Backlash Over Prime Minister Kishida’s Direct Call to Judo’s First Gold Medalist Natsumi Tsunoda Amidst ‘Black Money’ Olympics Comments

“Why not stop this kind of thing?”

Such voices are increasing.

In the Paris Olympics, where intense battles are unfolding daily, the first Japanese gold medal was won by Natsumi Tsunoda in the women’s 48 kg judo category.

Using her signature move, the “family heirloom” throw, Natsumi Tsunoda won the final and expressed her joy quietly. The gold medal she earned became the 500th Japanese medal in the history of the Summer Olympics. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida was among those who congratulated her.

On July 28, just after 9 PM, the Prime Minister called Tsunoda from the official residence and said,

“Everyone was truly moved by your remarkable performance. We are really delighted that you, competing in your first Olympics, defeated strong opponents from around the world and demonstrated ‘Tsunoda of the World’ and ‘Tsunoda’s Throw.’ Congratulations.”

“As the first gold medalist, I think you have greatly given a big boost to Team Japan. I want to thank you for giving inspiration and courage to people throughout Japan.”

He conveyed. To this, Tsunoda replied,

“At first, I felt more of a sense of relief with ‘It’s finally over,’ but gradually, happiness began to well up.”

Prime Minister Kishida further asked,

“I felt that opponents and people around the world were studying your throw. How did it feel to compete under those circumstances?”

He asked.

“I thought that if I believed in my techniques and what I had done so far, it would work out.”

Tsunoda replied.

The exchange with Tsunoda is publicly available on Prime Minister Kishida’s X (formerly Twitter),

“Congratulations to Natsumi Tsunoda on winning the gold medal! I called to congratulate her on being the first Japanese athlete to win a gold medal at the Paris Olympics.”

And reported,

 

“This is Japan’s 500th historic medal in the Summer Olympics. The way Tsunoda demonstrated ‘Tsunoda’s Throw’ to the world has given many citizens inspiration and courage!”

It is noted.

There have been instances in previous Olympics where the sitting Prime Minister called to congratulate gold medalists, but none have received as much criticism as this one. On Prime Minister Kishida’s relevant post, there are comments such as,

“Don’t make calls without permission.”

“It’s obvious you’re jumping on the bandwagon because you’re unpopular.”

“It looks like you’re using the Olympics for political purposes, so please don’t release images of the phone call.”

Voices such as these have been received.

Since he prides himself on having the ability to listen, it is commendable that he does not block such voices.

“The Prime Minister’s congratulatory calls are preceded by notifying the medalists with ‘Is it okay if we call? The call will be broadcasted.’ It is by no means mandatory.

However, Prime Minister Kishida, who is struggling with low approval ratings, finds that anything he does is scrutinized. While there is obviously an effort to appeal to the public, it is completely transparent.”

According to a political insider,

“If it were the Black Money Olympics, the Liberal Democratic Party would get the gold medal.”

There was also a biting piece of sarcasm.

“There is no sign of the cabinet approval rating rising, and the Prime Minister will likely be replaced in the Liberal Democratic Party presidential election this fall. In Nagatacho, there are many voices mocking the calls to the medalists as ‘the Prime Minister’s last memory-making attempt.’

He himself is showing a desire to continue, saying, ‘There are things only I can do,’ but within the party, the movement for the ‘post-Kishida’ era is already accelerating.” (National newspaper reporter)

It’s a burden for the medalists to be involved in the Prime Minister’s memory-making. How many more times will the ‘Kishida Phone’ ring during the Olympics?