Go Tokyo Your Experience
The Tokyo Olympics witnessed severe cyberbullying, and unfortunately, the Paris Olympics have not seen an improvement in this regard. Japanese athletes continue to endure harsh criticism and personal attacks online, raising significant concerns about their mental health.
Case of Aya Yana
Aya Yana, a Japanese race walker, faced backlash after withdrawing from the women’s 20km race walk to focus on the mixed team event. She shared on social media on July 29 how the criticism for her decision hurt her, with many branding her as “selfish” and “capricious.” Yana expressed disappointment and hoped for a reduction in such hurtful comments.
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Judo’s Emotional Toll
On July 28, Shi Abe, a Japanese female judoka, became the target of online ridicule after she was seen crying on the mat following her defeat.
The situation escalated as some international users mockingly posted the Uzbekistan flag to taunt her. Abe later apologized for her emotional display and thanked her supporters for their understanding.
Tatsuki Nagayama’s Defense of Fair Play
In the men’s 60kg judo event, Tatsuki Nagayama suffered an “incomprehensible” defeat on July 27. He appealed to the public to refrain from vilifying his opponent, Gregorios, emphasizing that the match result was a product of intense competition and that even referees can find it challenging to make clear decisions under such conditions.
Efforts to Counter Cyberbullying
In response to these troubling incidents, the Japanese Olympic Committee, which had previously established a monitoring team during the Tokyo Games, continues its efforts to combat online harassment. The Japan Sports Council (JSC) also provides psychological counseling services to athletes during the Paris Olympics, aiming to support them amid the ongoing challenges posed by cyberbullying.
This issue underscores the pressing need for greater awareness and preventative measures against online abuse in sports.