Tokyo Bounce

Japan. The land where an awkward half bow, half handshake is the closest you’ll get to human contact for weeks. The place where outsiders are subject to a lengthy period of observation before first contact is attempted. Where the only available seats on the train are the ones on either side of the gaijin.

Except each time the light changes, the crowds heading towards Aoyama collide with the Shibuya-bound folks, hugging and exchanging joyful greetings. Young people climb up light poles and wave flags. Drab salaryman suits and office lady uniforms are nowhere to be seen in this sea of blue t-shirts. It’s June 2002. Welcome to the World Cup.

What was the big deal?

I think even my fellow Americans pretty well understand that the World Cup is a big deal, ie, the most-watched sporting event in the world. So for Japan and South Korea to be co-hosting in 2002 was no small thing.

What went down

I won’t give a run-down of each match (spoiler alert – Brazil won), but here’s what happened in Japan. After plenty of public self-depreciation, Japan starting winning its group play matches. Suddenly, people who couldn’t have told you a player’s name (other than Nakata) a few weeks ago are fighting over Inamoto jerseys. I know, I had one nearly yanked out of my hands on my way to the cash register. Half of Japan’s young men went to the barber and came out with a David Beckham frosted fauxhawk. Random hugging commenced, and glowing reports about bullet trains, hot springs and the generous Japanese people started populating the newspapers of the world.

Lost decade? What lost decade?

Why it mattered

You know all the English (and often Korean) signs in the subway? Thank the World Cup.

Despite a lot of skepticism at the time, I think there’s a lot more interest in soccer in Japan these days. And Japan’s continued to be competitive in international football, acquitting itself well in the 2010 World Cup and taking home the Asian Cup just last month.

Korean-Japanese relations post-World Cup? Fantastic. (just kidding)

So what do you think?

Where were you during the Japan-Korea World Cup? Do you see any lasting positive impact, or just a lot of unused stadiums and a lot of debt? Let us know in the comments section below…

This is my entry for this month’s Japan Blog Matsuri. Thanks Reesan for hosting!

Image from kotekote’s Flickr photostream