Sports have always been an integral part of the Japanese culture, and have been popular in Japan since ancient times. High school sports are no exception, and there are several sports that are particularly popular among Japanese high schoolers. In this article, we will be looking at the most popular high school sport in Japan, and discussing the reasons why it is so popular.
The Most Popular High School Sport in Japan
The most popular high school sport in Japan is baseball. Baseball is a hugely popular sport in Japan, and is the most popular sport played by high schoolers. According to a survey conducted in 2018, nearly 30% of high schoolers in Japan played baseball, making it the most popular high school sport in the country.
Reasons for its Popularity
There are several reasons why baseball is so popular among high schoolers in Japan. Here are the main ones:
Widely Available
Baseball is widely available in Japan, and there are hundreds of high school baseball teams in the country. This makes it easy for high schoolers to find a team to join and practice the sport.
Cultural and Historical Connection
Baseball has a long and rich history in Japan, and the culture of the country is deeply intertwined with the sport. This has led to a strong sense of connection between baseball and the Japanese people.
Exciting Gameplay
Baseball is an exciting sport to watch and play, with plenty of action and drama. This makes it a very popular sport among high schoolers, who are drawn to the excitement and intensity of the game.
Strong Supportive Community
High school baseball teams in Japan have strong communities of supporters and fans, which makes it a great experience to be part of a team. The fans and supporters make the games even more exciting and enjoyable.
The Different Levels of Baseball
There are different levels of baseball in Japan, depending on the age and ability of the players. Here is a brief overview of the different levels:
- Kōkō Yakyū (High School Baseball) – This is the highest level of high school baseball in Japan, and the teams are made up of the best players from each school. These teams compete in the national championship every year.
- Chūgakkō Yakyū (Middle School Baseball) – This is the middle school level of baseball, and the teams are composed of players from the ages of 13 to 15.
- Shōgakkō Yakyū (Elementary School Baseball) – This is the elementary school level of baseball, and the teams are composed of players from the ages of 9 to 12.
High School Baseball Championships
The highlight of the high school baseball season in Japan is the national high school baseball championship. This tournament is held every year and is the most prestigious high school baseball tournament in the country. The tournament is divided into two divisions, the East and the West. The teams from each division compete against each other in a series of games, and the winner of the tournament is crowned the national champion.
High School Baseball Teams in Japan
There are hundreds of high school baseball teams in Japan, and they come in all shapes and sizes. Here is a list of some of the most famous high school baseball teams in the country:
- Meiwa High School (Kōchi Prefecture)
- Kanazawa Technical High School (Ishikawa Prefecture)
- Nagoya Kōsei High School (Aichi Prefecture)
- Sendai Ikuei Gakuen High School (Miyagi Prefecture)
- Kurashiki Kogyo High School (Okayama Prefecture)
- Kurume Nishi High School (Fukuoka Prefecture)
- Oita Commercial High School (Oita Prefecture)
- Kamakura Gakuen High School (Kanagawa Prefecture)
Conclusion
Baseball is by far the most popular high school sport in Japan, and it is easy to see why. Baseball has a strong cultural and historical connection to the country, and is widely available and exciting to play and watch. High school baseball teams in Japan have strong communities of supporters and fans, and the national high school baseball championship is the highlight of the season.
References
- Kobayashi, T. (2010). Baseball in Japan: A Cultural History. McFarland & Company Inc., Publishers.
- Japan Sports Agency. (2018). Survey on the Sports Participation Rate in Japan. Retrieved from sports-japan.jp/survey/.