Tokyo 2020: The Japanese fan who spent $40,000 on Olympic tickets

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He’s spent nearly $40,000 on 197 tickets for himself and his friends, to rally as many events as possible during Tokyo 2020, which begins on July 23.

“It took an incredible amount of time, effort and passion,” Takeshima told CNN. “But I was so passionate about the Olympics that even though it was very challenging and challenging, I enjoyed the ticket-purchasing process.”

The 45-year-old real estate entrepreneur figured that if he had seen all the events he booked, he would have broken the Guinness World Record for attending Olympic events. He will now refund the value of the tickets he purchased.

“All I have now is sadness, and every time I look at the tickets, I cry,” Takeshima said. “I’m just sad.”

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Takeshima’s love for the Olympics began in 2005 when he first saw a figure skating competition and immediately bought tickets for the 2006 Turin Olympics in Italy. He was hooked.

“I went there with few expectations,” he said. “But when I saw Shizuka Arakawa win the gold, it inspired me so much that I’ve been going to the Olympics ever since.”

He said that the drive and passion of all the athletes keeps him coming back.

“When I see tears of joy when they win a medal, or tears of frustration at losing, it makes me want to work even harder,” he said. “I get that kind of courage and passion every time I go.”

He said that the athletes are the ones who will suffer most from the lack of support in the stands.

“It’s a big loss when your family can’t come,” Takeshima said. “So I hope everyone cheers for them at least in front of the TV.”

READ: Tokyo Olympics described by IOC president as ‘the best ever’ as athletes continue to arrive for the Games

Only members of the media and select VIPs will be allowed to view events at this year’s Games, which have been postponed from summer 2020 due to the pandemic.

Olympic officials’ decision to ban spectators is designed to prevent the spread of Covid-19. Japan just entered its fourth state of emergency as coronavirus cases soar, with more than 1,000 daily cases reported in Tokyo this week.

But Takeshima believes the risks are low, especially when millions of people still use the Tokyo subway daily.

“(The decision) to ban spectators was made based on emotion, not numbers,” Takeshima said. “I think the European countries that held the football match made the right decision. I am really disappointed with the government and the Tokyo Olympics organizing committee.”

“The biggest difference between the UK, the US and Japan is that Japan is slow in making political decisions and not able to take risks,” he added.

Despite his disappointment, he says this experience won’t stop him from being an Olympic fan.

“I will continue to visit and support the Olympics until the day I die,” Takeshima said. “While I’m still able to move, I plan to watch all the games from the opening to the closing (celebrations). I can finally break the record.”

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