Popular Sports in Japan – What Locals Love and Visitors Should Know
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Sports play an important role in everyday life in Japan. From traditional competitions rooted in history to modern professional leagues followed nationwide, Japanese sports culture reflects both discipline and passion. For travelers, understanding popular sports in Japan is a great way to connect with locals and experience the country beyond sightseeing. Here are some of the most popular sports you will encounter during your stay.
Baseball: Japan’s National Sport
Baseball is widely considered the most popular sport in Japan. Professional baseball, known as NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball), attracts millions of fans every season. Teams such as the Yomiuri Giants and Hanshin Tigers have extremely loyal supporters, and game days are filled with chants, songs, and organized cheering.
High school baseball is also hugely important. The national tournament held at Koshien Stadium is broadcast across the country and is an emotional event for many Japanese people. Recently, global stars like Shohei Ohtani have increased international interest in Japanese baseball culture.
Soccer: Growing with the Global Game
Soccer has grown rapidly in popularity, especially among younger generations. Since the launch of the J.League, local clubs have built strong connections with their communities. Watching a J.League match offers a very different atmosphere compared to European football—family-friendly, passionate, and deeply local.
The Japanese national team regularly competes in the FIFA World Cup, and matches involving the national team bring cities to a standstill. Many Japanese players now compete in Europe, strengthening Japan’s presence in global football.
Basketball: A Fast-Rising Sport
Basketball has seen a major surge in popularity in recent years. The success of the B.League and Japanese players performing well overseas have helped bring new fans to the sport. Games are fast-paced, energetic, and easy for first-time spectators to enjoy.
Basketball is also common in schools and urban areas, with 3x3 basketball becoming especially popular in city settings.
Sumo: Tradition Meets Sport
Sumo wrestling is Japan’s most iconic traditional sport. More than just a competition, sumo is deeply connected to Shinto rituals, customs, and etiquette. Professional tournaments are held six times a year, and Tokyo’s Ryogoku area is the heart of sumo culture.
Sumo is very popular among international visitors, as it offers a unique cultural experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Wrestlers from many countries now compete at the highest level, reflecting the sport’s global reach.
Tennis: Popular and Accessible
Tennis is enjoyed by a wide range of age groups in Japan. The international success of players like Kei Nishikori and Naomi Osaka significantly boosted interest in the sport. Many Japanese people play tennis recreationally, making it one of the most common lifelong sports in the country.
Public courts and tennis clubs can be found throughout Japan, especially in urban areas.
Running and Marathons: A Nationwide Trend
Running is extremely popular as a personal fitness activity. Large-scale events such as the Tokyo Marathon attract tens of thousands of participants from Japan and abroad. You will often see locals running in parks, along rivers, and around city neighborhoods early in the morning or after work.
Experience Sports Culture While Traveling in Japan
Whether you attend a baseball game, watch a sumo tournament, or simply notice runners passing by famous landmarks, sports offer a fascinating window into Japanese society. For travelers, sports experiences can be just as memorable as temples, food, and shopping.
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