marathon events were chosen. From the discipline of Athletics.

The medals in the Womens Marathon were handed out first;

Bronze went to Molly Seidel of the US.

Silver went to Brigid Kosegei of Kenya.

Gold went to Peres Jepchirchir or Kenya.

The only thing I noted is that in accepting her medal. Peres Jepchirchir raised her index finger to the sky. Thanking God.

Something which some people might have mistaken as a Muslim gesture. Or even the salute of the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

It wasn't.

It was just thanking God. Peres Jepchirchir is a devout Christian.

Then the medals in the Men's Marathon were handed out;

Bronze went to Bashir Abdi of Belgium.

Silver went to Abdi Nabeeye of The Netherlands.

Gold went to Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya.

This could be taken as a reference to that big, recurring theme of these games. Improving rights for women, particularly within Japanese society.

With the Womens Marathon not just being given equal standing as the Mens Marathon. But being given a slightly elevated standing. By being put first.

However this was also just the chronological order in which the events took place.

The Womens Marathon medals were handed out by Thomas Bach. The IOC President. While the Mens Marathon were handed out by Anita DeFrantz. The IOC Vice President.

Perhaps another sign. Of the Womens Marathon being given ever so slightly more prestige.

The bouquets of flowers in both the Womens and Mens Marathon. Were handed out by my old friend from Seville. Sebastian Lord Coe. Currently the head of the International Amateur Athletics Federation (IAAF).

Giving everyone a good long look.

At one of the main reasons. Why the IOC is now so corrupt, so incompetent. It couldn't even manage to organise an Olympics this year.

Despite being sponsored by Nike. Despite training at Nike's infamous Oregon (drug) Project. With its building dedicated to Sebastian Lord Coe.

Molly Seidel was incredibly lucky to win Bronze. Competing in only her third ever marathon.

Her 'achievement' was entirely the result of Beta Israel (Ethiopia) Israeli athlete Lonah Chemtai Salpeter. Having to pause during the race. Due to very Miley Cyrus-style menstrual cramps.

Normally Team USA wouldn't have expected to feature at all in this section.

This section dedicated to taking a long, hard look. 

At why the IOC has become so corrupt, so incompetent. It couldn't even manage to organise an Olympics this year.

Athletes Commission.

It is IOC protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section. 

In which the new members of the Athletes Commission, elected during the games, are welcomed.

The Athletes Commission functions as almost something of a Trade Union for the athletes. Attempting to protect them from the corruption, incompetence and exploitation of the IOC.

The newly elected members are;

Pau Gasol. A Mens Basketball player from Spain.

Federica Pellegrini. A Womens Swimmer from Italy.

Yuki Ota. A Mens Fencer from Japan.

Maja Martyna Wloszczowska. Womens Cyclist from Poland.

Needless to say. As the new members of the Athletes Commission made their way into the arena, up onto the Protocol stage.

They were literally led by clowns.

Thank You Volunteers.

It is IOC protocol. That each Closing Ceremony includes a section. 

In which the volunteers, the; "Games Makers" are thanked.

At an Olympics/Para-Olympics you actually have two categories of Games Maker volunteers; 

Those who work in the venues. Known as; "Field." 

Along with those who work outside of the venues. Helping with transportation and people navigating their way around. They are known as; "City."

Traditionally the Olympics have only thanked the Field Games Makers. In a first, on this occasion they thanked both the Field and City Games Makers.

The section began with a short video. Showing some of the things the Games Makers have done. Representing all of the things the Games Makers have done.

If you're the mother of any of the Games Makers. Particularly ones featured in the video. Then I'm sure you've saved this video for posterity and already watched it a million times.

However there only two things of note I picked out.

It included footage of Games Makers carrying national flags during the earlier Flag Parade section. Quite a neat trick, getting it edited together so quickly.

It also highlighted a unique duty that fell to Games Makers at these games. Due to Pandemic restrictions. They had to carry flags that would normally have been carried by an athlete from that nation.

It also showed a young, male Games Maker. Keeping a queue entertained by showing off his Break-Dancing skills. 

A reference to how "Breaking" will be making its debut as an Olympic sport in 2024. In no small part due to Asian youths' passion for it.

Despite Black Lives Matter wanting this appalling; "Thought Crime" of; "Cultural Appropriation" to be strictly outlawed.

All the Games Makers were represented here by a gender-balanced group of four. Male and Female Games Makers from Field. Along with a Male and Female Games Makers from City.

As is IOC protocol. They were handed bouquets of flowers by the four new members of the Athletes Commission. In thanks.

At around 18:15 on 13/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up when I can.

Edited at around 17:20 on 15/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Memento Mori.

It is a matter of tradition. Rather than IOC protocol. That at least one of the Olympic ceremonies contains a moment for quiet reflection. To remember those who have died since the last Olympics.

When this In Memoriam section is included. It tends to be held during the Closing Ceremony. For the rather macabre reason of allowing us to remember any Olympians killed during the games.

Japan decided to hold such a section in the Opening Ceremony.

A way to focus on the 1972 Munich Olympic Massacre. Britain's decision not to mark the 40th anniversary of the massacre at the 2012 Summer games.

Along with the issues surrounding Israel's response to the 1972 Munich Massacre.

Japan also decided to include such a section here, in the Closing Ceremony.

A reminder of those first three lessons learned by Siddhartha Gautama. On his journey towards enlightenment, becoming the first Buddha.

Lessons which are shared by all Asian Animist religions. Including the Japanese practice of Shinto.

Age, sickness and death are the inevitable fates of all living things. In short, remember that you must die (memento mori).

Plus, you know. Just in case.

The section began with one man striking one very large drum.

This may have reminded some people of a scene in the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South).

A section I entitled; "A Royal Welcome" welcomed us to the games. With a version of a welcoming ceremony used to greet visitors to the Joseon Royal Court.

Rather like Japan and its Edo Period. Korea, particularly South Korea, looks on the Joseon Era as its golden age. Officially North Koreans believe they were created by Kim Il-sung in, about, 1952. 

That version of a Joseon Royal Welcome also began with one man striking one very large drum. Known in Korea as a; "Pungmul-buk"

As was discussed extensively at the 2018 games. The border between China and the Korean Peninsula has always been somewhat flexible. 

It was China that helped Korea unite during the; "Three Kingdoms" Period. 18th Century B.C to 6th Century A.D.

So this type of drum performance is also common within Chinese culture.

As the 2020 Opening Ceremony explained. Japan actually invaded Joseon Korea. Twice. In 1592 and 1597.

So this type of drum performance is also common with Japanese culture.

The focus on drumming throughout the 2018 ceremonies. Was a reference to a sequence in the Opening Ceremony of the 2008 Summer Olympics. Held in Beijing, China. Which featured 2,008 drummers.

South Korea did this to mock US Black Lives Matter activists. Their absurd claim that Black people from the country of Africa invented drumming and, therefore music.

So no other race of people are ever allowed to do drumming or any form of music. Lest they commit that horrific thought crime of; "Cultural Appropriation."

Asia's even longer history of drumming and music. Shows just how absurd Black Lives Matter are.

I once watched a Fox cub play with a plank of wood. Resting, Seesaw like, on a brick. 

He discovered that if he pushed down on this plank of wood. It would make an interesting noise as it sprang back into place.

So he kept doing it.

Proving, to me at least. That not only can no one race of humans claim a monopoly on drumming. I don't think the human race can claim a monopoly on drumming.

By referencing the 2018 Winter Olympics. Japan were agreeing with and reinforcing South Korea's mockery of Black Lives Matter.

While providing another advert for the Para-Olympics. Here in the Olympic Closing Ceremony.

Within Japan this type of very large drum is known as an; "O-daiko." Literally; "Large Drum." 

They are used alongside other types of drum and percussion instruments in an artform known as; "Taiko."

*Alongside the Fans. Which inspired the Tokyo 2020 emblem. Japan used to use drums as a form of battlefield communication.

So one rhythm would covey one order. While another rhythm would convey another.

The earlier Life Beyond The Wire section. Looked at Ludwig van Beethoven's fifth symphony. 

How the pattern of the first few distinctive notes. Correspond with Morse Code/Marconi Cipher for the letter; "V."

The Morse Code being the sound of the notes. While the Marconi Cipher being the device you use to interpret them as the letter; "V."

This was done in mockery of the US/UK's efforts. To hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. In order to turn her into some sort of Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

Making the point that people have been doing that sort of thing. At least since during the Second World War, before the birth of Pop music.

By referencing how they used to do this during the; "Warring Sates" or; "Sengoku" Period (1467-1615). Japan was really driving home the point.

People have been doing this sort of thing for a very, very long time.

The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus. It is absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing to be associated with.

For, probably, at least a thousand years. Taiko was really the only form of music in Japan. So would be used wherever people would want to listen to music.

So weddings and other family/local celebrations. Sporting events like Sumo wrestling. In the theatre such as Kabuki. In Tea houses, brothels or anywhere else people went for pleasure.

However within Buddhism, which influences Japanese Shinto. Taiko drumming is considered to be, almost, a form of prayer.

So the noise of the drum represents the voice of the Kami (Gods, Holy Spirits, Holy Forces). While the striking of the drum represents the balance of the Universe. The people striking the drum represent people.

The entire process is a celebration of people's relationship with the Kami and the Universe.

Often, typically, Taiko performances begin with a specific type of drum-roll. 

Known as; "Oroshi" or; "The Wind Blowing Down the Mountains." Both elements of the natural environment in which the Kami can manifest themselves.

So Taiko is used heavily within Shinto Shrines and festivals. Particularly ones honouring the dead.

Such as the Bon Festival. In which the spirits of the dead return to this world from the other dimension of Naraka.

As the drummer drummed. A lone female dancer, Aoi Yamada, performed on the Pitcher's Mound stage. 

Giving it the impression of the cauldron which would hold an Eternal Flame. In memory of the dead. 

A repeat of the Memento Mori sequence in the Opening Ceremony. In which the male dancer, Mirai Moriyama also performed as an Eternal Flame in its cauldron.

Aoi Yamada also performed in the Butoh style. 

It is said that the essence of Butoh is to defy definition. Which is really what you want to hear when you're tasked with defining Butoh.

Butoh does though tend to focus on slow, hyper-controlled, meaningful movements. Often addressing topics which are considered taboo, grotesque or distressing. Such as death.

If often tries to subvert these taboos by exposing their absurdity. Leading to Butoh sometimes being described as; "The Theatre of the Absurd."

As she was performing Aoi Yamada was wearing this strange green, feather-like dress.

This was a reference to Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry. "Shum" (Noise) by Go_A.

In case you didn't realise it was a reference to Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry. Then the floor around stage was surrounded by lights resembling the petals of a blossoming flower.

The Cherry Blossom or Lotus Flower. Used within Asian Animist religions as a metaphor for the journey towards enlightenment.

Enlightenment was certainly something these flower petals provided. Swirling to take on the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian National Flag.

The area around the Pitcher's Mound stage was also filled with traditional Asian/Japanese paper lanterns. Providing further enlightenment.

Rather than being forced to spend 2021 juggling live hand-grenades. 

It would have been better if I'd been able to fully cover the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest. Including Ukraine's entry.

However the main thrust of Ukraine's entry. Was a hardcore Techno re-working of a traditional Ukrainian folk song.

This was done to discuss the way that Techno music. Is used to promote and recruit people to White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.

While acknowledging. It is Ukraine that continues to be the main source for the promotion of such White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.

Ukraine were forced to withdraw from the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Held in Tel Aviv, Israel. Due to the rabid Anti-Semitism which is central to their White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.

Through their 2021 Eurovision entry. Ukraine also acknowledged why it has become the global centre for the promotion of White Supremacist, Nazi and Neo-Nazi values.

The previous Biden regime directing Ukrainian Nazis and Neo-Nazis to overthrow the Ukrainian government in 2014. Just before the 2014 Winter Olympics. Held in Ukraine's Black Sea neighbour, the Russian city of Sochi.

As punishment. For Russia's opposition to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) and associated groups. Groups the previous Biden regime was not only actively supporting but seems desperately in love with.

Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision entry then went onto acknowledge. 

That having installed Nazis and Neo-Nazis in power in Ukraine. The former Biden regime then corruptly forced the dismissal of Viktor Shokin from the post of Chief Prosecutor. 

To allow the appointment of Yuriyi Lutschenko. So Yuriyi Lutschenko could falsify the so-called; "Black Ledger."   

Allowing the FBI to open a special unit to investigate; "Foreign Interference" in the 2016 US Election. In order to rig that election in favour of Hillary Clinton

Copying the South Korean Liberty Korea (Saneuri) Party's playbook. In its rigging the 2012 South Korean President Election.

Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision entry did this by invoking the famous Led Zeppelin song; "Stairway to Heaven." As in;

"Hillary Clinton was buying her stairway to the White House."

Acknowledging that even Ukraine considers the Mueller Report to be a forgery. They did most of the forging.

Brought and paid for by Joe Biden. With the corrupt appointment of his son Hunter Biden to the board of Ukrainian energy firm Burisma.

During the live performances the lead singer, Kateryna Pavlenko. Wore an almost shawl of similar green feathers.

A reference to the; "bustle in your hedgerow" the; "spring clean for the May queen."

Theresa May was Prime Minister. When Britain carried out a Novichok Nerve Agent attack against the British city of Salisbury. In that short gap between the 2018 Winter Olympics and the 2018 Winter Para-Olympics.

Quite a few British Eurovision viewers however. Pointed out how Kateryna Pavlenko resembled Orville the Duck.

Miley Cyrus was particularly interested in Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entry.

Using the day of the Grand Final to pitifully fish for information. Posting an Instagram picture confirming she'd had her first Covid vaccine. While wearing a Led Zeppelin t-shirt.

So this was Japan having another really good laugh at Miley Cyrus.

Comparing her to Orville the Duck. The ventriloquists' dummy controlled by Keith Harris.

Rather like Billy Ray Cyrus. Keith Harris and Orville had one novelty hit, back in the late-1980/early-1990's. Entitled; "I Wish I Could Fly."

It is about Keith Harris trying to reassure Orville. After Orville realises that no-one likes him because he can't fly. Even though he wishes he could.

It was also a reference to the CIA officers embedded within Ukrainian Air Traffic Control. 

Who deliberately directed Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 to fly into a warzone. Knowing that it was more likely that not that it would be shot down.

Back in July 2014. Just four months after Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 'mysteriously' disappeared. During the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The performance ended with Aoi Yamada bending all the way over backwards.

Bending over backwards farther than should be humanly possible. Far further than any human should ever be asked to bend over backwards.

A reference to how the Japanese hosts have been bending over backwards here.

To give the US/UK an opportunity to read what I have to write. About France, Italy and Ukraine's 2021 Eurovision Song Contest entries.

When Miley Cyrus and I could have just been speaking to each other directly. 

 

To be continued in Part 8.

17:55 on 15/1/22 (UK date). 

Edited at around 16:40 on 16/1/22 (UK date) to expand on Taiko* and generally tidy up.

The 2020 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Pt.6

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 5; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing_6.html

The other part of the music in this Life Beyond The Wire section. Was provided by Japanese DJ Matsunaga.

Performing on the Pitcher's Mound stage. Turning it into a DJ booth, like you might find in a Tokyo nightclub. Or even at an outdoor Rave.

DJ Matsunaga was performing Electronic Dance Music (EDM). Which is really the main form of modern Pop music. Both western along with Japanese Pop (J-Pop) and South Korean Pop (K-Pop).

I've said that all modern Pop music can trace its roots back to Jazz and Blues music. This is also true of Electronic Dance Music.

Although I should start by saying that I hate the term; "Electronic Dance Music." It's so broad as to be meaningless. Covering many sub-genres and styles of music.

It's sort of up there with describing Africa as a country.

Also nobody woke up one morning and decided;

"Today I'm going to invent a new form of music. It will start next Thursday, at precisely 3pm."

Instead all forms of music evolved over time. With different styles being blended together in a sort of melting pot. 

Rather like Isaac Newton's; "Standing on the Shoulders of Giants" which has led to so much scientific discovery. As was discussed extensively during the Opening Ceremony.

As such you can certainly use this discussion about the history of music as a metaphor.

For the US Democrat Party's desire to rigidly divide different ethnics groups. Into very broad categories or genres. Such as Asian And Pacific Islander (AAPI).

Along with Black Lives Matter's desire to keep those ethnic genres firmly segregated. By enforcing that thought crime of; "Cultural Appropriation."

You could also use it as a metaphor. To discuss Japan's very rigid and conformist culture. Something introduced during the Edo Period. Through things like the Tokugawa Class System.

A collapsing birthrate and super-aging population. Has led some to suggest that Japanese society might need to relax a bit. Reverting to the pre-Edo Period. The rather horny history of Kabuki Theatre.

There seem to have been three main paths. In the evolution of various styles of electronic music. Which now seem to get lumped together as Electronic Dance Music.

In the US Jazz evolved into Soul. Although I think Atlantic Soul was the superior label. Motown Records produced the most famous examples of this genre. 

In the 1970's Soul music evolved into Disco and Funk music.

In the Caribbean Jazz evolved into Ska and Reggae. From where it was imported into Britain. Via the so-called; "Windrush Generation" of immigrants. At the end of World War Two.

Both in the US and the UK Blues music evolved into Rock music. When Rock music had become ridiculously self-indulgent and overblown. Punk emerged as a rebellion against it.

Particularly in Britain Ska and Reggae were adopted by the Punk scene. 

In the early 1980's Punk itself started getting self-indulgent and overblown. Creating New Wave and the New Romantics. Bands like The Jam, Blondie and Spandau Ballet.

Meanwhile in West Germany they were rebelling against Rock in a different way. 

Really by making it even more overblown and self-indulgent. Abandoning Blues-derived song structures in favour of Psychedelic and Avant-Garde, really, non-structures. 

It was this so-called; "Krautrock" genre which pioneered the use of sampling. Using recorded snippets of other songs and sound-effects in new recordings. 

Probably the most famous example being Kraftwerk.

At around this same time microprocessors were becoming increasingly advanced and inexpensive. 

Allowing for the invention of a whole new raft of electronic musical instruments. Such as Synthesizers, Drum Machines and Vocorders.

Musicians began experimenting with these new instruments. Incorporating them within their styles of music. Giving birth to whole new forms of music.

So Ska, Reggae and Punk become Jungle and Drum n' Bass. While Disco became House and Krautrock became Techno. Really the three main elements of Electronic Dance Music.

Then there is the role of illegal party drugs.

The widespread availability of Ecstasy is rather central to the Rave scene of the late 1980's and early 1990's. The thing that really took Electronic Dance Music mainstream.

Although I feel I should point out. The party drug; "Ecstasy" has traditionally been a three part composition. Of MDMA, Cocaine and Amphetamines.

Taking MDMA on its own doesn't make you want to dance. It makes you want to lie of the floor.

It is actually interesting listening to Motown Records later output. During the Disco era of the 1970's. 

It is very clearly music made by people who've taken a lot of Cocaine. Being marketed to people who have taken a lot of Cocaine.

In short. You can hear the Cocaine stripping the soul out of Soul music.

It is the Swedish DJ Aviici who is widely credited with putting the soul back into Soul/Disco-derived House music. Such as in 2012's "Wake Me Up."

Aviici sampled "Ue o Muite Aruko/Sukiyaki" on the track; "Freak." Released following his death-by-suicide in 2018.

I though think the importance of illegal party drugs within Electronic Dance Music is overstated.

Drugs which are now illegal have long played a large role within society. 

Colonial Britain actually fought two wars with China. To force people along the Silk Road to use Opium grown in the British Colony of India recreationally.

The First Opium War (1839-1842). The Second Opium War (1856-1860).

The Opium based Laudanum was long used as the go-to medicine for all sorts of minor ailments. While the original recipe for the soft-drink Coca-Cola was mainly Cocaine.

It's really only in the last 100 years. Since the 1920's that the use of these very powerful and addictive drugs has begun to be restricted in any way.

One of the movies much discussed at the 2021 Oscars. Was; "The United States versus Billie Holiday." 

Set during the birth of Jazz. In many ways this is really a movie about Billie Holiday's Heroin addiction.

It was actually during the birth of Jazz/Blues. That the use of drugs like Heroin and Cocaine was becoming less widespread.

The invention of LSD certainly played a significant role in the rise of 1960's Psychedelia. However it was the microprocessor rather than any drug. Which turned Krautrock into Techno and Acid House.

Illegal drug use is very much not in keeping with Japan's rigid and conformist culture. So as the old joke goes;

"Japan's Electronic Dance Music/Club scene has got a terrible drugs problem."

"There aren't any."

The absence of illegal party drugs doesn't seem to have dampened the Japanese youth's passion for Electronic Dance Music at all. 

They're clearly interested in the music. Rather than the drugs that are associated with it.

Although. I have certainly heard rumours. Of young Japanese tourists to places like Brighton, UK. Exchanging money for illegal party drugs.

To really emphasise the focus on Youth Culture. DJ Matsunaga's performance was accompanied by lots of Skateboarders and BMX cyclists.

At these games BMX Freestyle and Skateboarding made their debuts as Olympic sports. 

An effort by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to reach out to the youth audience. In a desperate attempt to stay relevant.

Something which, no doubt, was also a significant motivation. Behind plans for Break-Dancing or; "Breaking" making its debut as an Olympic sport at the 2024 Summer Games.

Vocals during DJ Matsunaga's performance were provided by milet a young female Japanese Popstar. Who made her debut in 2018, releasing her first album in 2020.

However the first song milet performed was not one of hers. It was "Gurenge" (Red Lotus) by LiSA (Risa Oribe). A 34 year old female Japanese Popstar.

Although I mean no disrespect to milet. It seems that LiSA is a much more accomplished musician. 

A classically trained pianist who began her career in the Indie band Chucky. She writes most of her own material. Along with material for other people.

Whereas milet just seems to perform songs that other people have written. As she is doing here.

Both LiSA and milet are signed to Sony Music. That massive Japanese conglomerate that seems to be trying to do me a personal favour.

By rescuing Miley Cyrus from her US/UK captors.

Also, in the process. Trying to do the US/UK a massive favour. Even if they are too stupid/insane to realise it.

The contrast between milet and LiSA. Represent the possible alternate futures that lie ahead for Miley Cyrus.

Is she just a Popstar who performs other people's songs? Such as the Mike Will Made It 2013 "Bangerz" album. 

A Popstar who, at the age of 29, has now hit her expiry date. So will soon disappear.

Or does Miley Cyrus actually have musical talent?

The sort of person who could now go on to develop both artistically and personally. Really only at the start of what could be a very long career.

milet's performance of Gurenge actually began with a few bars of another song. "I Will Survive." Not the Gloria Gaynor version. The Snuff version.

This was very brief and subtle. However if you have "Musician" in your job title. Then it's the sort of thing you definitely should have noticed.

Of late America seems to have become obsessed with Drag Culture. Particularly Drag Karaoke. 

Just as Britain became obsessed with it. Back in 2005/06.

The US Olympic broadcaster is the NBC network. 

That infamous Miley Cyrus/Elon Musk episode of Saturday Night Live (SNL). Wasn't the only thing NBC did to utterly humiliate themselves in 2021.

They also featured Miley Cyrus in the June 2021 "Stand By You" concert. Broadcast on their Peacock streaming platform. This was, essentially, just an hour of Drag Karaoke.

Anyone even vaguely familiar with Karaoke, let alone Drag Karaoke. Knows the first rule;

"The moment any drunken, emotional wretch starts singing I Will Survive."

"You know they won't."

The Japanese are certainly familiar with Karaoke. Having invented it. It being a Japanese word meaning; "Empty Orchestra."

At around 19:40 on 11/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 17:45 on 12/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The next song performed by milet was "Hymn de l'Amour." Originally by, possibly the most famous French female singer ever, Edith Piaf.

This was clearly a sign of affection, "Love" almost towards France. Who will be picking up the baton from Tokyo. Hosting the 2024 Summer games.

It particularly showed that Japan agrees. France really should have won the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

Although I should point out. It's part of the enduring success of the Eurovision Song Contest. That it is utterly impossible to say, definitely, what is the best song.

You only need to look at how many favourite songs you've had in the past year. Let alone in your life. To see what a subjective question it is.

So this wasn't like in 2016. When Ukraine broke all of the Song Contest's rules. Yet were still handed victory.

It's just that in our opinion. "Viola" (Here) by Barbara Pravi was a slightly better entry. Than Italy's "Zitti E Buoni" by Maneskin.

Barbara Pravi performed in very much in the style of the; "Chanteur/Chanteuse." An important and rather uniquely French chapter in the history of music. 

Chanteur/Chanteuse are rather like buskers. They would sing on the street for money from passers-by. 

However they would also sell sheet-music to those passers-by. So they could sing the songs at home, for entertainment. Before radio, let alone TV, became popular. 

Some Chanteur/Chanteuse then took the next step. Recording their songs onto records. Then selling those records for people to listen to at home. 

Making them amongst the first recording artists.

This discussion of the history and evolution of music. Was really one of the only things that happened during 2020. Funnily enough, the people at the Eurovision Song Contest are quite into music.

France's entry also seemed to best encapsulate the main themes of the 2021 Song Contest.

French is a gendered language. So Chanteur is a male singer in this style. While Chanteuse is a female singer in this style. 

Touching on that theme of ridiculous self-selecting gender pronouns.

During the Lockdown's of 2020 Barbara Pravi supplemented her income by selling her compositions on the Chinese owned Social Media platform TikTok. 

Making it an example of a New Silk Road for Chanteuses to sell their songs on.

The song is all about the inner, emotional turbulence being experienced by this young woman. 

Just like we were supposed to be captivated by the inner, emotional turbulence being experienced by Miley Cyrus.

As an ethnically Iranian woman. Barbara Pravi bears some physical resemblance to Desiree Akhavan. The ethnically Iranian woman who wrote the book/TV show; "The Bisexual."

It is rumours that Miley Cyrus may be bisexual that was supposed to shock the World from its axis. Forcing us to prostrate ourselves at the feet of our new Messiah, Joe Biden.

The US was particularly interested in using Miley Cyrus as a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon. 

To exert pressure on Iran. During negotiations over the Joint Comprehensive Plan Of Action (JCPOA). Often referred to as; "The Iran Nuclear Deal."

Something which spectacularly backfired on the US.

Although I still don't follow the thought process. 

The US believed this would lead to a more moderate government being elected in Iran. Instead it led to a more hardline government being elected in Iran.

Leaving the US in the difficult position. 

Of having to make its humiliating climbdown to the new Iranian government. When it could have made its humiliating climbdown to the previous, more moderate Iranian government.

The fact that the current Biden regime will have to make a humiliating climbdown to Iran. Is never something that's been up for debate.

The previous Biden regime made it inevitable. When it imposed the sanctions the JCPOA relieves back in 2012.

Probably the most famous Chanteuse, Edith Piaf. Was most active during the late 1920's through to the 1950's. A period in which Europe was completely dominated by World War Two.

So the video in support of France's entry. Was full of World War Two era imagery. Particularly the; "Rattling Death Trains" of the Spanish Civil War and the Nazi Holocaust.

A reference to how Europe once again finds itself in the dark shadow of Nazism and Fascism. A shadow being cast by Ukraine. Particularly its ethnically Turkish Tatar population.

Not only did France's entry encapsulate all of the 2021 Song Contest's main themes. It did it in a very subtle and discreet way.

So you really couldn't point to any one element and say; "Oh that is a reference to this or this is a reference to that."

Which is very keeping with the Song Contest's, really golden rule; "No Overt Politics."

Even if that is extremely annoying for the people who have to write it up.

In contrast Maneskin's "Zitti E Buoni" was a good song.

At the risk of a tangent. It is one of the big musical broadcasting differences between Continental Europe and Britain.

In Continental Europe you have a whole range of radio stations. Each dedicated to a range of different genres of music. Playing a range of songs from within that genre.

In Britain you've got about 12 radio stations. All playing the same 12 songs. By the same 12 bland unit shifters.

So after the Song Contest. It was actually a huge relief to hear Maneskin's songs being played on British radio. 

However, I think even they'll agree. It just wasn't a particularly strong Eurovision song.

The band was formed at the JFK High School in Rome, Italy. 

A reference to how JFK's assassination ended his opposition to the Civil Rights movement in the US. Finally forcing the Democrats to give up on segregation and so-called; "Jim Crow" laws. 

It's said the band selected their name. In order to perform in the 2016 "Pulse" music contest.

In reference to the August 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub in Florida, US. Part of the Democrats systematic campaign of violence against Hispanic Americans. The "mules" of Black Lives Matter.

Beyond that it was really just a reference to the T-Rex song; "Children of the Revolution."

Specifically that performance of Children of the Revolution. By Elton John and Pete Doherty. At the 2005 Live 8 Concerts.

It was me drawing attention to the success of the Live 8 Concerts that put Maneskin over the line in the public vote.

In short, I accidentally lent them some of my popularity.

Unfortunately it is quite a challenge to read a crowd of upwards of 180 million people. Particularly when you're not being given much else to work with.

As I'm sure some people would know. If they ever found themselves successful enough to be routinely performing to audiences of upwards of 180 million people.

All of which allows us all another big laugh at the expense of Miley Cyrus.

Who, in a desperate attempt to fish for information about Eurovision. Started talking, directly to Maneskin on Instagram.

As an alternative to talking, directly to me on Instagram. The person everyone else looks to for an explanation of what happened at Eurovision.

The reason Maneskin won.

Throughout the Second World War. Edith Piaf stayed in Nazi-Occupied France.

She became very good friends with the Vichy-French government. Along with the Nazi-Occupiers it served first and foremost.

Edith Piaf was given a luxury apartment above L'Etoile de Kleber cabaret club. 

Extremely popular with officers from the near-by headquarters of the Gestapo. The much feared Nazi secret police.

In 1941 Edith Piaf even undertook a propaganda tour of Berlin, Nazi Germany. To show how happy and grateful the French people were at being absorbed into the Nazi Reich.

After France was liberated Edith Piaf was tried for Treason. As a traitor and Nazi collaborator.

All of which serves as a warning to Miley Cyrus.

In choosing to collaborate with the US/UK. Particularly with the Biden regime. In their efforts to use her as a sort of Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

Miley Cyrus is choosing to collaborate with Nazis and Fascists.

Something which I think is likely to strain her relationship with Ariana Grande. Miley Cyrus actively fighting for people's 'right' to bomb Ariana Grande concerts.

It certainly seems likely to discourage people from attending Miley Cyrus concerts. Given the pro-bombing stance.

Earlier in this section there was a performance of "Ue o Muite Aruko/Sukiyaki." An incredibly effective Japanese Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon of the 1960's.

An attempt to drive home the message to the US/UK. In their attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. To use her as a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

That people have been doing this sort of thing all day, every day. Really since the invention of Pop music.

By referencing the Eurovision Song Contest. Particularly Edith Piaf. Japan was reinforcing the message.

Actually. People have been doing this sort of thing all day, every day. Since Before the invention of Pop music.

The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at. Through Miley Cyrus.

Is absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing to be around.

That's even before you get into the Nazi/Fascist ideology it's being done in service of.

This was also another sign of Japanese support for Russia. 

Particularly the way Russia was attacked by the former Biden regime during the 2014 Winter Olympics. 

Most notably by the former Biden regime directing Nazis and Neo-Nazis. To overthrow the government of host city Sochi's Black Sea neighbour, Ukraine.

The Closing Ceremony for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Included a section with this magnificent flying machine. Sort of a sailing ship held aloft by hot air balloons.

This was a reference to the 1943 movie; "The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen." Produced by Nazi Propagandist Joseph Goebbels. This movie is considered to be one of the first examples of; "Soft-Power."

Prior to that propaganda could be divided into two types; "Black Propaganda," making your enemy look bad. "White Propaganda," making yourselves look good.

Through The Adventures of Baron von Munchausen Goebbels realised. 

That you could more subtly and effectively get people to like you by entertaining them. Rather than boring them with lectures on why they should like you.

That is the general concept behind; "Soft-Power."

I don't think anyone knows the technical term for what the US/UK are trying to achieve with Miley Cyrus.

Although people have been doing this sort of thing all day, every. For a very long time.

We don't think anyone's ever been quite so stupid before. As to set out to make everyone hate them.

Next The Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra joined with DJ Matsunaga. For a rather unique version of Beethoven's; "Ode To Joy."

Ludwig van Beethoven is a German born Austrian. Which isn't really in keeping with Japan's show of affection for France. The next Summer games hosts.

So this Electronic Ska version of Ode to Joy. Quickly morphed into the; "Can Can" by French composer Jacques Offenbach. 

The piece of music that is probably most synonymous with French, particularly Paris, cabaret clubs. 

The sort of cabaret club where Edith Piaf would perform for Vichy officials and the Nazi-Occupiers they served first and foremost.

In contrast. Beethoven's music was used to actively resist the Nazi Occupation of France.  

The first few, striking, notes of Beethoven's fifth symphony. Are actually Morse Code or; "Marconi Cipher" for the letter; "V." As in; "V for Victory."

The BBC's Europe Service used to use it frequently in radio broadcasts into Nazi Occupied France. A way to build morale. 

These seemingly normal radio broadcasts. Also contained specific coded messages for the French Resistance. 

A very clear early example of; "Sharp Power." Despite the Atlantic Council still trying to insist that Russia invented Sharp Power in 2014. As part of its efforts to invade Ukraine.

In their efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. To use her as a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

The US/UK believe that putting about rumours that she may be bisexual. Along with the fact she menstruates. Will be enough to shock the World from its axis. 

Those BBC Europe Service radio broadcasts. Were used to instruct specific Resistance cells. To blow up specific targets. At specific times.

Further driving home the message to the US/UK;

That people have been doing this sort of thing for a very long time. 

The technical level they're trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus is pitiful. Embarrassing to be associated with.

We're being extremely charitable. When we describe it as; "Pre-Kindergarten Level."

At around 18:20 on 12/1/22 (UK date) I hope to finish this section after dinner.

Edited at around 20:40 on 12/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

I think Beethoven's Ode to Joy. Is now, perhaps, most famous as the anthem of the European Union (EU).

How Beethoven's Ode to Joy became the EU's anthem is, really, the story of one interesting family. The Coundenhove-Kalergi's.

The Coudenhove-Kalergi family was formed in 1857. 

When Count Franz Karl von Coudenhove. A member of the aristocratic Coudenhove family of Bohemia, now The Czech Republic. Married Marie Kalergi. A member of the equally aristocratic Kalergi family of Crete/Greece.

The marriage produced six children, including the first-born son, Count Heinrich von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Who went on to be a diplomat for the Austro-Hungarian Empire.

Count Heinrich's final diplomatic posting was to Tokyo, Japan. One day he fell off his horse, only to be rescued by Mitsuko Aoyama. A Japanese woman of high, Samurai, birth who had trained as a Geisha.

They soon married and returned to Bohemia. To raise their seven children. 

The eldest of those children, Count Hans von Coudenhove-Kalergi. Enthusiastically embraced the ideology of Nazism. 

Allying the Coudenhove-Kalergis with Nazi Germany during World War Two. Eventually being imprisoned for his efforts. 

The second eldest son, Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi. He went in a very different direction. Thoroughly rejecting Nazism and fleeing to Britain during World War Two.

There he set about promoting his own version of a single European Empire or Reich. Outlined in his 1923 book; "Pan-Europa."

This became the founding manifesto of the "Paneuropean Union." Which adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem.

Inspired by the Paneuropean Union, when it came into being. The EU also adopted Beethoven's Ode to Joy as its anthem.

One of the main differences. Between Hans Coudenhove-Kalergi's vision of a Pan-European Reich and Richard Coudenhove-Kalergi's vision of a Pan-European Reich. Was the issue of race.

Han's Pan-European Reich was the same as Hitler's. The superior Aryan race ruling over all the inferior races.

Richard's Pan-European Reich was very different. He envisioned the elimination of the races. 

It's great replacement with a single Caucasian-Negroid race. The "Kalergi Plan" he laid out in his 1924 book; "Praktischer Idealismus." 

This battle of ideologies is one that is increasingly being played out again. On the edges of the EU and the Eastern European nations it borders.

The Nazis and Neo-Nazis that the Biden regime has enthusiastically allied itself with in Ukraine. Obviously subscribe to Count Hans and Hitler's vision of a Pan-European Reich.

They frequently rally themselves as the resistance to the Kalergi Plan. Which, obviously, is a Jewish conspiracy(!)

They, along with the Biden regime. Are the dark cloud of Nazism and Fascism which is, once again, casting itself over the European continent.

It has often been claimed. That Richard von Coudenhove-Kalergi is the inspiration. Behind the anti-Nazi resistance activist; "Victor Lazlo." In the famous 1942 movie; "Casablanca."

There is a famous scene in Casablanca. Where the Nazi-Occupiers are singing their Nazi songs in Rick's cafe.

Victor Lazlo rushes down the stairs and commands the orchestra. In their, almost, uniform of white dinner jackets and bowties. Brass instruments in hand. 

To start playing the French National Anthem; "La Marsiellaise."

When the orchestra begins to play. The entire cafe joins them in song. Drowning out the Nazi-Occupiers.

In stark contrast. In how Edith Piaf used to perform for Vichy officials. Along with the Nazi-Occupiers they served first and foremost.

I'm sure I don't need to explain to any Spanish speakers. Any fans of Tejano music;

"Casa Blanca" means; "White House."

The section ended with shots of those girls skipping. With broad grins, from ear-to-ear. 

That; "I'll Tell My Ma" joke was an absolutely amazing in-joke. In worked on so many levels. It has to be the funniest thing I did in all of 2021.

As if to show their gratitude. All the Japanese performers bowed enthusiastically.

Then danced their way out of the arena.

 

To be continued in Part 7.

21:10 on 12/1/22 (UK date).

The 2020 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Pt.5

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 4; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2022/01/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing.html

Part of the music in this section was performed by the Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra.

Performing live on the Protocol stage. Turning it into a bandstand. Like you would find in a typical Tokyo park.

As was discussed extensively during the Opening Ceremony. As was discussed extensively at the 2021 Oscars.

The US Democrat Party is the Party of Slavery.

Jazz/Blues music is a good device. To discuss the differing fortunes of Black Americans following the US Civil War (1861-1865).

Black Americans in the Republican controlled Northern States. Were set free from slavery and given the same rights as everyone else. This allowed for a renaissance in Black American culture. Including the birth of Jazz/Blues.

While Black Americans in Democrat controlled Southern States. Were subjected to segregation and so-called; "Jim Crow" laws. Essentially slavery by another name.

Really all modern western Rock and Pop music has its roots in Jazz and Blues music. 

This is particularly true of Ska which very clearly and directly grew out of Jazz. Reggae and Rocksteady grew equally directly and clearly out of Ska.

Ska was particularly adopted by the Punk scene. Which grew as a rebellion against the Blues-derived Rock genre. After it became bloated and self-indulgent.

There are numerous examples of this cross-over I could point to. Such as Gwen Stefani's No Doubt or The Offspring. However the biggest and best is probably The Clash.

As was discussed in the Opening Ceremony. In the section I entitled; "Intermission!" Featuring the Japanese Jazz pianist Hiromi.

Japanese society has really embraced Jazz. With it having been imported, like Baseball. By US troops stationed in Japan since World War Two.

Particularly Japanese youth culture, those Harajuku Boys and Girls. Has also embraced Punk music. Bands like No Doubt and The Offspring.

By its nature Jazz music is non-conformist. Songs aren't written or rehearsed in advance. The musicians just go where the music takes them, each and every time they perform.

Punk is also non-conformist. The music of rebellion.

Japan however has a very rigid and conformist culture. A tradition that began with the Tokugawa Class System. Introduced during the Edo Period.

So as a westerner. It's interesting to see how Japan has managed to take these very non-conformist, rebellious styles of music. Then adopt what seems to be very safe, sanitised versions of them.

In their, almost, uniform of white dinner jackets and bowties. The Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra certainly seemed very conformist and sanitary.

Particularly when compared to the Dreadlocked Rastafarians like Bob Marley. Who is synonymous with that Ska off-shoot, Reggae.

Hardcore Punk was begun by the US band Minor Threat in 1980. A much harder, more aggressive, rebellious form of Punk.

Due to the longstanding cross-over between Punk and Ska. Someone decided to combine Hardcore Punk with Ska. Creating the little known genre; "Skacore."

One of the more entertaining Skacore bands is the British band; "Snuff."

Who take their name from that very Colonial British saying. That if someone's not good enough, not up to the required standard. Then; 

"They're not up to snuff!"

Snuff specialise in doing Skacore covers of well known Pop songs. Along with Skacore covers of popular British TV sitcom theme songs. 

They are an absolutely hilarious festival band. Along with being a much sort after live support act.

Snuff are about as far away as it is possible to get. From the conformist, sanitary image of the Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra being put on show here.

One of Snuff's original songs that seems to be particularly popular in Japan. Is; "Hilda Ogden and the Plot Thickens." 

Named after Hilda Ogden. That famous character from that famous British TV soap opera; "Coronation Street."

In its foul mouthed, barely comprehensible lyrics. Hilda Ogden and the Plot Thickens makes fun of that particular type of basement dwelling virgin. 

Someone who has watched far too much Manga and convinced themselves they have magical superpowers. Like the ability to perform Jedi-like mind-tricks.

Speaking of basement dwelling virgins. Who've convinced themselves they have magical superpowers, allowing them to perform Jedi-like mind-tricks.

To coincide with the Olympics. Miley Cyrus did a commercial for Gucci's Flora Gorgeous Gardenia fragrance.

Much of this commercial was animated in the Manga style. 

In keeping with the theme of the fragrance it showed Miley Cyrus in a garden surrounded by flowers. Particularly blossoming flowers like the Cherry Blossom or Lotus flower.

It was a very desperate attempt to fish for information. About the Olympics and Japanese culture.

It was also an attempt to further push that rumour that Miley Cyrus may be bisexual. The thing that was supposed to shock the World from its axis.

"Lady-Garden" being a euphemism for female genitala. One which, with that blossoming Olympic Cauldron. Japan seems well aware of.

At the time of the 2021 Super Bowl. I was all ready to entertain you with some absolutely Outrageous Lockdown Gossip! Rihanna and I as a married couple. Miley Cyrus having to audition for us both.

Rihanna also seemed to be up for some absolutely Outrageous Lockdown Gossip! Looking at all the pictures of her tropical garden she was posting on Instagram.

Then. Nothing Happened.

So all that Miley Cyrus commercial achieved. Was to highlight just how pitiful and hopeless the US/UK were in their efforts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Ska is a genre of music which is rather synonymous with me. It is certainly one I like to listen to.

I write under the name; "Sovereign." Except where that is unavailable. In which case I write under the name; "Sovereignaka."

A small reference to the British Ska band; "The Specials." Who spilt and partially reformed as; "The Specials AKA (also known as)." 

The Specials are probably the most famous band signed to the British Ska label "2 Tone." Their logo is blue and white Sillitoe Tartan. The same geometric progression used in the Tokyo Olympic emblem. 

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

"Ska" and "Scar" are pronounced exactly the same way.

I end each of my posts by giving the time in GMT and date in my location. The lack of a passport makes it hard to give a location outside of the UK.

This tradition began with the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake Disaster. The so-called "3/11 Disaster." 

It was essential at the time. As we were all trying to track the second biggest Tsunami ever recorded. Making its way across the Pacific, backwards across the International Date Line. 

So most readers probably don't notice that time and date on the bottom of the page.

To my Japanese readers. It sits there like a scar. A permanent reminder of the 3/11 Disaster.

A scar we all wear.

At around 18:30 on 6/1/22 (UK date) I don't know when I'll be picking this up again.

Edited at around 17:45 on 8/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra's logo. Used on their drum-kit. Was very similar to an obscure album cover by The Specials. A collection of their rarer singles and live concert tracks. 

Including a version of The Pioneers song; "Longshot Kick De Bucket." A song about people losing money by betting on horses.

As was discussed in Highlights Reel I. Team GB succeeding in the Equestrian events was seriously weird. Unhinged even.

I'm not kidding. If I'd said something like that to a Doctor over the summer. Then you wouldn't be reading this. I'd still be locked up in a psychiatric facility.

It was clearly, provably, completely detached from reality.

Derived directly from Jazz brass instruments are particularly important to Ska. Things like Trumpets, Trombones, Saxophones.

Here the Tokyo Paradise Ska Orchestra were joined by students from the Tokyo Katakura High School Senior Brass Band. 

In a nod to the pandemic. How so much of everyday life was forced online. They appeared remotely.

It was actually a pre-recorded video. Making for something of musical challenge. 

Keeping the live music in sync with the recording. Even highly technologically advanced Japanese recordings. Have a nasty habit of skipping and lagging unexpectedly.

In telling you the right answer. In the fourth month of the Pandemic, March 2020. I wrote about the death of my maternal grandmother. I've a few spares.

How she spent her life working as a hospital Pharmacist. Both within Britain's National Health Service (NHS) and before the NHS came into being.

Specifically I wrote about how she declined to be put on a ventilator. Understanding that it wasn't a question of her going on a ventilator and then getting better.

It was a question of her going on a ventilator. Then dying on a ventilator. Something large medical families know is a really unpleasant way to die.

At the funeral. What we got was a lot of messages of condolence. From many really highly respected British Jazz musicians. Reminding us. That little old lady definitely had a past.

Did I mention? She was a Pharmacist. Her husband was a Doctor. The sort of Doctor they had to tone all the way down. To make the Dr Gregory House character seem believable.

Did I also mention? The TV Show; "The Affair" is a massive, big budget Israeli Jewish love letter to me. Me and my family with a long history of horse ownership.

So Miley Cyrus' attacks on the bisexual community. Particularly the bisexual actress Anna Paquin. Were really not the way to pass an audition.

It was this grandmother who insisted that, as a child, I learned the trumpet as a musical instrument. A trumpet that was given to her by Bill Brunskill. Google him.

So that is actually me playing. On the hidden, bonus track. On The Offspring's 1998 album; "Americana."

Just kidding. That's a session musician cover version.

I grew up in a deaf household. A household without music. My attempts to learn music, without music. Did not go well.

I've still got that trumpet. Over this past couple of years. With all this talk of the history of music. The birth of Jazz and Ska. I keep thinking about picking it up again.

After all I've clearly got loads of free time. I don't have to waste absolutely ages. Quietly absorbing other people's psychotic little outbursts. 

Everyone almost stopped, gathered together. For a special performance of; "Ue o Muite Aruko (I Look Up As I Walk)" by Kyo Sakamoto. Possibly the most globally famous Japanese song ever.

In 1945 the US dropped two Nuclear, Atomic bombs on Japan. The only time that Nuclear weapons have ever been used in anger.

This forced Japan's surrender, ending World War Two. 

A surrender signed aboard the USS Missouri. Anchored in Tokyo Bay, almost exactly where Commodore Perry anchored his Black Ships in 1853.

After Japan's surrender the US militarily occupied Japan. 

That's not me being dramatic. That is the correct legal term under the Geneva Conventions. The US military described itself as; "The Occupying Power."

In 1952 the US officially ended its military occupation of Japan. Yet kept troops in Japan under the 1952 "Security Treaty Between the US and Japan."

This was the continuing US military occupation of Japan. In all but name.

It allowed the US to station whatever forces it liked within Japan, with Japan getting no say. It allowed those US troops to attack whomever they liked. Again with Japan getting absolutely no say. 

It did not obligate those US troops to protect Japan.

Perhaps most importantly. It allowed those US troops to violently put down any Japanese civilian protests. Regardless of what the Japanese government, let alone the Japanese public thought about it.

Almost immediately. The Japanese government started pushing for a revision of the 1952 treaty. 

In 1960 the US offered them a new treaty. "The Treaty of Mutual Cooperation and Security Between the US and Japan (ANPO)."

The 1960 ANPO treaty was a big improvement on the 1952 treaty.

It obligated the US to defend Japan. 

It gave Japan a say in how many US troops would be stationed in Japan. Along with an obligation for the US to notify Japan before those troops attacked anyone. 

It also stopped US troops being able to violently suppress civilian protests.

Crucially it also had a sunset clause. A set end-date. Ten years after it going into effect.

By this point though the Cold War was really raging. In 1960 the US and the Soviet Union came to the brink of all out Nuclear war. 

Due to the shooting down of a US U2 spyplane. Events portrayed in the 2015 multiple Oscar winning movie; "Bridge of Spies." U2 spyplanes were part of the US forces stationed in Japan.

At the time Japan was still at war with the Soviet Union. Japan continues to be, technically, at war with Russia. The status of the Kuril Islands/Northern Territories has still not been resolved.

So Japan was really concerned about the ANPO treaty dragging them into a Nuclear, shooting war with the Soviet Union. Having seen, first hand, what Nuclear weapons can do. Just 15 years earlier.

As part of the 1945 surrender. The US imposed the Peace Constitution (Heiwa-Kenpo) on Japan. Article 9 of which forbids Japan from having offensive weapons. Particularly ballistic missiles.

Meaning that if ANPO did drag Japan into a Nuclear shooting war with the Soviet Union. Then Japan would be fighting that war unarmed. Certain to lose.

So the proposed ANPO treaty triggered a year of mass protests against its signing. Known as; "The ANPO Struggle." These continue to be the largest civilian protests in Japan's recorded history.

As the protests grew in size they became more violent. On June 15th 1960 (15/6/60). ANPO protesters stormed the Japanese Parliament (Diet). One protester, Michiko Kanba, was shot and killed.

The death of this young woman led to such public outrage. That then US President Eisenhower was forced to cancel a planned visit to Japan.

Eventually though the ANPO treaty was passed.

It was while walking back from that final protest. That Rokusuke Ei wrote the lyrics to Ue o Muite Aruko. It is about his frustration at the ANPO treaty being passed.

It tells the story of a man looking up and whistling. A Displacement Activity. To stop his teardrops falling as he looks back at the failure and what has been lost.

Although those lyrics are deliberately metaphorical. So no-one can immediately tell that it's a protest anthem against ANPO.

So here it could be taken as a reflection of how sad everyone is. That the Olympics is now over. But don't cry, the Para-Olympics are just around the corner.

Not that I think anyone in Japan was at all sad to see the back of the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Everyone in Japan knew what Ue o Muite Aruko really meant though. So on its release in 1961 it went straight to the top of the Japanese music charts. Staying there for three months.

Japan then seemed to set about deliberately making the song extremely popular in the US. A way to take their ANPO struggle directly to the American public.

So they changed the title to; "Sukiyaki." A type of Japanese beef stew. Which has absolutely nothing to do with the song. 

Yet sounds sufficently Japanese to American ears. Without being as long-winded and confusing as; "Ue o Muite Aruko."

A tactic which I sure will be amusing. To a whole host of Japanese, Chinese and other Asian restaurant owners in the US and other western nations.

The Japanese were successful in this effort. The now titled Sukiyaki topped the US music charts for some five weeks in 1963.

The first Asian language song to do so. The only Asian language song to do so. Until "Dynamite" by BTS, last year (2020).

The American government did seem to finally hear Japan's ANPO protests. 

In 1965 NASA played an instrumental version of Sukiyaki to astronauts aboard the Gemini 7 space capsule. Making it one of the first songs ever played in space.

Also making for a coded gesture. That the US was prepared to bring Japan under its protective Nuclear Umbrella.

Space Rockets and Nuclear Missile really differ only in what you put on top of them. So Article 9 of the Heiwa-Kenpo also prevents Japan from having any serious Space Program.

In hijacking my relationship with Miley Cyrus. The US/UK have been trying to turn her into something of a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

Loading it up with all these hidden, coded political references and diplomatic gestures. Such as rumours about whether she's bisexual. Or is, definitely, really, really racist.

In this performance of Ue o Muite Aruko/Sukiyaki. Japan is further trying to drive home the point to the US/UK.

That people have been doing this sort of thing all day, every day. Since, really, the invention of Pop music.

The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus. It is absolutely pitiful. 

We're being extremely charitable when we describe it as; "Pre-Kindergarten."

It is embarrassing to watch. Let alone be formally allied with.

At around 18:35 on 8/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 17:10 on 9/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Perhaps due to its role. As a Significant Sharp Power/Propaganda Weapon during the Cold War. 

Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko has been covered and sampled extensively. Along with being used in numerous soundtracks. For movies, TV shows and videogames.

The song's Wikipedia page cites some 70 examples. I dread to think what the full list is.

As this is the Olympics. I'm sure you could talk about each and every one. If you so wish.

I was particularly interested in the fact it appeared on the soundtrack for;  "M*A*S*H." Both the movie (1970) and TV (1972-1983) versions. 

M*A*S*H is set during the Korean War. So I can only hope this was deliberate.

Really the main reason for the US ending its formal military occupation of Japan. Through the imposition of the 1952 Security Treaty. 

Was that it wanted to re-deploy those US troops. Using them to fight the Korean War (1950-1953).

The use of US bases in Japan to provide logistical support to the Korean War. Made Japan a legitimate military target for North Korean and Chinese forces.

This saw Japan being taken to the brink of Nuclear war with China. 

A Nuclear war which due to Article 9 of Heiwa-Kenpo Japan would be fighting unarmed. The 1952 Security Treaty wouldn't see the US help them.

That is really why the Korean War ended in stalemate. 

US-led forces realised that if they pushed up to the Chinese border. Then China would respond with Nuclear weapons. 

While China realised that if they advanced south beyond the 38th Parallel. Then the US would respond with Nuclear weapons.

As you may have learned during the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South). That Nuclear stand-off is still going on now.

It was this experience of the US nearly dragging Japan into Nuclear war. Which was a significant driving force behind opposition to the ANPO Treaty.

The movie and TV show; "M*A*S*H" are a metaphor for the Vietnam War. 

I think it is often forgotten that South Korea were dragged into that war. Fighting alongside the US against the North Vietnamese and China.

Due to Article 9 of the Heiwa-Kenpo. Japan were able to avoid that obligation. 

Beyond US bases in Japan being used for logistical support. By that time under the defence of the US Nuclear Umbrella.

I was also interested in Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko featuring on the soundtrack to; "The Man in the High Castle." 

As this isn't a meeting of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). I think that's something we can describe as an; "Amazon TV Show."

This tells an alternate history. In which the Axis Powers of Nazi Germany and Imperial Japan win World War Two. Dividing control of America between themselves.

The Japanese Fascists are based in Silicon Valley.

The Man in the High Castle is amongst only a handful of things that seem worth watching on Amazon Prime. It seems particularly pertinent now.

What with the Biden regime functioning as a sort of Vichy/Quisling government. First and foremost serving a Foreign, Fascist power.

The 1990 version of Sukiyaki/Ue o Muite Aruko by Selena also seems to be of particular significance.

Selena Quinttanilla-Perez was a US Popstar in the late 1980's and early 1990's. There was a renewed interest in her in 2020. When Netflix released the show; "Selena: The Series" about her life. 

While we were all in Lockdown. Being forced to stream anything we could lay our hands on.

All the attention surrounding that Netflix show. Is something I'm now wishing I'd paid a lot more attention to. With the name Selena being more or less meaningless to me.

However from a glance at her Wikipedia page. I gather that Selena was the first Hispanic or Latina American female Popstar. 

Being variously described as; "The Mexican Madonna" or; "The Mexican Janet Jackson." Two of her contemporaries.

Despite being described as; "Mexican" Selena was born in the US State of Texas. Living her whole life there.

The US State of Texas was a particular focus of the 2021 Super Bowl. 

Its long history of fierce independence. Seceding from both Mexico and the US at various points. Almost constantly threatening to be a nation in its own right.

A recurring theme of, certainly the past two Super Bowls. 

Has been the attitudes towards the people who live in those 48 anonymous States. Somewhere in the middle of the US. Of which Texas is one.

The attitudes held by people living in those Liberal, Democrat bastions of California and New York. The two States on the fringes of the US.

The bases of the Fascists. In The Man in the High Castle.

In recent years growing numbers of Americans have been abandoning the Liberal, Democrat 'paradises' of New York and California. 

Choosing to move to some of those 48 anonymous States in the middle. Particularly Texas.

They've been shocked to discover. That the people living there aren't the Republican voting Rednecks the media has told them to be so afraid of.

Particularly in Texas people are actually, I hesitate to use the term; "Liberal." As that has been hijacked by a political ideology that is anything but. 

"Sensible" seems to be the better term.

Something highlighted in the TV show; "9-1-1 Lone Star." In which a metropolitan, metrosexual Fire Captain is enticed to head a Fire House in Texas.

He agrees only on the condition. That he can be as provocative as possible to those backwards, Redneck Texans.

He is almost disappointed then. That Texas doesn't have a problem with his gay firefighter son, his Trans man firefighter or his Muslim woman firefighter. 

This is a State that cares nothing about the interracial marriage. Between the Texan White Male firefighter and his equally Texan Black female dispatcher wife.

It is appropriate that a TV show is used to highlight this. 

It is the tax breaks given to the Entertainment and Tech sectors. Which are helping to draw people from the fringes to the centre-ground.

At around 17:25 on 9/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick up and improve this tomorrow. 

Edited at around 17:25 on 10/1/22 (UK date) to really tidy the above and copy & paste;

As has been discussed extensively during these games. As was discussed extensively during the 2021 Oscars.

The US Democrat Party is the Party of Slavery.

Their entire existence is totally dependent on their ability to subjugate the population. Keeping all power for themselves.

Initially the Democrats did this through actual slavery. 

Then the Republican Party fought a four year civil war. The US Civil War (1861-1865). To force the Democrats to give up, abandon slavery.

The Democrats though merely changed tactics. 

Subjugating the population through segregation and so-called Jim Crow laws. Essentially slavery in all but name.

It took more than 100 years for the Democrats to be forced to give up on segregation and Jim Crow laws. Through the Civil Rights movement of the 1960's and 1970's.

Again though the Democrats simply changed tactics. 

Adopting the political ideology of Liberalism. Subjugating the population by turning them all into victims. Totally dependent on the Democrat Party.

It is the inevitable Totalitarianism of Liberalism. Identified by the Austria School of Economics. Which saw the birth of Neo-Liberalism. A rejection of Liberalism.

Black Americans though still seem to be stuck back in the Neo-Colonial/Liberalism era. Generally being very enthusiastic in embracing their victimhood.

Whereas Asian-Americans generally tend to reject the notion of themselves as victims. Wholly dependent of a single political party. 

Something which is particularly true of Asian Americans with links to Communist nations. Like China or Vietnam.  

This refusal to be victims. Forced the Democrats to unleash a systematic campaign of violence against Asian-Americans. Most notably the March 16th 2021 (16/3/21) Atlanta Spa Shootings.

A very literal attempt to beat them into submission.

The submission and subjugation of the Stop Asian And Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Hate astroturf/Democrat recruiting campaign.

Between these two extremes. Of the Black American community and the Asian American community. You have the Hispanic American community.

The Democrats have long traded in Hispanic people. 

Just as they traded in Black people prior to the US Civil War. Illegally importing them from Latin America then filling out ballot papers on their behalf. 

Democrats have also used the same tactics of systematic violence against the Hispanic American community. That they're now using against the Asian American community.

Most notably the June 2016 attack on the Pulse nightclub in the State of Florida. The August 2019 mass shooting in El Paso, Texas.

As will no doubt come as a shock to the Democrats. The Hispanic American community isn't one uniform block. 

Just as the Black American community isn't one uniform block. Just as the Asian American community isn't one uniform block. 

So there have been recent signs of an increasing backlash against the Democrats. Among the Hispanic American community.

Activist from Black Lives Matter, trying to co-opt Hispanics into supporting their hate group. Often find themselves being met with the response; "#IAmNotYourMule."

A reference to the type of dumb animal you expect to do all the work for you. Allowing you to ride around on its back. 

While perhaps being a reference to the famous; "40 Acres and a Mule." The reparations made to freed slaves by Civil War General Sherman. In Special Field Orders 15.

Selena performed in genre of music known as; "Tejano" or; "Tex-Mex." 

This mixes traditional Hispanic vocal styles. With the rhythms of US Cowboy Country & Western Swing music. Which itself has its roots in the cotillion Waltzes and Polka of 19th Century Europe.

Take note of that detail. It will come in useful later.

If you're a fully paid up member of Stop AAPI Hate. Then I'm just going to assume that you'll be working in crayon.

Probably the only example of Tejano that I was familiar with. Prior to having to sit down to write this was Freddy Fender.

I deployed his song; "Before the Next Teardrop Falls" with devastating effect in the summer/autumn of 2020. Back when Britain thought it had the Pandemic beat.

Forgetting that Wu Xing truism. Metal follows Fire.

When Metal inevitably followed Fire. A lot of Tiers fell back into place. As Pandemic restrictions returned.

Steeped in Latin American Ranchero culture. Tejano music is very macho, very machismo. As is US Country music.

Selena was really a trail-blazer. Being one of the first women to perform Tejano. Certainly the first to be successful at it.

Making Selena something of a Feminist icon.

Touching on that big, recurring theme of these games. Improving rights for women. Particularly within Japanese society.

As one of the first women to perform Tejano Selena faced a huge, misogynistic backlash. Including attacks on what she wore and how she presented herself.

She was frequently accused of being too sexual for a Hispanic woman. Along with being accused of being too sexual for her young fans. A poor role model.

Exactly the same attacks levelled against Madonna. Exactly the same attacks levelled against Janet Jackson. Her contemporaries.

Exactly the same attacks the US/UK are attempting to load onto Miley Cyrus. In their effort to hijack my relationship with me. To turn her into a Sharp Power/Propaganda weapon.

So this is Japan further trying to drive home that point to the US/UK.

That people have been doing what they're trying to do with Miley Cyrus. All day, every day. Really since Pop music was invented.

The technical level the US/UK are trying to do it at through Miley Cyrus is absolutely pitiful. Embarrassing to be associated with.

Selena died at the age of 23, at the height of her fame. Murdered by Yolanda Saldivar. Her manager and supposed friend.

Something which serves as a warning to Miley Cyrus. About the US/UK's attempts to hijack her relationship with me.

As the first and only Hispanic American female Popstar Selena was massively famous. The result of having a market monopoly.

So her death prompted a mass, almost nationwide outpouring of grief. The then Governor of Texas even declared her birthday, April 16th, to be; "Selena Day."

That Governor of Texas was George W. Bush.

The same George W. Bush who went on to become President of the United States. 

After his Democrat opponent, Al Gore. Had his challenge to the election result heard by the Supreme Court (SCOTUS).

George W. Bush was US President on September 11th 2001 (11/9/01). The day of the so-called; "9/11 Attacks."

In response President Bush led NATO in the 2001 Invasion of Afghanistan.

In 2003 President Bush then led Britain into the Invasion of Iraq.

Something which led to the following argument, ad nauseam;

US/UK: "Don't call it a Military Occupation!"

Everyone Else: "Perhaps if you knew the correct, legal term for it. You wouldn't be making such a mess of it."

Over the course of his Presidency George W. Bush did seem to go on something of a spiritual journey. Seeing the errors of his ways and learning from his mistake.

Something the former Biden regime, led by President Obama. Still seems utterly incapable of doing.

I understand President Bush's path to rehabilitation started in 2005. Around the time of those Live 8 concerts.

Something which seems to have been foretold in the 2003 Johnny Cash song; "I Hung My Head." Yes, from that Johnny Cash album.

At around 17:50 on 10/1/22 (UK date) I really want to get this finished after dinner.

Edited at around 19:45 on 10/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Apparently. The US media coverage of Selena's death was on such a vast scale. It was comparable to the assassination of President John F. Kennedy.

It was the assassination of JFK which ended his opposition to the Civil Rights movement. Increasing pressure on the Democrats to abandon segregation and Jim Crow laws.

Despite this, apparent, mass coverage of Selena's death in the US. I don't remember it being covered in the UK at all. 

Although I was busy being about 10 at the time. So if it had been covered I doubt it would have registered.

I do remember watching Nelson Mandela being freed from prison. Being annoyed that cartoons were being cancelled. So we could watch this one, random Black man walk along a street.

As a child. I had absolutely no concept of the significance of the event.

Selena also helped launch the career of Jennifer Lopez. That star of the 2020 Super Bowl. The Super Bowl that should have led into the 2020 Summer Olympics.

Jennifer Lopez made her debut in a 1997 biopic of Selena's life. As was discussed at the 2020 Super Bowl Jennifer Lopez was initially an actress before making the move into music.

This all touches on another recurring theme of these games. The ever increasing pace of modern life. Particularly technology's role in speeding everything up.

If Google wasn't available. As it wasn't at the time. Then I would have dated or placed that 1999 trip to Seville, Spain. In terms of it being;

"Around the time Jennifer Lopez launched her music career."

That video of hers was everywhere at the time. The one with the man using dial-up Internet to watch Jennifer Lopez online.

In what now seems to be a forerunner of Onlyfans. It certainly seems to have been a commentary on Internet pornography at the time.

A video which, thanks to Google. I now know is called; "If You Had My Love."

There is, of course, another way. That I could date or place that 1999 trip to Seville, Spain. Although there aren't videos of that on the Internet. Or, at least I hope there aren't.

Let's just say. Sebastian Coe wasn't the only one with a hot, wet crotch.

During this performance of Ue o Muite Aruko. 

All of the performers in the park stopped doing their various leisure activities. To come together to perform a mass, flashmob like dance routine.

A very energetic and gymnastic dance routine.

One that explored the concept of Sport as Art and Art as Sport.

The Olympic sport of Karate is divided into two discipline. Kumite and Kata. Kumite being the sport while Kata is more the artform.

The 2024 Summer Olympics will see Break-Dancing or; "Breaking" debut as an Olympic sport. In no small part due Japanese and other Asian youths obsession with it.

The Winter Olympics has long had Figure-Skating amongst its sports. It is much culturally richer for it as a result.

You certainly don't get nonsense like Tom Daley at the Winter Olympics.

Showing how things tend to improve. When Tennis isn't included.

 

To be continued in Part 6.

20:25 on 10/1/22 (UK date).

 

The 2020 Summer Olympics Closing Ceremony Pt.4

To be read as a direct continuation of Part 3; https://watchitdie.blogspot.com/2021/12/the-2020-summer-olympics-closing_31.html

Life Beyond The Wire.

The Olympics grant athletes an opportunity. To compete against other athletes from all four corners of the globe. Hopefully proving themselves to be the best.

However the Olympics also give athletes another opportunity. To visit all sorts of far-flung places. Places that many of them could normally only dream of visiting.

Some of the richer nations even pay to have athlete's friends and family join them.

So if your event is at the start of the games. Like the Womens Cycling Road Race. Then you're just on an all expenses paid luxury holiday for the next two weeks.

Even if your event comes towards the end of the games. There's still only so much time you can spend training and preparing. Leaving an awful lot of downtime to fill.

This is how I found myself to be in Seville, Spain. During, what Google now informs me, was the 1999 World Athletics Championships.

Sitting in a bar watching an England v New Zealand Cricket match. With a load of New Zealand Pole Vaulters.

It was perhaps as we left the bar. That we were walking across one of those sun drenched squares. With people dining al fresco.

When my younger brother accidentally backed into one of those tables. Knocking it over and pouring scalding hot coffee right into the crotches of the people sitting at the table.

Those people were;

Convicted sleazebag Jeffery Lord Archer. His personal friend. Not yet convicted sleazebag Sebastian Lord Coe. 

Sebastian Coe is the current President of the International Amatuer Athletics Federation (IAAF). Supposedly a well respected man within the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

Their reaction was less than dignified.

Given my family's history of vacations. Grenada, 1979 etc. This, obviously, sounds a little suspicious. Not least because the family vacation was to Portugal.

However I think it was just a coincidence.

For a start it was only through talking to those New Zealand Pole Vaulters. That we learned that there was an Athletics competition going on in Seville at the time.

Also. If Britain had wanted to pour scalding hot coffee right into the crotch of Sebastian Coe. As I'm sure it must want to now.

It wouldn't need to go all the way to Spain to do so.

Either way. Sebastian Coe seems to have had it out for me ever since. Even though I wasn't the one who spilled the coffee.

At these 2020 Summer Games the athletes have been denied that second opportunity. The opportunity to experience Tokyo in all its glory.

The Pandemic has meant that the games have taken place in a; "Biosecure Bubble." With no-one from the Olympics allowed outside of the bubble and, really, no-one from Tokyo allowed into the bubble.

So in this section. The hosts tried to give the athletes a taste of what they would have experienced.

Had they been free to roam the streets of Tokyo. Watching Cricket matches in bars and pouring scalding hot coffee into crotches.

Japan's national flower is the Cherry Blossom.

During the Edo Period the fragile beauty of the Cherry Blossom (mono no aware). Gave rise to the practice of Hanami (Flower Viewing). In which the aristocracy would gather to picnic in the shade of the pretty and sweet smell of the blossoming Cherry Trees.

The joy of Hanami soon spread throughout all sections of Japanese society. Like so many other aspects of the Edo Period it continues to be popular to this day.

It is really common for Japanese people to gather in public parks. To picnic, meet up with each other and generally relax.

This section saw the arena being turned into an example of a Tokyo park. On, presumably, a Sunday. The Closing Ceremony took place on a Sunday.

We were guided round the park by a pair of young Japanese women/teenagers. As the strolled around. Checking out the sights, the sounds. The Boys!

Definitely the Boys.

Basically. Super-Aging Japan wants grandchildren. So desperately wants grandchildren.

No pressure.

This use of young women/teenagers as a guide or; "Cipher." Was another reference to the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Held in PyeongChang, Republic of Korea (RoK/South).

That used very young children as a guide through the ceremony. Each child representing an element of the Wu Xing.

These Child-Like Ciphers. Stood in stark contrast to China's QUESS Quantum Cryptography/Encryption communications satellite.

Although more advanced and well developed than South Korea. These Japanese Child-Like Ciphers also paled in comparison to China's QUESS satellite.

Even though they were significantly better looking. Than the US/UK's insistence that Miley Cyrus and I can't speak directly. 

Using electronic communications such as email or Social Media Direct Messages. As those would be a secret.

Which, obviously. Has got to be more than a bit of a worry. If, like Japan, you find yourself trapped in a military alliance with the US/UK. Against China.

These young women/teenagers were very fashionably dressed. As they promenaded around the park they passed many other similarly fashionably dressed boys and girls. Particularly the boys.

This was a reference to one aspect of Japanese, particularly Tokyo, culture. That westerners may be familiar with.

Within Tokyo you have the Harajuku District. Which is considered the centre of Japanese youth culture.

Rather like Carnaby Street in the British capital, London. During the; "Swinging Sixties." The Harajuku District is where all the fashionable young people go.

To buy all the latest fashionable clothes. Along with hanging out to show-off to each other all their fashionable clothes. Some they brought, some they've made themselves.

The people who do this are known as; "Harajuku Boys" and; "Harajuku Girls."

Harajuku Girls were popularised in the west by Gwen Stefani. The one-time lead singer of the US Ska Punk band; "No Doubt."

When Gwen Stefani went solo. She brought four (inauthentic) Harajuku Girls into her entourage. 

Including them in live performances and music videos. Mentioning them in songs and even doing a song about them; "Harajuku Girls."

In February 2021 Gwen Stefani announced that she was getting married. To Blake Shelton.

Miley Cyrus responded, on Twitter. Not just by inviting herself to the wedding. But also seeming to try to invite herself into the marriage.

In an effort to fuel rumours that she may be gay or bisexual. Suggesting that she's got a massive crush on Gwen Stefani. 

This was going to form the basis for the Outrageous Lockdown Gossip! That I was planning for around the time of the 2021 Super Bowl.

Rihanna and I would be the married couple. As we are in the eyes of the international Olympic/Para-Olympic movement.

An interracial married couple.

Very important that. If you remember the main theme of the 2021 Super Bowl.

Miley Cyrus, a former judge on; "The Voice" TV show. Would have to audition for us both. Trying to find a way to win each of us over, individually.

As quite a few people have mentioned. Miley Cyrus seems to be constantly trying to shock us with how sexual she is. As if she's trying to prove something to her father.

While Rihanna and I. Are constantly trying to tone it down.

Not all of Rihanna's Instagram posts contain special, hidden messages for me. But the ones that do. Are absolutely filthy.

This would also have contributed to that big #MeToo issue at the Oscars. Alongside the Super Bowl that other big event of the US annual Cultural Calendar.

That #MeToo debate was concerned with how to mitigate the negative impacts. On the people who have to perform in nude/sex scenes. The use of things like intimacy coordinators.

So Rihanna, Miley Cyrus and I would be acting out these absolutely outrageous love/sex scenes. On screen, for your entertainment.

Something which I think risked being rather cruel on all of my ex-girlfriends. Particularly the ones who broke up with me. Thinking they could do so much better.

Also, as we now know. At the time Rihanna was trying to find a way to go public. With the actual romantic relationship she's in with A$AP Rocky.

So what I wanted to do. Was for us to coordinate discreetly before 'shooting' the scenes. Just to make sure everyone was comfortable with what was going to happen. A sort of rehearsal.

I would certainly have been the one in the group. Pushing for it to be made as clear as possible, without spoiling the magic. That we were only messing about. Playing it for laughs and gossip.

Including by making some of the rehearsal footage available to our biggest fans. As a sort of DVD extra.

That would have involved me talking, directly, to Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. About my ex-girlfriends on, essentially, the Internet. Explaining why certain things might make them particularly uncomfortable.

My relationships with my exes. Are significantly less well documented on the Internet. Than Rihanna and Miley Cyrus' relationships with their exes.

Learning the intimate secrets of, particularly The World Famous Thrupple™. Was really the one of the main things the US/UK were trying to achieve. In their attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Something I'd made the conscious decision to just give to the US, for free. As a sort of service to the community.

The only condition I imposed. Was that it was done in a way that wouldn't attack my ex-girlfriends personally. Along with the gay community in general.

All that though was cast aside. In pursuit of that all consuming, overwhelming, obsessive fixation the US/UK have got.

Proving, once and for all. That they are sane.

By proving that I am insane.

My belief that I have any sort of relationship with Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Kim Kardashian etc. Being conclusive proof of my delusional state of mind.

Gwen Stefani's interest in Harajuku Boys and Harajuku Girls began in the early-2000's. She went solo from No Doubt in 2004.

It was part of that shortlived western interest in Japan and Japanese culture in the late-1990/early-2000's.

The one that was fuelled by that 1999 Samurai Sword attack on my childhood Church.

Which allows us all to have a really good laugh at Miley Cyrus. Really the entire Cyrus clan.

Reminding them that I have this long, 20 year, relationship with Japan. 

So collaborating with me really isn't going to hurt Miley Cyrus in negotiations with Sony Music. That massive Japanese company.

Not only that.

It might also give me a bit of an; "in" with her supposed crush.

At arounhd 18:10 on 2/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 19:10 on 4/1/21 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

The performers in the park were engaged in all sorts of leisure activities.

However I, along with the camera operators and director. Were particularly taken by the girls Skipping. Playing Jump-Rope, Double-Dutch.

Around the time of the 2021 Super Bowl I was ready to entertain you all. With some absolutely Outrageous Lockdown Gossip. 

Something that would have involved me talking to Rihanna and Miley Cyrus directly. On, essentially, the Internet. Including about my ex-girlfriends.

Really one of the main things the US/UK were trying to find out about. Through their desperate effort to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus.

Then. Nothing Happened.

To fill the time I started teaching people about the Cavaletti method of horse training. The one that allowed Reiner Klimke to win Gold at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

During the games. Through to The Great American Bell Ringing of October 4th (4/10/21). I was teaching everyone Japanese. Including the System of Kanji Indexing by Pattern (SKIP).

It was one of the things I used to do with my lesbian best-friend. Before we met our future ex-girlfriend. Forming the World Famous Thrupple™.

We used to smoke a lot of Marijuana. While, really, pretending to teach each other Japanese.

Probably the only thing that either of us remembered. Is that Japanese uses the same symbol for; "Analgesic" and; "Hemp/Marijuana." "Ma" (3-3-8).

There is a traditional Irish folk song called; "I'll Tell My Ma." Of which the version by The Dubliners is probably the most famous.

On one level this song is about teenage girls skipping, playing double-dutch on the street. All the attention they (trying to) attract from the teenage boys.

On another level. It's also about what all those teenage boys do to prove themselves worthy of the girl's attention. Boxing.

Did we mention?

Super-aging Japan wants Grandbabies!

No pressure.

Part of the chorus of the song is about how this girl will get a boy; "by-and-by." As in; "Soon Enough."

However it does sound exactly like; "Bi." As in; "Bisexual."

A big part of the US' attempts to hijack my relationship with Miley Cyrus. Was putting around the rumour that she may be Bisexual.

Thinking this would shock the World from its axis. Prompting a dazzled planet to prostrate itself at the feet of its new Messiah, Joe Biden.

While, at the same time. Trying to learn the intimate details of the World Famous Thrupple™.

Apparently not realising. That is something that has been part of me throughout my 20 year, global career.

So anyone who was going to be shocked by that sort of thing. Has been shocked by it and gotten over it. A long time ago.

The Opening Ceremony. In a section I entitled; "The Rose of Allendale." Looked at the 2020 "Last Night of the Proms" concert. Part of the annual; "BBC Proms" series of concerts. 

This was really the only cultural event that occurred in 2020. When Britain thought the Pandemic was over. Forgetting that Wu Xing truism. That Metal follows Fire.

In a year when not much else happened. This started something of a long-running discussion about the history of music.

From Work-Songs/Sea-Shanties through to modern Pop. Via the tradition of people singing at home to entertain themselves. Along with the first recording artists. During the Jazz/Blues age. Really the basis for all Pop/Rock music.

This was a big theme of the 2021 Super Bowl. Along with the 2021 Oscars.

In a year when there really wasn't much going on. There was also a lot of interest in the US TV show; "Boardwalk Empire."

This tells the story of Enoch "Nucky" Thompson. So you could, almost, describe it as; "The Book of Enoch."

The apocalyptic book recognised as Biblical by only Judaism and the Ethiopian Orthodox Christian Church. Very Messianic it is the book of Noah's grandfather. Predicting, amongst other things, the Great Flood.

The TV show Boardwalk Empire is set during the US Prohibition Era. In response to the Pandemic a lot of countries. Most notably South Africa. Responded with their own Prohibition Era. Banning the sale of alcohol.

Many South African bars and restaurants simply carried on selling alcohol. Only listing it on special 'tea & coffee' menus and serving it in chinaware. It was the Portuguese Black Ships that brought the first glasswares to Asia.

This solution to South Africa's Prohibition Era. Was exactly the solution used in the TV show. I like to think they deliberately copied the TV show.

There was really nothing else going on in 2020.

The TV show Boardwalk Empire actually uses the song; "I'll Tell My Ma." To illustrate that tradition of people singing together at home to entertain themselves.

Throughout the Opening and Closing Ceremonies Japan sneaked in lots of references to/adverts for the Para-Olympics.

Expressing their desire for parity between the Olympics and Para-Olympics. Viewing them not as two separate events but one continuous event.

The British Para-Olympic broadcaster, Channel 4. Were promoting both the Para-Olympics and their coverage of it with a big advertising campaign.

This used a version of the song; "So You Wanna Be A Boxer." From the musical Bugsy Malone. 

Expressing their desire for what the Olympics/Para-Olympics would be like for me. An opportunity to put me in the ring, let me feel the sting. Pulp me to bits.

That big, orgasmic moment. Which would finally make up for each of those 15 years they've spent kissing the canvas.

In doing this they very badly misread the room. The tone of the Olympics/Para-Olympics. An Intervention For Britain.

Providing it with a safe-space. To help it explore how it came to be punched-out tramp. To help it pick itself up and start participating in reality again.

Also. "Boxer" is an, admittedly outdated, term of racist abuse for an Asian person. Particularly a Chinese person.

In 1899-1901 the Chinese people rebelled against British Colonial rule. 

Imposed at the end of the Second Opium War (1856-1860). A war fought by British Company States to force people along the Silk Road to buy Opium grown in Britain's India Colony. 

Something which, I've got a feeling. Might be on a test soon.

The British Colonialists dubbed this 1899-1901 rebellion the; "Boxer Rebellion." Due to the fancy-prancy "Chinese Boxing" (a mix of martial arts) they were being forced to fight against.

The Imperial Japanese Navy sided with Britain. Sending 18 warships and 24,000 troops to crush the rebellion. Almost half their entire force.

This continues to be a source of tension between Japan and China. Along with the 1937; "Rape of Nanjing."

So the oh-so-tolerant Liberal, Progressive Virtue-Signallers at Britain's Channel 4. Got that so spectacularly wrong.

Even at this point in the Olympics the entire campaign had been scrapped. At great expense.

After the commercial partner, Toyota. Explained it to them.

Really slowly. With lots of pictures. 

At around 19:35 on 4/1/22 (UK date) I'll pick this up tomorrow. 

Edited at around 16:05 on 6/1/22 (UK date) to tidy the above and copy & paste;

Other performers were engaged in other leisure activities. Such as Football/Keepy-Uppy, Hacky Sack and Poi.

The scene reminded me of many times I spent in parks in Brighton, UK. Sometimes picnicking, sometimes drinking, sometimes 'learning Japanese.' Both as part of the World Famous Thrupple and as not.

I did briefly, technically use to live in a Brighton park. In a purple van, solving mysteries. With a dog named; "Screwby-Ru."

Something which was mentioned at the 2021 Oscars. With all the praise being showered on; "Nomadland." Along with its Brighton based director Chloe Zhao.

Due to its large number of English as a foreign language schools. Brighton is actually quite a popular destination for Japanese students. Being cheaper than the capital, London.

So even the presence of large numbers of Japanese people in this scene. Reminded me of time spent in Brighton parks.

It also reminds me of time spent, drunk, in a park in Madrid, Spain. In 2005. With one third of the World Famous Thrupple. Who was living in Spain at the time.

Due to very cheap but convoluted tickets. I actually travelled to and from Madrid via Barcelona. Which also led to me spending time picnicking and drinking in a Barcelona park. A grubby one near the airport.

This was due to my flight back to the UK, along with most flights in European airspace, being horrifically delayed. By a massive, US$72m diamond armed robbery. At Amsterdam's Schipol Airport.

It was shortly after returning to the UK. That I was stripped of my passport. I honestly think that if I wasn't so globally famous. I would have been stripped of my citizenship by now.

It's strange though. How all those British members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Levant (ISIL) and associated groups. Have been able to hold onto theirs.

It was that third of the World Famous Thrupple's return to the UK from Spain. Which prompted Britain to just, completely withdraw from reality.

To emphasise that point. During this section the camera operators and director. Seemed to be very taken with both Spanish and British athletes.

However the main point the hosts were trying to make. Is that this supposedly typically Japanese scene. Was in fact very western. You could supplant it into any European country.

The Japanese park itself still had the Pitcher's Mound stage and pathways of a Baseball field overlaid on it. As if this Japanese Reality had been Augmented by some sort of digital lie.

Baseball was brought to Japan by occupying US forces at the end of the Second World War. Its popularity was spread by the continuing, sometimes controversial, presence of US military bases in Japan.

Japan really looks back at the Edo Period as its sort of golden age. An age defined by the "Sakoku" or; "Locked State" policy. When Japanese society was firmly locked away from any foreign influence.

So this served as a talking point about how welcome western influences are on Japanese society. 

Influences that have been frequently imposed at the barrel of an America gun. Perry's Black Ships and the surrender signed aboard the USS Missouri.

Japan seemed to be particular opposed to the US culture of mythical 'President' Joe Biden. That digital lie that some are still trying to impose.

This was illustrated through the use of Poi as one of the leisure activities.

Poi is actually Maori in origin. The indigenous people of New Zealand. From there it was picked up by Pacific Islanders. Then annoying western tourists on gap years.

As was discussed during the Opening Ceremony. In the section I entitled; "The Strength From Within."

The US Democrat Party are the Party of Slavery.

After mounting an Insurrection against the US Constitution. Just as they did in 1861. Stealing the 2020 US Election.

The US Democrat Party unleashed a campaign of racist violence. To beat the Asian-American community into submission. With Democrat Party activists carrying out racist attack after racist attack.

Treating us as if we all must be stupid. The other part of the Democrats campaign was to present themselves as the saviours of the Asian-American community. 

Through the astroturf campaign; "Stop Asian And Pacific Islander (AAPI) Hate." Intended to recruit people to the Democrat Party.

It showed the Democrat Party's utter contempt for both Asians and Pacific Islanders. That they would lump this two very large, very disparate, very different ethnic groups together.

As if they're all just something that can be coloured in with crayon. On an electoral map with which the Democrat Party can build a Reich to last a thousand years.

We're all hoping the Republicans will rediscover the courage they showed in 1787, if not 1861.Forcing the Democrats into a compromise.

That they can only use crayon to fill in the ballot papers of three-fifths of the slaves they own. 

 

To be continued in Part 5.

16:30 on 6/1/22 (UK date).