Japan is a country that loves sports, and has a rich and diverse sporting culture. Japan has produced many world-class athletes, teams, and events, and has hosted the Olympic Games four times. Japan is also known for its unique and traditional sports, such as sumo wrestling and martial arts. In this article, we will rank the top 10 most popular sports in Japan, based on their popularity, history, and impact on the Japanese society. We will also explore the reasons behind their popularity, and how they reflect the Japanese values and identity. Without further ado, here are the top 10 most popular sports in Japan:
10. Volleyball
Volleyball is a popular sport in Japan, especially among women and students.
The Japanese women’s national volleyball team, nicknamed the “Oriental Witches,” has won several Olympic medals and world championships, inspiring generations of young girls to pursue the sport.
Volleyball is also popular among men, with the men’s national team having a strong presence in international competitions.
Volleyball became popular in Japan after World War II when the American occupation forces introduced the sport to the Japanese people.
Volleyball was seen as a sport that promoted teamwork, cooperation, and physical fitness, which were in line with Japanese values and goals.
It is now it is widely played in schools and clubs across Japan.
Japan has a strong volleyball culture, with both professional and amateur leagues, and having specific terms for each position in volleyball helps to ensure effective communication on the court.
The Japanese terms for the positions in volleyball are “Sutea” for Setter and “Aite” for Right-Side.
Japan’s volleyball team is known for its smart tactics and high-speed play, making them a formidable opponent in international competitions.
9. Figure skating
Figure skating is a popular sport in Japan, especially among young girls and women.
The sport gained popularity in the late 20th century, with Japanese figure skaters achieving international success.
The Japanese figure skaters have gained international recognition and success, earning numerous Olympic medals and world records. Some of the most famous Japanese figure skaters include Yuzuru Hanyu, Shoma Uno, Rika Kihira, and Mao Asada. Figure skating is a sport that combines grace, beauty, and athleticism, making it an appealing pursuit for many Japanese individuals. The sport has a rich history in Japan, with the Japan Figure Skating Championships being held annually since 1930 to determine the national champions of the country.
Japanese figure skaters have also participated in the ISU World Figure Skating Championships, showcasing their talents on the international stage.
The Japan Figure Skating Championships are a national championship held annually since 1930, featuring various disciplines such as men’s singles, ladies singles, pair skating, and ice dancing.
The ISU World Figure Skating Championships have been held in Japan, such as in Saitama in 2023, showcasing the best figure skaters from around the world.
8. Rugby
Rugby is a relatively new sport in Japan, but it has gained a lot of popularity in recent years, especially among men and students.
Rugby was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century, by the British expatriates and missionaries. Rugby was seen as a sport that fostered courage, discipline, and camaraderie, which resonated with the Japanese values and spirit. Rugby also became a way of expressing the Japanese identity and culture, as the Japanese rugby team, nicknamed the “Brave Blossoms”, adopted the cherry blossom as their emblem, and played with a distinctive style and flair. Rugby is still a popular sport in Japan today, and the Japanese rugby team is among the most competitive and respected in the world.
The Japanese national rugby team, nicknamed the “Brave Blossoms”, has made history by reaching the quarter-finals of the 2015 and 2019 Rugby World Cups, defeating some of the traditional rugby powerhouses such as South Africa, Ireland, and Scotland.
7. Basketball
Basketball is another sport that has a large fan base in Japan especially among young people and urban dwellers.
It was introduced to Japan in the early 20th century, by the American missionaries and teachers. Basketball was seen as a sport that promoted speed, agility, and creativity, which suited the Japanese physical and mental characteristics. Basketball also became a means of entertainment and socialization, as the Japanese basketball fans and players enjoyed watching and playing the sport with their friends and family.
The Japanese professional basketball league, known as the B.League, was established in 2016 and features 36 teams across three divisions. The league attracts some of the best players from Japan and abroad, and it is broadcasted on various platforms.
6. Golf
Golf is a sport that has a long history and tradition in Japan. It was introduced to Japan in the early 20th century, by British businessmen and diplomats.
The first golf course in Japan was built in 1903 by a British expatriate, and since then golf has become a popular pastime for many Japanese people.
Golf was seen as a sport that required concentration, patience, and strategy, which matched the Japanese work ethic and philosophy.
Golf also became a status symbol and a leisure activity, as the Japanese golfers and enthusiasts enjoyed playing and watching the sport at the exclusive and scenic golf courses.
Golf is still a popular sport in Japan today, and the Japanese golfers are among the most successful and influential in the world.
Some of the most famous golfers in Japan include Hideki Matsuyama, Ryo Ishikawa, Ai Miyazato, and Hinako Shibuno.
5. Combat sports (Judo, Karate, Kendo, Wrestling, MMA)
Combat sports are very popular in Japan, as they are part of the Japanese culture and tradition. Combat sports originated in Japan, as they were developed by the Japanese warriors and monks, who used them for self-defense, warfare, and spiritual development.
Japan is the birthplace of some of the most famous combat sports in the world, such as judo, karate, kendo, wrestling, and MMA.
These sports are deeply rooted in Japanese culture and values, such as discipline, respect, and honor.
Combat sports are seen as more than just sports, but as ways of life and art forms, that embody the Japanese values and principles, such as honor, respect, and harmony.
Combat sports are still very popular in Japan today, and the Japanese combat sports practitioners are among the most skilled and respected in the world.
Some of the most famous combat sports athletes in Japan include Kano Jigoro (the founder of judo), Masutatsu Oyama (the founder of kyokushin karate), Kaori Icho (the four-time Olympic gold medalist in wrestling).
4. Tennis
Tennis is a sport that has been growing in popularity in Japan in recent years, especially among women and children.
Tennis was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century, by the British traders and sailors. Tennis was seen as a sport that combined elegance, precision, and endurance, which appealed to the Japanese taste and temperament.
Tennis also became a platform for empowerment and expression, as the Japanese tennis players, such as Kei Nishikori, Naomi Osaka, and Kimiko Date, achieved international fame and success, and represented the Japanese diversity and identity.
Tennis is still a popular sport in Japan today, and the Japanese tennis players are among the most talented and charismatic in the world.
3. Soccer (Football)
Soccer (or football) is the most popular sport in the world, and Japan is no exception.
Soccer was introduced to Japan in the early 20th century, by British sailors and soldiers.
Soccer was seen as a sport that fostered teamwork, skill, and passion, which aligned with Japanese values and goals.
The Japanese national soccer team, nicknamed the “Samurai Blue”, has qualified for every World Cup since 1998 and has won four Asian Cup titles.
The Japanese professional soccer league, known as the J.League, was founded in 1993 and features 55 teams across three divisions.
Soccer is still a popular sport in Japan today, and the Japanese soccer team is among the most competitive and spirited in the world.
2. Sumo Wrestling
Sumo wrestling is a popular sport in Japan, as it is the national sport and the oldest sport in the country.
Sumo wrestling dates back to ancient times and has a strong connection to Shinto religion and culture, it was performed as a ritual to honor the gods and pray for a good harvest.
Sumo wrestling is a sport that involves two wrestlers, called rikishi, who try to push each other out of a circular ring, called dohyo, or make each other touch the ground with anything other than their feet.
Some of the most famous sumo wrestlers in Japan include Hakuho Sho (the most successful yokozuna or grand champion in history), Asashoryu Akinori (the first Mongolian yokozuna), and Takanohana Koji (the popular and charismatic yokozuna).
Sumo wrestling is seen as a sport that reflects the Japanese culture and tradition, as it involves many ceremonies, rules, and customs, that are unique and sacred.
1. Baseball (Yakyu)
Baseball (or yakyu in Japanese) is the most popular sport in Japan and one of its national pastimes and the most watched sport in the country.
Baseball was introduced to Japan by an American teacher in 1872, and since then it has become a part of Japanese culture and identity.
Baseball is a sport that requires coordination, strategy, and teamwork, and it is played by millions of people in schools, clubs, and professional leagues.
The Japanese professional baseball league, known as Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), was established in 1936 and features 12 teams across two leagues. The league attracts some of the best players from Japan and abroad, and it is watched by millions of fans. Some of the most famous baseball players in Japan include Sadaharu Oh (the all-time home run leader), Ichiro Suzuki (the first Japanese player to achieve 3,000 hits in MLB), and Shohei Ohtani (the two-way star who can pitch and hit).
Japan is a country with a rich and diverse sporting culture, where people enjoy both traditional and modern sports. From baseball and soccer, which are the most popular spectator and participatory sports, to sumo and judo, which reflect the ancient heritage and values of Japan, there is something for everyone to enjoy.
Whether it is watching the thrilling matches of the Nippon Professional Baseball League, cheering for the Samurai Blue in the World Cup, witnessing the power and grace of the sumo wrestlers, or learning the discipline and skills of judo, sports fans in Japan have plenty of options to choose from.
Compared to many Western sports cultures which focus primarily on professional leagues and elite athletes, Japan places greater emphasis on recreational participation and community-based clubs. Sports are widely seen not only as competition but also as a means to foster character development and social bonds. Additionally, Japanese fans demonstrate exemplary sportsmanship with their orderly conduct and respect for both their teams as well as opponents.
Looking ahead, Japan’s continued hosting of major sporting events from the Olympics to the Rugby World Cup will further boost interest and investment in these top 10 sports.