Japan criticizes Australia and US for 'dirty water swimming' comments, saying "Korea is nitpicking again..."

As the 2020 Tokyo Olympics opened, major overseas media outlets raised concerns about the water quality at Odaiba Beach in Tokyo, Japan, where outdoor aquatic events are being held.
[Photo by Bloomberg News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] As overseas media continued to point out water quality issues at the beach where outdoor aquatic events were to be held during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, some Japanese media reported that "Korea is nitpicking."

Earlier, on the 14th (local time), U.S. Bloomberg News highlighted the situation at Tokyo Odaiba Beach, stating, "With the Olympics opening imminent, a foul odor is pervasive at the outdoor swimming venue in Tokyo." This beach was scheduled to host outdoor aquatic events such as triathlon and marathon swimming.

The outlet noted, "Two years ago, the site detected levels of E. coli more than twice the standard set by the International Triathlon Union, leading to the cancellation of a para-triathlon event," adding, "Tokyo has since taken bold measures to restore its tarnished image, but despite months of efforts, the foul smell persists."

Australian Fox Sports also strongly criticized the water quality at Odaiba Beach, likening it to "sewage water." In an article titled "Swimming in Sewage Water, Fear of Sewage Leakage at Olympic Venue" published on the 19th, Fox Sports stated, "Concerns about water quality have been raised in Tokyo Bay. Athletes in Olympic events such as marathon swimming and triathlon have expressed worries."

In response to continued criticism from foreign media, some Japanese outlets pointed to Korean media reporting on the issue, saying, "Korea is nitpicking again."

Tokyo Sports claimed on the 17th, "Korean media reported that 'there is a foul smell in Tokyo Bay' and that 'it is difficult to continue the events,' accusing them of nitpicking once more."

It further reported, "While the water quality issue at Odaiba has been ongoing, Korea has brought it back into the spotlight," expressing concern that "this might ignite tensions in Korea-Japan relations once again."