Olympics carry a question: What does it mean to be Japanese?
By MARI YAMAGUCHIAugust 4, 2021 GMT
TOKYO (AP) Two multiracial athletes, two high-profile roles: Rising NBA star Rui Hachimura carried the Japanese flag at the Olympics’ opening ceremony. Tennis superstar Naomi Osaka lit the Olympic cauldron. For Japan, it was a remarkable showcase of racial diversity but one that also highlighted how much remains missing in a nation that values homogeneity and conformity.
Osaka and Hachimura, both of whom have one foreign parent and one Japanese parent, were cheered warmly by many even as some nationalists pounded them online for not being “pure Japanese.” It has rekindled a debate on racial identity that points toward a particular and thorny question: What does it mean to be Japanese?
Reuters
1 minute read
LOS ANGELES, Aug 4 (Reuters) - Comedian Louis C.K. on Wednesday announced a 30-city stand-up tour, his first major gigs since admitting in 2017 to sexual misconduct.
The former star of TV comedy Louie announced dates on his website starting in mid-August in New York City and running through to December. He will also perform in Ukraine, Germany, Denmark and Romania in early 2022.
The Emmy-winning comedian, 53, has adopted a low profile since November 2017 when he admitted allegations detailed by five women, including masturbating in front of some of them.
FILE PHOTO: Cast members Pamela Adlon (L) and Louis C.K. participate in the Louie panel at the Television Critics Association (TCA) Winter Press Tour in Pasadena, California January 18, 2015. REUTERS/David McNew (UNITED STATES - Tags: ENTERTAINMENT)/File Photo/File Photo