Miwako Sakauchi stands in her studio and brushes spinning swirls on torn cardboard and drawing paper, using the five colors designated as symbols of the modern Olympiad.

Titled “Vortex,” her paintings show the “anger, fear, sense of contradiction and state violence” over the residents evicted and the trees felled so enormous Olympic stadiums could be built, Sakauchi said. “I can’t think of it as a ‘festival of peace’ in this situation. It's totally nonsensical."

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People who are against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march around Tokyo's National Stadium, back, during an anti-Olympics demonstration Sunday, May 9, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Miwako Sakauchi stands in her studio and brushes spinning swirls on torn cardboard and drawing paper, using the five colors designated as symbols of the modern Olympiad.
Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for an art exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. “What I can do instead of going to (anti-Olympics) protests is to use my expertise in art,” said Sakauchi of her motivation to produce the paintings. She has never participated in street protests or incorporated political issues into her abstract paintings in the past, but the Tokyo Olympics have been a tipping point. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

One little-recognized outlet where people have expressed their frustration and fear over the Olympics has been art.
Doctor Sachihiro Ochi holds his work during an interview with the Associated Press in Yokohama near Tokyo, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Ochi, artist who joined the anti-Olympic exhibition, also social worker and doctor in a clinic near Yokohama Stadium, which will host Olympic baseball and softball games. He says Yokohama and Tokyo, have hardened their policies on the homeless because of the Olympics. Public spaces that were once open are now covered with colored cones and obstacles to keep away the homeless, he said. (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

The risk of infection from the virus may have prevented skeptics from taking to the streets to express their frustration. Unlike in Rio de Janeiro where, in 2016, thousands marched for weeks against the last Summer Olympics, recent protests in Japan have attracted dozens at most.
Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. Sakauchi created the paintings after she was contacted by a group of artists who organized an anti-Olympics art exhibit last summer. Her works were displayed in another exhibition in February. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

“We’re artists. We wouldn’t exist if we didn't express ourselves,” Koyama, 45, told The Associated Press in an interview. More than 20 artists have gathered for the project.
FILE - In this May 9, 2021, file photo, people against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march to protest around Tokyo's National Stadium during an anti-Olympics demonstration. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

“There are people who lost their jobs and housing during the pandemic," Ochi said.
Designer Susumu Kikutake shows anti-Olympics T-shirt during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

But amid a recent virus surge and rising public concerns, the owner of the P&M shirt shop in Tokyo says demand has boomed. Sales reached 100 shirts in April and 250 in May.
FILE - In this May 19, 2020, file photo, the cover design of Number 1 Shimbun is seen in Tokyo, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan removed a parody drawing that uses the Tokyo Olympic logo combined with features of the COVID-19 virus from their website after receiving a demand for withdrawal from the organizing committee. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

The Tokyo Games’ organizing committee demanded Kikutake stop the production of the T-shirts over copyright concerns, he said. He started over with a new design that includes fewer Olympic rings and a misspelling of Tokyo as “Okyo.”
Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo, Thursday, June 10, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Koyama, the art exhibit organizer, is planning a third anti-Olympics art event late next month, when the Olympic opening ceremony is slated to start.
Designer Susumu Kikutake speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

Designer Susumu Kikutake speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)
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People who are against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march around Tokyo's National Stadium, back, during an anti-Olympics demonstration Sunday, May 9, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Miwako Sakauchi stands in her studio and brushes spinning swirls on torn cardboard and drawing paper, using the five colors designated as symbols of the modern Olympiad.

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for an art exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. “What I can do instead of going to (anti-Olympics) protests is to use my expertise in art,” said Sakauchi of her motivation to produce the paintings. She has never participated in street protests or incorporated political issues into her abstract paintings in the past, but the Tokyo Olympics have been a tipping point. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

One little-recognized outlet where people have expressed their frustration and fear over the Olympics has been art.

Doctor Sachihiro Ochi holds his work during an interview with the Associated Press in Yokohama near Tokyo, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Ochi, artist who joined the anti-Olympic exhibition, also social worker and doctor in a clinic near Yokohama Stadium, which will host Olympic baseball and softball games. He says Yokohama and Tokyo, have hardened their policies on the homeless because of the Olympics. Public spaces that were once open are now covered with colored cones and obstacles to keep away the homeless, he said. (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

The risk of infection from the virus may have prevented skeptics from taking to the streets to express their frustration. Unlike in Rio de Janeiro where, in 2016, thousands marched for weeks against the last Summer Olympics, recent protests in Japan have attracted dozens at most.

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. Sakauchi created the paintings after she was contacted by a group of artists who organized an anti-Olympics art exhibit last summer. Her works were displayed in another exhibition in February. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

“We’re artists. We wouldn’t exist if we didn't express ourselves,” Koyama, 45, told The Associated Press in an interview. More than 20 artists have gathered for the project.

FILE - In this May 9, 2021, file photo, people against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march to protest around Tokyo's National Stadium during an anti-Olympics demonstration. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

“There are people who lost their jobs and housing during the pandemic," Ochi said.

Designer Susumu Kikutake shows anti-Olympics T-shirt during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

But amid a recent virus surge and rising public concerns, the owner of the P&M shirt shop in Tokyo says demand has boomed. Sales reached 100 shirts in April and 250 in May.

FILE - In this May 19, 2020, file photo, the cover design of Number 1 Shimbun is seen in Tokyo, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan removed a parody drawing that uses the Tokyo Olympic logo combined with features of the COVID-19 virus from their website after receiving a demand for withdrawal from the organizing committee. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

The Tokyo Games’ organizing committee demanded Kikutake stop the production of the T-shirts over copyright concerns, he said. He started over with a new design that includes fewer Olympic rings and a misspelling of Tokyo as “Okyo.”

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo, Thursday, June 10, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Koyama, the art exhibit organizer, is planning a third anti-Olympics art event late next month, when the Olympic opening ceremony is slated to start.

Designer Susumu Kikutake speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

Designer Susumu Kikutake speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

The Japanese public mostly opposes holding the Tokyo Olympics next month during a pandemic, polls have shown, even though outward dissent such as protests has been small.

People who are against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march around Tokyo's National Stadium, back, during an anti-Olympics demonstration Sunday, May 9, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

People who are against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march around Tokyo's National Stadium, back, during an anti-Olympics demonstration Sunday, May 9, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

One little-recognized outlet where people have expressed their frustration and fear over the Olympics has been art.

T-shirts, drawings and other artwork have become a form of protest over the decision to hold the Games against medical advice and the public's opposition. Officials have responded in some cases by demanding the sometimes satiric art and merchandise be removed, and the artists say their freedoms are being curtailed.

“What I can do instead of going to protests is to use my expertise in art,” said Sakauchi of her motivation to produce the paintings. She has never participated in street protests or incorporated political issues into her abstract paintings in the past, but the Tokyo Olympics have been a tipping point.

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for an art exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. “What I can do instead of going to (anti-Olympics) protests is to use my expertise in art,” said Sakauchi of her motivation to produce the paintings. She has never participated in street protests or incorporated political issues into her abstract paintings in the past, but the Tokyo Olympics have been a tipping point. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for an art exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. “What I can do instead of going to (anti-Olympics) protests is to use my expertise in art,” said Sakauchi of her motivation to produce the paintings. She has never participated in street protests or incorporated political issues into her abstract paintings in the past, but the Tokyo Olympics have been a tipping point. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

The risk of infection from the virus may have prevented skeptics from taking to the streets to express their frustration. Unlike in Rio de Janeiro where, in 2016, thousands marched for weeks against the last Summer Olympics, recent protests in Japan have attracted dozens at most.

Sakauchi created the paintings after she was contacted by a group of artists who organized an anti-Olympics art exhibit last summer. Her works were displayed in another exhibition in February.

Kai Koyama, the main organizer of the exhibition, said it is his professional duty to protest, even though he knows many Japanese are hesitant to openly show their opinions.

Doctor Sachihiro Ochi holds his work during an interview with the Associated Press in Yokohama near Tokyo, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Ochi, artist who joined the anti-Olympic exhibition, also social worker and doctor in a clinic near Yokohama Stadium, which will host Olympic baseball and softball games. He says Yokohama and Tokyo, have hardened their policies on the homeless because of the Olympics. Public spaces that were once open are now covered with colored cones and obstacles to keep away the homeless, he said. (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

Doctor Sachihiro Ochi holds his work during an interview with the Associated Press in Yokohama near Tokyo, Tuesday, June 15, 2021. Ochi, artist who joined the anti-Olympic exhibition, also social worker and doctor in a clinic near Yokohama Stadium, which will host Olympic baseball and softball games. He says Yokohama and Tokyo, have hardened their policies on the homeless because of the Olympics. Public spaces that were once open are now covered with colored cones and obstacles to keep away the homeless, he said. (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

“We’re artists. We wouldn’t exist if we didn't express ourselves,” Koyama, 45, told The Associated Press in an interview. More than 20 artists have gathered for the project.

Another artist who joined the anti-Olympic exhibition is Sachihiro Ochi, 52, a social worker and doctor in a clinic near Yokohama Stadium, which will host Olympic baseball and softball games. He says Tokyo and Yokohama, the nation's largest cities, have hardened their policies on the homeless because of the Olympics. Public spaces that were once open are now covered with colored cones and obstacles, he said.

Ochi has tried to illustrate that displacement, along with satirical motifs, in his paintings of the marathon and the national stadium.

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. Sakauchi created the paintings after she was contacted by a group of artists who organized an anti-Olympics art exhibit last summer. Her works were displayed in another exhibition in February. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo Thursday, June 10, 2021. Sakauchi created the paintings after she was contacted by a group of artists who organized an anti-Olympics art exhibit last summer. Her works were displayed in another exhibition in February. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

“There are people who lost their jobs and housing during the pandemic," Ochi said.

Some creators of anti-Olympics art say their freedom of expression has been cramped even though their feelings align with growing public disapproval of the games.

Before the pandemic, designer Susumu Kikutake made parody anti-Olympics T-shirts because of bribery and plagiarism scandals surrounding the Tokyo event. Online comments were harsh and he only sold around 10 shirts a month.

FILE - In this May 9, 2021, file photo, people against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march to protest around Tokyo's National Stadium during an anti-Olympics demonstration. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

FILE - In this May 9, 2021, file photo, people against the Tokyo 2020 Olympics set to open in July, march to protest around Tokyo's National Stadium during an anti-Olympics demonstration. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

But amid a recent virus surge and rising public concerns, the owner of the P&M shirt shop in Tokyo says demand has boomed. Sales reached 100 shirts in April and 250 in May.

Kikutake said the spike reflects public resentment against a prolonged state of emergency issued by the government.

“My kids’ sports events and school trips have been canceled, and we have been forced to put up with it … but they say they can hold the Olympics,” said Kikutake. “It really irritates me that (the prime minister) does not explain why they are holding the Games, and he just keeps saying it will be ‘safe and secure’.”

Designer Susumu Kikutake shows anti-Olympics T-shirt during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

Designer Susumu Kikutake shows anti-Olympics T-shirt during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

The Tokyo Games’ organizing committee demanded Kikutake stop the production of the T-shirts over copyright concerns, he said. He started over with a new design that includes fewer Olympic rings and a misspelling of Tokyo as “Okyo.”

Similar attempts to satirize the Tokyo Olympics have been suppressed by the Tokyo 2020 organizing committee, citing copyright infringement. The organizing committee told AP that protecting intellectual property is crucial for Olympics sponsors that have paid huge fees in return for exclusive rights to use the games’ symbols. It declined to comment on specific cases.

The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan removed a parody drawing that uses the Tokyo Olympic logo combined with features of the coronavirus from their website after receiving a demand for withdrawal from the organizing committee.

FILE - In this May 19, 2020, file photo, the cover design of Number 1 Shimbun is seen in Tokyo, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan removed a parody drawing that uses the Tokyo Olympic logo combined with features of the COVID-19 virus from their website after receiving a demand for withdrawal from the organizing committee. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

FILE - In this May 19, 2020, file photo, the cover design of Number 1 Shimbun is seen in Tokyo, Tuesday, May 19, 2020. The Foreign Correspondents’ Club of Japan removed a parody drawing that uses the Tokyo Olympic logo combined with features of the COVID-19 virus from their website after receiving a demand for withdrawal from the organizing committee. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko, File)

Koyama, the art exhibit organizer, is planning a third anti-Olympics art event late next month, when the Olympic opening ceremony is slated to start.

But galleries are wary of subversive exhibitions like his, the artist said. One that agreed to host the exhibit backtracked after far-right activists targeted the space with loudspeaker trucks demanding the cancellation of another exhibition they claimed was unpatriotic.

“Freedom of speech is about to be extinguished because of the Tokyo Olympics,” Koyama said. ”We’re being suffocated.”

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo, Thursday, June 10, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

Japanese artist Miwako Sakauchi speaks about her art work for Art Exhibition "Declaration of the end of Olympic games" in Chiba near Tokyo, Thursday, June 10, 2021. Polls have found an overwhelming majority of Japanese people are skeptical of the Tokyo Olympics being held this summer during a pandemic, but only a few have publicly marched to protest. But there are creative projects that are looking to protest the increasingly unpopular Tokyo Olympics, even as authorities seek to shut them down. (AP PhotoEugene Hoshiko)

 Designer Susumu Kikutake speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)

Designer Susumu Kikutake speaks during an interview with the Associated Press in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 9, 2021. An online article showcasing his design calling for the Olympics to be cancelled resulted in harsh online comments, and he sold only around 10 shirts a month before the pandemic. But demand for the t-shirts has boomed in the past two months, with sales reaching 100 shirts in April and 250 in May. The characters on the shirt read "Cancelation, Cancelation". (AP PhotoKoji Sasahara)