Why there is still hope for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

What a contrast to the 1964 Games, remembered as the greatest ever

The 1964 Tokyo Olympics were hailed by LIFE Magazine as "The Greatest Olympics Ever." Given the restrictions that apply to foreign journalists visiting Tokyo in 2021, it is unlikely that anyone will be describing the 2020 Olympics in such glowing terms. (Source photos by AP and Kyodo)

ROBERT WHITING, Contributing writer

July 21, 2021 08:00 JST

TOKYO -- The 2020 Olympics are upon us.

The athletes are ensconced in a bubble with restricted access to the outside world thanks to a coronavirus pandemic that is now in its fifth wave. There are no foreign tourists in attendance and local spectators have been banned. The movements of reporters from abroad are closely guarded by special minders to ensure they have minimal contact with anyone. The second Olympics held in Tokyo is proving to be a depressing contrast to the first one.