Japan is a country rich in culture and tradition, with a strong passion for sports. From traditional martial arts to modern-day athletic pursuits, the sports scene in Japan reflects a diverse array of activities. With an emphasis on discipline and dedication, Japanese sports have garnered global attention and recognition.
In this article, we will explore the 11 most popular sports in Japan, each offering a unique insight into the country’s sporting landscape. From the intense physicality of sumo wrestling to the finesse of figure skating, these sports have captured the hearts of both participants and spectators alike. Let’s delve into the dynamic world of Japanese sports and discover what makes them so beloved in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Marathon
Marathon running holds a treasured place in Japanese culture, epitomizing endurance and teamwork. The Hakone Ekiden, a prominent feature of this tradition, is a captivating long-distance relay. Teams showcase their stamina across an expansive 218-kilometer course, demonstrating a blend of individual perseverance and collective strategy. This event has been immortalized in popular media through “Run with the Wind,” a novel that transcended its pages and inspired manga, film, and anime adaptations.
Parallel to this lies the fervor for the Tokyo Marathon. This coveted race witnesses a deluge of applicants each year, with hopeful participants facing stiff odds in a lottery system that sees only a fraction gaining entry. This popular event is a testament to the marathon’s significant following among Japanese people.
Japanese marathoners do not just shine domestically but also on global platforms, with their agile strides being recognized in international competitions under the International Athletics Federation’s banner. Moreover, they’ve carved a niche in the world of motorsport through events like the Japanese Grand Prix and the Paris Dakar, further underlining Japan’s versatile athletic prowess. Marathon running in Japan is more than a sport – it’s a symbol of the nation’s spirit and dedication.
Basketball
Basketball has rapidly ascended in Japan’s sporting hierarchy since its introduction in 1930. Reflecting its stature, Japan boasts a dedicated professional league, the B. League, further cementing basketball’s prominence in the Japanese sports scene. Not just a favorite pastime, basketball has also brought national glory; the Japanese national basketball team has emerged victorious twice at the FIBA Asia Championship, underlining the nation’s competitive edge.
Even more impressive, the women’s basketball team secured a silver medal at the Olympic Games, a historical feat for Japan, signaling the sport’s strong development and the high caliber of Japanese players. The national team’s accolades speak to their status, often considered one of the best in Asia, a testament to basketball’s significant growth and popularity among the Japanese people in recent years.
List of Basketball Achievements in Japan:
- B. League establishment: National professional basketball league
- FIBA Asia Championship: Two-time winner
- Olympic Games: Silver medal for the women’s basketball team
- National Team: Recognized as one of Asia’s top contenders
Basketball in Japan is not just a game; it reflects a deep-rooted passion and a rising tide of professional sportsmanship that continues to spread throughout the nation.
Puroresu (Pro- Wrestling)
Puroresu, the captivating world of Japanese pro wrestling, is more than a sport; it’s a cultural phenomenon deeply embedded in the fabric of Japanese entertainment. Its roots can be traced back to the sumo wrestler Sorakichi Matsuda, yet it was the legendary Rikidozan in the 1950s who immortalized puroresu in the hearts of Japanese people. Under the bright lights, wrestlers enthrall audiences with a spectacle that marries the intensity of free fighting with the drama of scripted outcomes.
While the scenes inside the ring are meticulously choreographed, the athletes often boast genuine martial arts prowess, with many having backgrounds in real combat techniques. This intricate blend of performance and athleticism is a hallmark of puroresu, making it unique among professional sports.
Despite the shadows cast by the untimely demise of its earliest icon, Rikidozan, at the hands of a yakuza member, puroresu’s legacy endures. It remains a favorite sport, with wrestlers cherished as modern-day gladiators. Among this cultural tapestry, standouts like the boxing prodigy Naoya Inoue, with his string of knockout victories, highlight Japan’s rich and diverse sporting landscape, which proudly includes over 1,300 professional boxers and an impressive count of five world champions.
Rugby
Rugby union, while not the most popular sport in Japan, has gained significant attention and respect within the country, especially following the national team’s impressive advancement to the quarter-finals in the 2019 Rugby World Cup—an event spectacularly hosted by Japan. The Brave Blossoms, as the national team is fondly known, proudly represent Japan on the international stage. The historic victory over Zimbabwe in 1991 etched their presence in World Cup history, marking Japan’s first win in the prestigious tournament.
The Japanese Rugby Football Union serves as the steward of the sport, nurturing its development and expanding its footprint across the nation. Their efforts are mirrored by the increasing number of rugby players and the escalating competition that reflects a growing passion for the game among the Japanese people.
The existence of the Japan Rugby Top League—a professional league comprising corporate teams—further substantiates rugby’s solidifying position within the panorama of Japanese sports. The league plays a critical role in promoting rugby union’s profile and serves as a testament to the sport’s flourishing community and professional landscape.
- Japan’s Rugby Milestones:
- Participated in every Rugby World Cup since 1987
- Hosted the tournament in 2019
- Qualified for the quarter-finals for the first time in 2019
- First World Cup win in 1991 against Zimbabwe
Boxing
Boxing in Japan has a storied history, tracing back to 1854 when American sailors introduced the sport through on-board sparring matches. This foreign physical activity piqued the interest of the Japanese people, leading to a remarkable encounter where an ōzeki-ranked sumo wrestler, Koyanagi, showcased the might of Japanese martial arts by defeating American competitors in diverse styles.
The sport’s popularity gradually crescendoed, culminating in the first major Japanese boxing exhibition in 1887. Yujiro Watanabe, after honing his boxing skills in California, returned to Japan as a pioneering figure and founded the Nippon Kento Club in 1921, laying the groundwork for modern boxing in Japan.
By 1931, the All-Japan Professional Kento Association was established, morphing into the Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA) by 2000. Regulation and growth in the sport are overseen by the Japan Boxing Commission (JBC), which has been essential in enforcing rules that promote the participation of local boxers in domestic bouts, although the quest for international titles remains a path fewer Japanese boxers traverse.
Timeline of Boxing in Japan:
- 1854: Introductory matches by American sailors.
- 1887: First major exhibition fight.
- 1921: Yujiro Watanabe establishes Nippon Kento Club.
- 1931: Formation of the All-Japan Professional Kento Association.
- 2000: Rebranding to Japan Pro Boxing Association (JPBA).
Golf
Golf in Japan transcends simply being a sport; it’s an emblematic part of the country’s leisure culture, with over 2,500 golf courses catering to a wide range of enthusiasts. The stunning victory of Hideki Matsuyama at the Augusta Masters and Mone Inami’s inspiring gold medal performance at the Tokyo Olympics have tremendously escalated the sport’s prominence among Japanese people.
These golfing milestones have played pivotal roles in democratizing the game, breaking down traditional barriers associated with elite class, and opening the fairways to all Japanese people regardless of age or gender. Golf courses are strategically set against breathtaking backdrops, from the slopes near majestic Mt. Fuji to the subtropical haven of Okinawa, allowing the sport to be enjoyed year-round.
Japan proudly showcases its golfing talent on a global stage with professionals like Ryo Ishikawa, Hideki Matsuyama, and Ai Miyazato leading charge. Once perceived as a luxury pastime, golf has firmly established itself as a favorite sport deeply ingrained in modern Japanese culture.
Notable Japanese Golfers:
- Hideki Matsuyama
- Ryo Ishikawa
- Ai Miyazato
- Mone Inami
Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling holds a prestigious place as Japan’s national sport, captivating audiences with annual professional sumo tournaments across the nation. Unique to Japan, sumo has produced numerous athletes aiming to leave their mark in the professional league. The allure of sumo lies in its swift and dynamic matches, often concluded in under a minute, where sheer power, strategy, and agility unfold.
In a heated battle within the sumo ring, the objective for each wrestler, or sumo wrestler, is clear – eject the competitor from the ring or compel them to touch the ground with any body part other than the soles of their feet.
Beyond the physical, sumo wrestling is deeply enmeshed with Shinto beliefs, infusing sacred rituals into the sport. Participants, revered as athletes and guardians of tradition, follow a stringent lifestyle that dictates their diet, apparel, and conduct. This discipline showcases the sport’s inherent connection to Japanese culture and spirituality.
Sumo Wrestling Essentials:
- Purpose: Force the opponent out of the ring or onto the ground.
- Event: Professional tournaments held yearly.
- Status: Japan’s national sport, steeped in tradition.
- Culture: Strong Shinto religious ties, rigorous discipline required.
- Experience: Fast-paced, thrilling matches, lasting seconds.
Tennis
Tennis in Japan began as a mode of physical activity in 1878 before evolving into a competitive sport. By 1886, soft tennis, played with a rubber ball, emerged as the favored version. The country’s love for tennis was cemented in the early 20th century when Ichiya Kumagai secured Japan’s first Olympic medals in the sport at the 1920 Antwerp Games, putting Japanese tennis players on the world stage.
In more recent years, Japanese tennis has witnessed a surge in global prominence, with players like Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka making formidable impressions. Nishikori achieved a momentous feat by becoming the second male Japanese player to reach the top five in singles rankings during the Open Era. Osaka’s meteoric rise saw her clinching four Grand Slam singles titles and attaining the pinnacle of the Women’s Tennis Association rankings as world No. 1 in singles.
Key Highlights of Japanese Tennis:
- First introduction: 1878
- Popular form: Soft tennis from 1886
- Olympic breakthrough: 1920 Antwerp Games (Ichiya Kumagai)
- Historical ranking: Kei Nishikori in top five singles
- Global champion: Naomi Osaka, four-time Grand Slam winner and former world No. 1
Tennis continues to be a popular sport among Japanese people, contributing to the variety of sports in Japan and enhancing its profile in professional sports circles worldwide.
Soccer
Japan’s affection for soccer has soared, with the sport securing a steadfast position as the second favorite after baseball. The nation rallies behind their national teams with spirited enthusiasm. The men’s team, known as Samurai Blue, and the women’s team, christened Nadeshiko Japan, are sources of immense pride. Significantly, Nadeshiko Japan triumphed at the 2011 Women’s World Cup, etching a glorious chapter in their sporting history.
The horizon of Japanese soccer expanded as stars like Andres Iniesta and David Villa graced Japanese clubs, reflecting the sport’s heightened status. Since 1998, the national team has not missed a FIFA World Cup, underscoring Japan’s persistent prowess on the soccer field.
Schoolyards resonate with the sport’s popularity, as soccer is now the most sought-after activity among schoolboys. Virtually every junior high and high school boasts a soccer club, with tournaments and matches punctuating the calendar throughout the year, nurturing the next generation of Japanese players.
Snapshot of Japanese Soccer:
- Japanese teams: Samurai Blue (men), Nadeshiko Japan (women)
- Global triumph: Women’s World Cup victory in 2011
- International flair: Iniesta and Villa joining Japanese clubs
- Consistent contenders: World Cup qualifications since 1998
- Youth fervor: Soccer clubs prevalent in schools
Baseball
Baseball in Japan isn’t just a favorite sport; it’s a touchstone of Japanese culture. Since its introduction in the late 19th century by American educator Horace Wilson, baseball, or “yakyū” as it’s locally known, has become deeply ingrained in Japanese life. Professional baseball teams, under the banner of the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league, established in 1950, have enamored fans across the nation.
The Japanese adore their baseball games, packing stadiums with remarkable consistency. In 2019, NPB games lured an impressive 24.4 million spectators, with an average attendance of about 25,000 people cheering at each game.
The pinnacle of excitement for Japanese baseball enthusiasts is the Japan Series, the highly anticipated final of the NPB. The fervor for baseball extends to high school competitions, with the summer Koshien championship drawing large audiences, showcasing the prowess of young Japanese players and acting as a crucible for future professional talent.
Even with the thrill of extra innings, NPB rules cap regular games at 12 innings, and 15 for playoffs, allowing for the rare spectacle of a draw.
Ticketing Snapshot:
- Cost Range: ¥3000 – ¥10,000
- Demand: high
- Planning: advance purchase advised
Professional League Overview:
- Name: Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB)
- Teams: 12
- Established: 1950
- Spectatorship: 24.4 million in 2019
Figure Skating
Figure skating has captivated Japan, ice-dancing into the limelight as a major draw both on television and online, with about a quarter of Japanese citizens enjoying the sport’s artistry and athleticism. The country’s passion is fueled by the success of its skaters. Icons like Yuzuru Hanyu and Mao Asada have leaped off the ice and into the nation’s collective pride.
This popularity surge, especially among the youth, owes much to the gold medal glories of Japanese figure skaters and their charming personalities. Figure skating isn’t solely a spectator sport in Japan—it’s also a commercial hit. Events such as the Japan Open not only showcase the talents but also keep the TV ratings and fan enthusiasm soaring.
Key Highlights:
- Popular among: 24% of 18 to 79-year-olds
- Major events: World Figure Skating Championships, ISU Grand Prix Final
- Notable Skaters: Yuzuru Hanyu, Mao Asada
- Commercial Success: Televised competitions and ice shows
In a country known for embracing a variety of sports, the grace of figure skating has etched its place as not just a favorite winter activity, but a year-round celebration of skill and beauty on ice.