Tokyo 2020 is truly underway.
Despite a survey leading up to the games suggesting 80 per cent of Japan’s population hoped for the games to be either postponed or cancelled altogether, athletes from 205 countries have gathered to compete in the midst of the pandemic.
Like the athletes, it has been a long and uncertain wait for the many thousands of volunteers in Japan, who have eagerly waited for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But with no international tourists, no spectators, and athletes bound in their own bubble, things are looking a lot different than planned.
Leading up to the games,10,000 out of the 80,000 volunteers are said to have declined their offer, many fearing the surging cases of COVID-19 or the inability to get a vaccination in time, whilst others are concerned about backlash from the anti-Olympic campaign.
Jessi Parham, from New York, has been volunteering at the Olympics since the 2012 London Games. Though Jessi was one of the luckier international volunteers selected to attend the games, she decided not to go for fear of catching the virus and passing it on to someone she loved.
For the many volunteers like Kayo Yamada, their decision to continue was met with much opposition, even from their immediate family.
“My family was absolutely against me. They could not understand why I would risk myself,” says Kayo.
Kayo Yamada believes if any country can pull off an Olympic in this situation, it is Japan. Source: Kayo Yamada
She had always wanted to be a volunteer, ever since seeing the "lively faces of the volunteers" from the London Olympics and says having that experience in your own city was a once in a lifetime opportunity.
Kayo’s family finally agreed on the condition that she would be fully vaccinated prior to the games.
Though she's enjoying her experience at the games so far, she does sometimes fear for her own safety when wearing the volunteer uniform on the way to her work, revealing that she has received verbal slurs.
“I wish I could walk proudly in my volunteer uniform. It's very sad that I need to wear a jumper over it," she said.
“I think the frustration of the COVID has been put out to the Olympics. Initially, it was directed towards the government for its poor vaccine strategy, but now, it is directed to the games,” she told SBS Japanese.
“But if any country can pull it off during this pandemic, it will be Japan. We are absolutely determined to make this a success.” 
Thomas Bach, president of the International Olympic Committee said that volunteers are “the best ambassadors for Japan,” in the opening ceremony speech.
Yoshitaka Omi wants to share his positive energy with those involved and show his support Source: Yoshitaka Omi
“I am being positive and smiling all the time, so I can share my energy with the people involved,” says another volunteer, Yoshitaka Omi, who says the joy of being part of the games outweighed the worries over pandemic.
Kumi Omae, a volunteer worker for baseball and softball competitions says she tries to “create a fun atmosphere by smiling and applauding when athletes and officials arrive so that they can feel our support.”
“I am doing the best Omotenashi -Japanese hospitality – I can, so visitors would want to come back,” says Masato Hidaka.
Kumi Omae is doing her best to create a fun atmosphere for the athletes Source: Kumi Omae
Masato, a volunteer driver for the games, says many countries are arranging drivers within their own bubble, so calls have been reduced significantly.
Even when he does receive calls, with plexiglass fitted in cars, and people wearing masks, the joy of communicating with international visitors, has been somewhat diminished.
“Volunteers have been preparing for the past three years. Though things have turned out different, we are all working hard behind the scenes,” says Kayo in tears.
Masato Hidaka says, he's doing the best "Omotenasshi" so visitors will come back Source: Masato Hidaka
Volunteers go virtual
For volunteers who were stationed all around tourist spots in Japan, ready to welcome and guide the international visitors, their jobs have become almost non-existent.
However, a new initiative by The Nippon Foundation Volunteer Support Centre, in collaboration with Airbnb, has produced series of online experiences, hosted by 89 local volunteers.
These free experiences will give guests insights into the Olympic venues around Japan, the beauty of the hosting cities, and its tourist spots. Conducted in Japanese and English, the virtual tour is not only available to the athletes stuck in their own accommodation but those abroad, who are unable to visit the country.
‘We wanted to convey the atmosphere of the Olympics, as well as that of cities around Japan to those who were unable to visit us. Hopefully, once the pandemic is over, they would want to make a visit” says project coordinator, Miho Higano.
You can now see and feel the Olympic atmosphere at each of the hosting cites. Source: The Nippon Foundation Volunteer Support Centre
"Despite all the difficulty and challenges, we have realized the potential of an online tool in bringing people together as one."
Masashi Takahashi is one of the online volunteers, stationed in the city of Yokohama. He says he is proud of what Japan has achieved.
“I believe that the leading role of the Olympics are the athletes. So, I am very glad that we were able to provide such an environment, a safe environment for the athletes and those involved.”
Masashi Takahashi, will be showcasing the city of Yokohama in the virtual tour Source: Masashi Takahashi
Message for Brisbane 2032
Brisbane will be hosting the Summer Olympic Games in 2032.
Masashi says there will be so much more a host city can do with the development of technology in 11 years, not just virtual tours.
“For the people of Brisbane, I want to say, that sometimes accidents do happen. But never stop searching for all the possibilities, and make it an exciting event.”
The virtual tour will begin on 30th July.
Listen to SBS Japanese Radio on Tue, Thu and Sat from 10pm
