Welcome to a whirlwind tour of the world of sports in Japan!
Whether you’re a sports fanatic or simply keen to learn more about the country, this article will take you through the fast-paced world of some of Japan’s most popular sporting activities.
From the hallowed dohyos of sumo to the cacophony of a baseball stadium, we’ll explore what sports mean to the Land of the Rising Sun.
In addition, don’t forget to bring an iRoamly Japan travel eSIM to stay connected throughout your trip, so you can easily share your favorite sports moments with friends and family.
What are the most popular sports in Japan?
A little bit old, a little bit new. Baseball is very much the latter, and one of the biggest sports in the country – up there with soccer and, believe it or not, basketball. But when it comes to classic sporting traditions, nothing beats sumo.
Not just a sport, but a national treasure, it commands a surprisingly large following – and not just in obese men in loincloths.
How popular are sports in Japan?
They love them. Sports in Japan are an outlet for everything from entertainment to patriotism. Just like the legendary ninja Japan is known for, sports embody agility, precision, and discipline, making them an integral part of the culture. Major events, such as sumo tournaments or a high-stakes baseball game, can attract tens of thousands of visitors, and broadcasters treat sports like the news – because, in Japan, very often the two are the same.
Sumo: Japan's Most Popular Traditional Sport
Sumo is an ancient sport and one of the greatest links to Japan’s past that this modern nation has. Originally a Shinto religious ritual, it has been formalized for more than a millennium, and was often practiced by – or in front of – the imperial court.
Its status as a protector of Japan traditions helps sumo to preserve countless articles of culture and techniques, and offers a glimpse into Japan before the modern era.
But in Japan, sumo’s appeal is as much in its ceremonial nature as anything else – a performance that evokes the nation’s spiritual and historical core in bound athletes.
The sport itself – a clash of athletes built to be walking fortresses, who must embody the virtues of power, wisdom, and perseverance – is brutal to watch but a compelling form of entertainment.
Game Rules
Technically, the sport is simpler than an amateur might expect. Two wrestlers clash in a circular ring, a Dohyo, and must either force the other from the circle or knock them to the ground, provided they don’t touch down with the soles of their feet.
Representative Athletes
Modern rikishi (wrestlers) like Hakuho or former gold-medal winner Asashoryu are known for their skill in the ring, but as living examples of the discipline and focus it takes to succeed in the sport.
Baseball: The Most Popular Sport in Modern Japan
Baseball, or “yakyu”, holds a special place in the hearts of many in Japan, the dynamism and strategy of the sport winning over millions. It was introduced in the latter half of the 19th century, and rapidly became Japan’s national sport. From school fields to the professional stadiums, it's a sport that’s deeply loved.
In Japan, baseball is more than just a game. It's a dance of tense pitcher showdowns, smart base running, and the electric thrill of home runs.
The flow of each match is underpinned by thought and strategy, with managers and players being forced to think fast and factor in every move. It's this balance of thought, skill, and physicality that continues to pack them in, making for an exciting viewing experience.
Game Rules
Each team has nine innings to score more runs than their opponents. Players hit the ball, then run the bases, attempting to make a circuit before the ball is recovered by the defenders.
The tension rests in the balance of successfully scoring these runs against the defensive tactics of the opposing team. After nine innings, the team with the most runs is declared the victor, and games can turn on a crucial play or run in the bottom of the ninth in spectacular fashion.
Representative Athletes
The likes of Ichiro Suzuki and Shohei Ohtani are more than just baseball players – they’re gods among baseball fans, both home and abroad.
Ichiro’s precision as a hitter and skill running the bases is legend, Ohtani’s ability as both a pitcher and batter a wonder.
Their impact hasn’t just been felt at home, but has helped the sport internationalize, creating a new wave of players and fans.
5 Other Popular Sports in Japan
1. Tennis
Tennis has enjoyed a boom in Japan, partially helped by some recent international successes.
The sport started to gain popularity in the early 20th century, and the number of players who have garnered worldwide attention has grown considerably.
Notable Awards: Japanese players have excelled on the world stage, with Kei Nishikori making the 2014 US Open final and Naomi Osaka taking Grand Slam titles between 2018 and 2021!
Representative Athletes: Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka are household names who have helped tennis explode in popularity in Japan.
2. Golf
With a history that dates back over a century in Japan, golf remains a popular pastime, with hundreds of courses scattered around the country.
Notable Awards: Hideki Matsuyama, who won the 2021 Masters, is the prime example of Japanese talent in the sport.
Women's British Open Winner 2019 Hinako Shibuno
Representative Athletes: Hideki Matsuyama
3. Boxing
Boxing has a place in the heart of many Japanese fans, and boxers find a receptive audience, particularly in their professional careers.
Notable Awards: Naoya Inoue Holds multiple titles in separate weight classes, including the WBC Light Flyweight champion (2014), WBO Super Flyweight champion (2017), IBF Bantamweight champion (2019), WBA Super Bantamweight champion (2020) and WBC Bantamweight champion (2022)
Representative Athletes: Naoya Inoue – a technically skilful brawler with fearsome power – is a hit with boxing fans globally.
4. Soccer
Japan's love for soccer exploded with the formation of the J.League in 1993, bringing the sport onto a near-equal footing with baseball.
Notable Awards: Clubs and the national teams have won numerous titles in Asia, and at FIFA events on the world stage.
5. Basketball
Basketball's profile has been on the rise since the founding of the B.League in 2016, with fans taking notice.
Notable Awards: Still young, Japanese basketball has seen significant successes in university and semi-professional leagues.
FAQ
1. Which sport is currently the fastest growing in terms of popularity in Japan?
Soccer, with the national team's recent successes on the international stage and aggressive marketing of the domestic league. Soccer participation for children is also booming.
2. What effect does hosting the Olympics have on sports in Japan?
Next year's Games will undoubtedly see a surge of interest in a wide range of sports, while also delivering necessary facility upgrades and attracting more people to participate in sports at all levels.
3. How is technology impacting sports in Japan?
From training systems utilizing artificial intelligence to analyze matches and performances to fan-facing platforms improving in-stadium and at-home viewing of games.
4. Are there any new sports emerging in Japan?
Fast, accessible sports, such as futsal and ultimate Frisbee, are seeing increasing popularity, particularly among younger urban residents.
Summary
Japan's sports world is a blend of tradition and modernity, with sports such as sumo and baseball reflecting the country's culture while also being popular with fans.
While sports change and adapt over time to attract new players and spectators, Japan's sporting culture remains vibrant and impactful on a global scale.