Recently, expressions like “disaster-level heat” and “global boiling” have become more common, and the scorching days continue. In Tokyo, it has become normal for daytime temperatures to approach 40°C. Amid this intense heat, the Paris Olympics have begun. Every day, fierce competitions unfold across various events, giving rise to many unforgettable stories. Sports truly have a powerful and pure ability to move people.
However, ever since the numerous scandals surrounding the previous Tokyo Olympics, it has become harder to enjoy the Games with the same innocence. During the Tokyo Olympics, many individuals were exposed for corruption, yet the organizing committee was quickly disbanded, and the flow of money surrounding the fully commercialized “Olympic interests” remains opaque.
The opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics also received mixed reactions. There were numerous protests and complaints from religious organizations over what was seen as excessive staging, leading to an unprecedented press conference where the IOC issued an apology. Meanwhile, behind the scenes of this glittering event, tragedies continue in places like Ukraine and Gaza — a reality that surely leaves many people with complicated feelings.
Even through the Olympics alone, we can’t help but feel that humanity is facing a major turning point in history.