Second Best in the World, but Still Saying Sorry

At the Tokyo Olympics, Japanese athletes who fell short of gold have apologized profusely — sometimes, even after winning silver.

TOKYO — Kenichiro Fumita was crying so hard that he could barely get the words out. “I wanted to return my gratitude to the concerned people and volunteers who are running the Olympics during this difficult time,” Mr. Fumita, a Greco-Roman wrestler, said between sobs after finishing his final bout at the Games this week. “I ended up with this shameful result,” he said, bobbing his head abjectly. “I’m truly sorry.”