In recent months, controversy has arisen over bids for the 2026 World Cup. A joint bid between the USA, Canada and Mexico looks to be the favourite but travelling logistics across such a large area and fears over a xenophobic Trump America have caused many supporters to shy away. Morocco, on the other hand, the romantic’s choice, have problems of their own. Whilst still being a developing country, Morocco may struggle under the financial burden of hosting a World Cup, similar to that of South Africa and Brazil. Combine that with the illegality of same-sex activities and having a mixed human rights record, this makes them a less than favourable option. Even more trouble has arisen surrounding Qatar’s 2022 World Cup, with the deaths of many workers, a detestable human rights record and the idea to move the tournament to the winter, there have calls, however tangible, that they may lose the World Cup. With the need for a country to step in and host a World Cup, Japan could be a fine solution.

In 2010, Japan, along with 4 other nations, submitted a bid to host the 2022 World Cup but somehow Qatar emerged as the victors. But looking back at Japan’s bid, it was startling to see some of the ambition showed by their proposed project. The focus was heavily centred around bringing the world together and bringing the World Cup to the whole world, but in a more tangible way than most World Cups aim to. One idea they had was to develop translator earpieces, so people of different languages could talk to each other and have what the other person is saying translated to them in real time. They were also planning on inviting 6,000 children from 208 countries to the World Cup to act as ambassadors for their nations, an idea which would help embed a multicultural way of thinking into a lot of young minds. These ideas tread along similar themes and could help unite people at a World Cup regardless of nationality, ethnicity or language, put to bed some mindless acts of hooliganism in the name of national pride and allow everyone to enjoy football together.

Not only was this proposal promoting equality, but it was also aiming to be environmentally friendly, as events would be powered by attendees. This would be done by technology that would harvest energy via footsteps of fans walking the streets as well as an emphasis on solar panels.

Another feature Japan aimed to offer was 3D and holographic simulcasts to be broadcast in 400 stadiums in 208 countries around the globe. This would be captured in 360 degrees by hundreds of cameras, involving microphones beneath the surface of the pitch to intensify a sense of immersion. Such a bizarrely ambitious idea, which would allow a help bring the World Cup just a little closer to those in other nations who couldn’t make it. A further enhancement in the way we watch football would be allowing fans to gain more information on the players on the pitch, simply by pointing at them. Which would enormously help fans gain more context when watching the Togos and the Saudi Arabias in the World Cup.

Not to mention that when they joint hosted a World Cup with South Korea in 2002, the two countries did a more than competent job. The only issues arising from the fact that two organisations were hosting, from which logistical errors arose. This will not be an issue if Japan hosts a solo World Cup. The infrastructure present at that World Cup and the infrastructure promised for the 2022 bid has only improved, especially with the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games imminent. This has led to a new National Stadium with a capacity of 80,000 and a 400 billion yen investment in Tokyo’s transport system. The country is ready now, more than ever before, to host a World Cup.

This also allows for a growth in Asian football without the need of buying past their prime players from European teams for extortionate amounts of money. Before their successful 2002 World Cup bid was accepted in 1996, Japan had never reached a World Cup. Since they have qualified for every World Cup, even managing to reach the knockout stages twice. That 2002 World Cup has helped Japan’s football status grow, and the effects would probably be felt throughout Asia.

However I do concede there are plenty of reasons Japan should not host a World Cup. They hosted a World Cup as recently as 2002 and the World Cup is a tournament which should be brought to new and fresh places every time. There’s also the fact that Japan is already spending billions on infrastructure for the Tokyo olympics and hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This combined with the influx of tourists Japan is currently facing, having more tourists visit in April 2018 than in all of 2003. With new laws surrounding AirBnB, hotel shortages are expected. Hosting a Football World Cup could be one event too many for Japan. There is also the argument that Japan’s 2022 World Cup bid was lethargic and some of the goals were unachievable, yet I still find myself slightly infatuated with this idea. Many of their ideas were very much based around creating a melting pot of cultures inside Japan during this tournament, embracing what the World Cup about. Having equality as a focal point for a Football World Cup, the sport and tournament which can unite the world, would be crucial at this current time. Especially with the next two World Cups being held in Russia with high levels of racism and LGBT discrimination and an abhorrent Qatar, this is an essential World Cup theme and a World Cup we need.

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