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 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 won the FIBA Asia Championship twice.

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 also hosted 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 of the most popular internet searches for "sports" in Japan.

Popular sports of Japan (see more)

Football (Soccer)

One of the most popular sports in modern Japan with a strong professional league and national team success.

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Baseball

Introduced in 1872, baseball has become deeply embedded in Japanese culture with professional and amateur leagues.

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Sumo Wrestling

Japan's national sport with ancient traditions, featuring wrestlers competing within a circular ring.

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Martial Arts

Traditional Japanese martial arts including karate, judo, and kendo are practiced worldwide.

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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.
  • Kubihiki — a traditional Japanese strength sport involving neck pulling or neck wrestling (no longer practiced).
Sumo wrestling Sumo wrestling

Japan Sporting Success

  • Hideki Matsuyama became the first male Japanese player to win a major, winning the 2021 Masters.
  • Rikako Ikee won six gold at the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta.
  • Japan won the fourth Asian cup against Australia in 2011.
  • Nao Kodaira won gold at the 2018 Winter Olympics in the 500m race.

Great athletes from Japan

  • Sadaharu Oh (Baseball)
  • Matsui Hideki
  • Naoko Takahashi (Athletics)
  • Ichiro Suzuki (Baseball)
  • Jumbo Ozaki
  • Kunishige Kamamoto (Football)
  • Musashimaru
  • Taiho Koki (Sumo)
  • Masahiko Kimura (Judo)
  • Osaka Naomi (Tennis)
  • Hachimura Rui (Basketball)
  • Hanyu Yuzuru (Skating)

Japan Sports trivia

  • Japan was first selected to host the 1940 Olympic Games, but it was taken off them when WWII started.

Japan at major events

Past sporting events hosted in Japan

Upcoming sporting events in Japan

  • 2026 Asian Games in Nagoya
  • 2026 World Lacrosse Women's Championship
  • 2027 World Lacrosse Men's Championship.

Annual sporting events held in Japan

Sporting Facilities in Japan

Other

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