Sports in Japan

In Japan people of all ages enjoy sports activities . Playing and watching sports are popular activities in Japan . In Japan people enjoy all kinds of sports. They are interested in traditional sports like judo, team sports like baseball, new sports like BMX or one of the many motor sports series. In Japan, sports are considered as a healthy activity that develops some good qualities in human life. Japanese people believe sport develops good discipline, builds character, encourages fair play, and instills sportsmanship. Win, lose, or draw what ever it is Japanese passionately cheer the sportsperson who makes a firm and sincere attempt.

It is hard to find a sport that is not played in Japan. Among them Sumo is said to be Japan's national sport and is very popular. Before the introduction of Western sports, Japan had made development in traditional sports. Few names of these traditional sports in Japan are given below:

• Aikido
• Takagari/ Falconry
• Hunting
• Iaido
• Japanese Archery
• Judo
• Jujutsu
• Karate
• Kemari
• Kendo
• Kenjutsu
• Kite flying
• Nanbudo
• Shurikenjutsu
• Sumo
• Yabusame
• Ping-Pong.

After the Meiji Restoration various kinds of Western sports were introduced into Japan.

Few names of these imported sports in Japan are given below:

• Football/ soccer
• Baseball
• Rugby union
• Table tennis
• Basketball
• Volleyball
• Puroresu.

Every year Japan observes a wide range of motor sports , namely:

• Auto racing
• Sports car racing
• Formula racing
• Drifting
• Motorcycle sport
• Endurance racing
• Superbike racing
• Auto Race
• Boat racing
• Kyotei.