If you are planning to travel to Japan and are a sports fan, you should know that Japanese people are passionate about different sports. The most popular sports in the country are baseball, football, sumo, boxing, tennis, golf, and basketball. Apart from these, motorsports are also very popular in the country.
Table tennis
The sport of table tennis is growing in popularity throughout Japan. The country has a number of top-ranked players, and several have won international competitions. Japan is also the host country of the Japan Open, a major tournament held every year. This tournament is organized by the International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) and is a part of the ITTF World Tour. In the men’s singles division, Jan-Ove Waldner and Timo Boll hold the record for most tournament victories. The women’s singles tournament is won by Wang Nan.
Baseball
Baseball in Japan is just like baseball in the United States, but with a few differences. Players from both countries have made the transition over the years and have thrived in the professional ranks. In fact, many Japanese players have even left Japan to play in the United States. In Japan, the two best-known baseball teams are the Hanshin Tigers and the Orix Buffaloes.
Soccer
Soccer is one of the most popular sports in the world and has long been popular in Japan. The stock photos sport was introduced in 1873 by a British man, who was stationed in the country as an instructor in the Imperial Japanese Navy. He taught soccer to cadets as a form of cardiovascular exercise. Later, soccer became a popular sport among the civilian population.
Soft tennis
Soft tennis is a type of tennis that is played using soft tennis balls. They are lighter and have lower compression than hard tennis balls, which allows players of all skill levels to play. Soft tennis also allows players with varying amounts of mobility to play. Soft tennis is an accessible sport that is played by both men and women.
Basketball
Basketball is one of the top sports in Japan, but it isn’t quite as popular as baseball or soccer. Still, many Japanese people play basketball on a regular basis, and many people enjoy watching a game in a public arena.
Hockey
While baseball and football have long dominated Japanese sports, ice hockey is gaining in popularity. Founded in the 1920s, the Japanese Ice Hockey Federation governs the sport.
Handball
Handball is one of the national sports in Japan, and the sport has its own history. It was introduced at the 1976 Montreal Olympics, but only recently has it made its return to the Olympics. In the women’s handball tournament, Japan has surprised Montenegro, winning 29-26 in Group A action. In Group B, Brazil defeated Hungary 33-27, while Sweden dominated Russia.
Figure skating
Figure skating has been a popular sport in Japan for decades. The sport was first played in the United Kingdom in 1863 and came to Japan in the 1870s. Japan’s figure skating competitions date back to the 1920s, and has produced several well-known legends in the sport. Japanese skaters have included Sato Nobuo Zuo Teng Xin Fu, a 10-time national champion, and Ito Midori Yi Teng midori, the first woman to land a triple Axel jump at an international competition.