Sunday, November 18, 2018

2020 Olympics Holiday Changes



Maybe you've heard that the 2020 Olympics will be in Tokyo? Living in Japan, I hear about it all the time.  I guess I didn't pay a lot of attention to what goes into the planning of the big event in years past because I wasn't close to it.  


One of the big things about this Olympics is the summer heat. For awhile, daylight savings time during the event was considered.  The idea was eventually rejected, as it should have been. 


Another issue is the traffic and congestion in Tokyo during the event, as well as immediately before and after when important people will be moving around. The Japanese government has enacted a law to move national holidays from days outside of the time of the Olympics to other days to ease traffic congestion and provide for security. 


Anyway, under the new law, Marine Day, which is normally the third Monday in July, will be moved to July 23rd, the day before the Olympic Games begin. Sports Day, normally the second Monday in October, will be moved to July 24th, the day of the opening ceremonies. Mountain Day, normally observed August 11th, will move to August 10th, the day after the closing ceremonies.



Do you think this is a good idea?

9 comments:

kiwikid said...

I haven't heard of public holidays being moved before...actually no that is wrong, when the Olympics were in Sydney years ago the school term was shortened so the school holidays were at the same time as the games. I guess it is a good idea if it eases congestion. But then you miss those breaks later in the year 😆

Queeniepatch said...

Well, they have to solve the problem of traffic congestion, but a lot of people will still be on the move on a national holiday - to enjoy the Olympics or other activities. A long consecutive holiday would mean many Japanese people can leave Japan and go abroad!

Pink Rose said...

Hi Pamela i just got confused with all the days swapping,lol.I am sure it is all good to work in with the Olympic games.

Julie said...

These major events always seem to cause headaches for cities. I'm sure all will be wonderful for the event and hope your countrymen agree with changes that are made to benefit everyone.

Janie said...

It sounds like a balancing act. And hopefully folks won't get too confused.
Leaving the country might work for some, then return when things calm down.

Carol- Beads and Birds said...

Well, with all that switching around, I was thinking it was partly being done to give visitors other entertainment. When the Super Bowl was held in Indianapolis, I was amazed at all the extra things that were planned for all those visitors to do while they waited for the game and a reason to come to town early. There is a financial angle to everything now days.
xx, Carol

rosey175 said...

I think it's a good idea if it eases traffic. The only one I don't really understand is the moving of Mountain Day -- why closer to the closing ceremony? Maybe to have more participate?

Leonore Winterer said...

I'm actually really excited to see what Japan will make of the Opening and CLsoing Ceremony. I bet there will be some very impressive shows!
As for the moving of the holidays, I'm not really sure how that's supposed to help...is the idea that people will stay at home on a holiday, or else move out of the city, thus easing the traffic situation inside? If so, I think moving the July and August holiday by a few days is not that big of a deal, but I don't think they should move a holiday all the way from October! Although it does make sense for Sports Day to be during the Olympics...I honestly don't know what to think about it.

Jeanie said...

That's interesting. Hard to keep track of, too! I didn't even realize the Olympics were in Tokyo. It should be crazy.