World Cup Competition Invades Japan

I’ve just read “Beware the Soccer Hooligans” (May 22), on the likelihood of unruly World Cup enthusiasts invading Japan, and I’m left with two questions: Who invited the World Cup to Japan, and why? You reported that the country has a special national anti-hooligan budget of $35.6million and that “thousands of Japanese police have fanned out to warn businesses of the danger of hooligans.” The specter supposedly raises fears throughout the country, with one member of Japan’s ruling Liberal Democratic Party quoted: “We must also brace against unwanted babies being conceived by foreigners who rape our women. Clearly we must prepare for the worst.”

What exactly is the purpose of holding a World Cup event in a country that appears to fear its ramifications to this extent? Who issued the invitation?

Helen Lotos

Corona del Mar