Japanese Sports and Its Impact on Culture

Have you ever wondered what kind of sports are popular in Japan and how do they affect its culture? Japan has many interesting sports which are widely accepted and appreciated. Through the centuries, various sports have played a big role in the formation and maintenance of the culture hidden within Japan and its people.

Generally, Japanese sports have always been dedicated to many values such as team work, respect and discipline such as Kendo and Judo. According to the Japanese Olympic Committee, their sporting culture has been focused on these values and attributes, taking into account the importance of victory, but also of a deeper understanding that every challenge offers to individuals and teams.
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The popularity of sports in Japan can be traced back to the time of Ancient Japan and the arrival of sumo wrestling in the 8th century. According to the Japanese National Diet Library, the sport of Sumo has since evolved over the centuries and still remains the national sport of Japan. Sumo wrestling is not only a professional sport, but it is still considered an important part of the traditional culture in Japan. Participants of traditional Sumo often wear special suits to represent the holistic approach of this sport, which combines physical strength and mental concentration. Its connection with traditional culture can be seen from the ancient techniques used and how these techniques have been kept alive ever since that time.

In modern times, sports popularity in Japan has grown to include many different games and competitons, for example baseball. According to Japan Guide, baseball was first introduced to Japan in 1873 and has since become the most popular sport in the country. Many Japanese cities and towns have professional baseball teams, while Baseball leagues are especially popular among young people. It is interesting to note that many elements of baseball have been incorporated into Japanese culture, such as its vocabulary and specific phrases like ‘strike’, ‘three strikes’ and ‘home run’. It has become so popular that it has been used as a tool for unifying Japanese culture. It also gave rise to a lot of other sports such as Softball and Baseball Batting Centres.

In addition to the traditional sports, Japan also has a strong culture related to martial arts, such as Judo and Karate. According to Notis Learning, the foundation of these two sports are based on the principles of respect, discipline and movement. Karate’s popularity in Japan started to grow in the early 1900s and Judo was very influential during the postwar period, with the opening of the Kodokan Dojo in Tokyo in 1882. Through strong discipline, respect and self-confidence, practicers of these sports can become well rounded individuals. Furthermore, martial arts can bring together different members of society, regardless of age, gender or social background.

Lastly, Japan’s love for sports is also visible in their popular sports ‘pachinko’ and ‘mahjong’. Both of these games are mainly seen as ways of entertainment and can be found in more than 5.000 gaming arcades. They offer traditional and modernized versions of other table games such as domino, poker and slot machines. Pachinko is a very competitive game where players try to win large amounts of money. In Japan, this game is usually associated with the older generation which still value it as part of their culture. Mahjong is seen a game of luck and skill and is often played during festivals or in summer holidays, while people also like to watch professionals play on television.

Overall, Japan has a long standing culture when it comes to sports. Traditional sports such as Sumo are seen as part of the Japanese national identity, while martial arts such as Judo or Karate are often associated with broader values such as respect, discipline and self-confidence. Modern sports such as baseball and pachinko are seen as ways of entertainment, connecting different members of society regardless of age or background. Altogether, sports in Japan offer more than just a way of physical exercise, but also as way of connecting individuals, enhancing traditional values and bringing all sorts of cultures together.
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