Fri Feb 12, 2010 10:30 am EST
Pay no attention to the foreign characters or language unless you understand them. Instead, focus on the dreadlocked gentleman on the left. You'll notice his outfit looks just a little different than his teammates'. That's snowboarder Kazuhiro Kokubo. He's apologizing at the end of the clip because Japanese officials aren't too happy with the way he wore his suit.
With his sagging pants, untucked shirt, and loosened tie, Kokubo looked like any sloppily dressed 21-year-old. But that's not going to fly. According to one Japanese Olympic Committee official, "It is not the way the Japanese delegation should dress themselves while taxpayers' money is spent on them." Uh-oh.
Kokubo, who is expected to contend for a medal, was banned from a welcoming ceremony in Vancouver after there were complaints about his clothes. The snowboarder followed that up by saying the Olympics are "just another snowboarding event," and that they are "nothing special." Uh-oh again.
The anti-authority stance permeates snowboarding, but there are certain times when you have to play nice. One of those times is the Olympics. Your country is paying for you to represent them. You get the chance of a lifetime to do something hardly anyone else gets to do. And it's all free. Pretty sweet deal. So just go with the flow.
Plus, if you're wearing a suit, wear it like a suit. It's basically the easiest way to look good.
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1346 Comments
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or like you said kick him off the team I bet there is an alternate just begging for a chance
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Snowboarding is an individual sport that's all about person expression. I wouldn't care if he showed up dressed like Razor Ramon/Hard Gay. All I care about, and what I think his Olympic committee should care about is his performance; trust me, I've seen him compete and he's something pretty special.
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But what bothers me about this guy is that he makes the individual fashion statement, and then completely backs off and apologizes immediately when faced with the 'Committee'. Then goes and soapboxes to the media.
So if he believes that the Olympic uniform is tacky, and that the whole thing is overhyped, that's his prerogative. But actually stand up for what you believe in, follow through. Don't waffle when faced with someone with an ounce of authority.
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What he does say is, "I do regret what I did." and then "I'm only focusing on doing my very best and giving it my all when it's showtime."
And for everyone who's being racist... really? Is that really the way you're going to approach this? Take a look at, really, any country and you'll find people who like being a tad rebellious, especially among athletes and in sports like snowboarding. As Matt P said, it's just showing individuality and I really find it amusing that people will turn this into an anti-Japanese campaign.
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Check this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MDcbW4bi2hc for a longer version.
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Leave the boy alone and focus on MORE IMPORTANT things in life. losers.
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