"Hope It's a Joke" Canadian Backlash Over 'Blue Jacket Outfit' at Tokyo Olympics Closing Ceremony

Photo by Team Canada website.

[Asia Economy Reporter Heo Midam] Criticism is rising over the uniforms that the Canadian team will wear at the closing ceremony of the 32nd Tokyo Olympics.

On the 15th (local time), foreign media including the British Guardian reported that the Canadian team is scheduled to appear at the Tokyo Olympics closing ceremony wearing denim jackets covered in graffiti.

The uniform maker Hudson Bay explained that the denim jacket design was inspired by Tokyo, saying, "Tokyo is famous for street art and fashion."

He added about the denim jacket, "The graffiti graphics and the placement of fabric patches here and there give a feeling of youth and celebration."

However, this has sparked strong criticism from Canadians. One Twitter user posted the denim jacket uniform, saying, "I am screaming," and sarcastically added, "It would be better to cancel the Olympics." Another Twitter user also reacted, saying, "Denim jackets? I hope this is a joke."

A Twitter user is criticizing the uniforms that the Canadian team will wear. Photo by Twitter screen capture.

Meanwhile, on the same day, Toshihiro Nikai (二階俊博), secretary-general of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party, mentioned the possibility of canceling the Tokyo Olympics, which opens on July 23.

According to Kyodo News, Secretary-General Nikai said on Japan's private TBS CS broadcasting that if COVID-19 infections spread further, regarding the hosting of the Tokyo Olympics, "If it is absolutely impossible, then we must stop it."

As the controversy grew, he clarified through a separate statement, "I want the event to be a success, but when asked if it will definitely be held, I spoke in a different context."