Which sports are popular in Japan? In addition, here are some sports that originated in Japan.

Do you think Japan is a great sports country?
Students of Japanese often tell me that “Japanese people all like baseball”. It is true that baseball has long been considered Japan’s national sport, but not everyone is interested in baseball. In addition to baseball and soccer, other popular sports include marathons, including ekiden (relay races), basketball, figure skating, and rugby, which is attracting attention for the 2019 World Cup.

So what sports are popular in Japan? We will also introduce some sports that originated in Japan.

The success of the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics and the success of Japanese athletes in international competitions make many people feel that Japan is a sports powerhouse. In recent years, we have nurtured world-class athletes in a wide variety of sports, and the number of medals won has been remarkable. Domestic leagues such as professional baseball and the J-League also boast strong popularity, and sports are deeply rooted in our daily lives.

But the term “superpower” does not simply mean that there are many athletes with a high level of competition. It is also important that the entire nation is familiar with sports and that an environment is in place to promote health and revitalize local communities. In this respect, Japan still faces challenges.

For example, school club activities are active, but only a limited number of people continue to engage in sports after graduation. In particular, the sports participation rate of women and the elderly tends to be lower than in Western countries. In addition, while attention is focused on a few popular sports, support for minor sports is not sufficient. There are also deep-rooted problems of coaching based on the supremacy of victory and harassment in the sports world.

While success on the international stage is something to be proud of, it is also true that behind this success there are people who do not get enough opportunities to play sports and who are kept away from a healthy sports environment. A true sports superpower should be a society where everyone can enjoy and benefit from sports, not just those who are competitive.

In order for Japan to become a more mature sports superpower in the future, it is essential not only to nurture top athletes, but also to promote lifelong sports, revitalize local sports, and create an environment where all people involved in sports can enjoy sports in peace. Pursuing the intrinsic value of sports will be the path to becoming a true “sports superpower.

Baseball is the most popular national sport. The results of games are reported daily on television and radio, and baseball is the talk of the town. Each baseball team has its own passionate fans, who come to the stadiums to cheer for the players, complete with cheering songs and uniforms, a scene that is symbolic of Japan’s sports culture. This year, Major League Baseball in the U.S. opened its season in Japan, and the event generated a great deal of excitement.

Soccer is also popular, and since the inception of the J-League, the domestic level of the sport has steadily improved and many talented players have been nurtured. The success of the Japanese national team in international matches brings excitement and emotion to the nation as a whole. The stadiums are filled with supporters, wearing uniforms of the team’s colors and cheering for the team. After watching the games, the supporters pick up their trash and clean up before leaving, a sight that has amazed people around the world.

Sports that originated overseas, such as basketball and rugby, are also expanding their fan base with the launch of professional leagues and international success. Volleyball is another popular sport. In recent years, the international success of the Japanese men’s national team has been particularly remarkable, and its popularity is growing.

Sumo, the national sport of Japan, is another sport that has long been loved by the people of Japan. The well-trained bodies and strength of the wrestlers give an overwhelming sense of power to those who watch. The traditional rituals and manners of sumo are also a part of its appeal, and it is a valuable presence that conveys traditional Japanese culture to the present day.

In addition to these sports, ekiden (relay race) and high school baseball are also very popular, capturing the hearts of many people with their dramatic developments and the dedication of their athletes.

Sports in Japan are loved not only for their entertainment value, but also for their ability to inspire people and foster a sense of unity that transcends regional and generational boundaries. The dedicated efforts of athletes and the way they strive for team victory are deeply moving to us all.

Judo is one of the most popular sports that originated in Japan. Judo, initiated by Jigoro Kano, emphasizes the training of the mind as well as the body, with the principles of “vigorous good use of energy” and “co-prosperity for self and others. The techniques performed on the tatami mats are powerful yet beautiful. The respect and courtesy shown to opponents is the essence of budo.

Today, martial arts has become an official event of the Olympic Games and has developed into an international sport that is familiar to many people around the world.

Sumo, introduced earlier, is another sport that originated in Japan. It also has an aspect of a Shinto ritual, and its appeal lies in the well-trained bodies of its wrestlers and the power concentrated in a single moment of attack or defense. The unique culture and manners of sumo, such as the ring-entering ceremony and the forbidden moves, are valuable in conveying Japanese traditions to the present, and attract many people.

Karate-do, which has been attracting international attention in recent years, has its roots in Okinawa, but it developed in mainland Japan and spread throughout the world. Emphasizing the spirit of “Shuhari”(defending, defeating, and separating), karate-do pursues self-discipline through techniques such as thrusting and kicking, and plays an important role in conveying the spirit of martial arts to the modern world.
Karate-do has been selected as an event for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, and is spreading around the world not only for its competitive nature, but also for its spirituality as a martial art.

Kendo also originated in Japan and is a martial art and sport that carries on the spirit of Japanese Bushido. Using shinai (bamboo swords) and protective gear, kendo is a full-body workout and a training of the mind, while respecting the rules of etiquette.
As the phrase “Rei ni hajimari ni rei ni owaru” (beginning and ending with a bow) suggests, respect for the opponent and a serious attitude are important.

There are a wide variety of ways to enjoy watching sports in Japan, depending on the sport, the team, and your personal style.

Some are the realistic feeling of the heat of the stadium or arena, some are the easy way to cheer on your team via TV or the Internet, and some are public viewing to enjoy talking with your friends. However, what they all have in common is a strong desire to share the excitement and emotion that comes from sports.

Perhaps the most dynamic experience is watching a game live in stadiums and arenas. Many professional sports leagues, such as professional baseball, the J-League, and the B-League, have their bases in various parts of Japan, where they are hotly contested. When you step into a stadium or arena, you will be overwhelmed by the excitement.
The venue is filled with fans wearing team-colored uniforms and goods, and cheering songs and hand claps echo through the air even before the game begins. The area where the most ardent fans gather has its own unique style of cheering, and it is a sight to behold as they unite to inspire the players.

If you are a first time spectator, you can try to follow the movements of the fans around you. I have participated in this event myself, and it is like a festival. (However, since it is quite physically demanding, you will often have sore muscles the next day…)

At the stadiums and arenas, gourmet food is also an enjoyable part of the festival. Each venue offers a wide variety of gourmet stadium foods made with local ingredients and menus associated with the teams. Enjoying a meal with a beer in one hand while chatting with friends is one of the best parts of watching a sporting event.

Watching games on TV or the Internet is an easy way to enjoy the games in the comfort of your own home. In recent years, there are many sports channels and video distribution services that allow you to watch a variety of domestic and international sports in real time. Through easy-to-understand commentary by commentators and video replays, you can enjoy the details of the game in detail. It is also fun to cheer for the team in the living room with friends and family, creating a sense of togetherness.

Public viewing has been attracting a lot of attention in recent years. Large screens are set up in sports bars and event spaces, where many fans gather to watch the game together. The appeal of this type of viewing is that it allows people to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere while still experiencing the same level of enthusiasm as in a stadium.

In particular, large-scale public viewing is held in various locations for international tournaments such as the soccer World Cup and the Olympics, creating great excitement.

Regardless of the method you choose to watch the games, the important thing is to observe the rules and manners and to be considerate of the spectators around you. Applaud the athletes for their great play, share in their joy, and sometimes share in their disappointment. Watching sports is a special experience that enriches our daily lives by giving us emotions and excitement. Enjoy watching sports in Japan in your own way.

We have introduced some popular sports in Japan. Is there a sport that you like? Sports are fun to play, but they are also fun to watch.

In Japan, it is not only about watching the game, but also about interacting with other fans. By exchanging information through social media and talking with fans you happen to meet at a game, you can enjoy the world of sports more deeply. It would be wonderful if you could improve your Japanese and make more friends by interacting with each other using the Japanese you have learned.

At TCJ, you can also learn the language of sports. It will be great fun to talk about sports with your classmates and teachers. Why don’t you come and study with us at TCJ?