Sport in Japan

Japan has a very rich martial arts tradition and it is famous for Sumo wrestling which is considered Japan's national sport. Other types of martial arts (Budo) like karate, judo and the modern version of kendo, are also popular. There are also a number of western sports that have gain considerable popularity in Japan such as baseball and football.

Children playing tennis in Japan

The Nippon Professional Baseball is where the Japanese people watch their favorite players. Baseball was introduced to Japan in 1872 by Horace Wilson. The amateur baseball competitions are very popular and at times even rival the audience of professional games. Football is also quite popular which was introduced way back in the Meiji period.

Basketball is also gaining popularity and their national team has taken the FIBA Asia Championship twice and have also qualified 25 out of 26 times.

Japan also hosted the 2006 FIBA World Championship. As far as hosting international sporting events are concerned, Japan has hosted the Olympic Games in 1964, 1972 and 1998. They are also set to host the 2020 Olympic Games. They first joined the Games in 1912 and won their first Olympic medal in 1920, both of which are silver. Their first gold came in 1928 Amsterdam Olympic Games.

Below are details of sports, sporting events and sports people related to Japan. See also the list the most popular internet searches for "sports" in Japan.

Popular sports of Japan (see more)

Football (Soccer), Baseball, Sumo, Golf, Volleyball, Karate

Traditional or Regional Sports

Sumo Wrestling — two wrestlers within a circular ring try and push the other out.
Kemari — the aim is to keep a ball in the air.
Kendo — a form of Japanese martial art that originated from kenjutsu, and involves thrusts and strikes.
Yukigassen — a snowball fighting-competition played between two teams with seven players each, originated in Japan.
Yotsudama — a variation of Four-Ball carom billiards played in Japan.
Auto Race — a Japanese motorcycle speedway competition which is held on tarmac tracks, predominantly a gambling sport.

Sumo wrestling