Sports Day in Japan: A National Holiday of Movement, Unity, and Joy
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Did You Know Japan Has a Special Day for Moving, Cheering, and Friendly Competition?
Every October, schools and communities across Japan burst with energy, laughter, and team spirit.
It’s not a festival, but it certainly feels like one — with cheerful chants and smiling faces filling the air.
Known as “Sports Day”, this national holiday celebrates more than just exercise.
It’s a day that reminds everyone — from children to grandparents — of the joy of moving your body, supporting one another, and sharing a sense of unity.
So, why does Japan have a holiday devoted to sports?
Let’s take a closer look at this uniquely Japanese celebration of health, effort, and fun!
What Is Sports Day?
What exactly is Sports Day in Japan?
Let’s start by taking a closer look at its basic background and how this special day came to be.
A National Holiday in October
Sports Day is a national holiday in Japan, celebrated every year on the second Monday of October.
It was originally established to commemorate the opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, which took place on October 10, 1964.
The holiday was first observed in 1966, when it was celebrated for the first time under the name “Health and Sports Day” (Taiiku no Hi).
From 1966 to 1999, the holiday was observed on October 10 each year.
However, in 2000, with the introduction of the “Happy Monday System,” it was moved to the second Monday of October to create a three-day weekend.
Note: The Happy Monday System was introduced to give people more rest and leisure time by moving certain national holidays to Mondays, creating long weekends.
From “Health and Sports Day” to “Sports Day”
For many years, Japan celebrated this holiday as “Health and Sports Day” (Taiiku no Hi).
However, after the revision of Japan’s Public Holiday Law in 2018, the name was officially changed to “Sports Day” (Supōtsu no Hi) in 2020.
But why was the name changed?
Let’s take a closer look at the meaning behind each term:
- Taiiku (体育) — Literally means “nurturing the body.” It focuses on physical education and promoting exercise for the sake of health and discipline.
- Sports (スポーツ) — Carries a broader meaning, encouraging people to enjoy sports not only for fitness but also for fun, friendship, and personal growth.
By adopting the word “sports,” Japan aimed to express a more inclusive and modern concept — one that encourages people of all ages and abilities to enjoy being active voluntarily, beyond the framework of formal physical education.
The Modern Purpose
Just like the change in its name, the purpose of the holiday has also evolved over time.
When it was first established as Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi), the goal was simple:
To become familiar with sports and cultivate a healthy mind and body.
Today, under the new name Sports Day (Supōtsu no Hi), its official purpose has been updated to:
To enjoy sports, cultivate a spirit of respect for others, and contribute to a healthy and active society.
This shift reflects Japan’s more modern and community-centered approach to sports — not only promoting health and physical activity, but also encouraging mutual respect, inclusion, and a shared sense of vitality — all through the simple joy of movement.
What Happens on Sports Day?
So, what exactly happens in Japan on Sports Day?
To find out, let’s take a closer look at one of the most beloved traditions that fills schools across the country with excitement and energy — the Undōkai.
School Sports Festivals (Undōkai)
At schools across Japan, Sports Day is celebrated with a lively event known as the Undōkai (運動会) — a large sports festival held in honor of the holiday.
Under the clear autumn sky, students gather on the school field and split into two teams, usually red and white, to compete for points in a series of friendly games and athletic contests.
Here are some of the most popular events you’ll find at a typical undōkai:
| Event Name | Japanese Term | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Team Relay Race | チーム対抗リレー | Representatives from each team run around the track, passing a baton in turn to determine which team finishes first. |
| Tug-of-War | 綱引き (Tsunahiki) | Two teams face off, gripping a long rope and pulling with all their strength until one side crosses the line. |
| Ball Toss Game | 玉入れ (Tamaire) | Small beanbags are thrown into a tall basket at the center of the field. The team that gets the most bags in wins! |
| Cavalry Battle | 騎馬戦 (Kibasen) | Groups of four form a “horse” with one rider on top, who tries to grab the headband (hachimaki) from the opposing riders. |
| Cheering Performances | 応援団 (Ōendan) | Each team showcases its spirit through coordinated chants, dances, and music to encourage their teammates. |
One of the most charming aspects of the undōkai is that it’s not only for students — sometimes parents and teachers join in the fun too!
While there are winners and losers, the true focus of the event lies in teamwork, effort, and participation.
In the end, above all, the goal is to have fun together and celebrate the joy of cooperation.
Sports Day in schools captures the essence of teamwork, discipline, and joy — values that have been passed down through generations of Japanese students.
Sports Day Across Communities
Outside of schools, Sports Day is also celebrated by local communities and municipalities across Japan.
People of all ages — from young children to seniors — across the country take part in creative and enjoyable activities.
Let’s take a closer look at some of the events held in different regions of Japan.
Community Sports Festivals
Did you know that sports festivals in Japan aren’t just for schoolchildren?
In addition to school undōkai, many local communities organize their own district-wide sports festivals, where teams from different neighborhoods compete against each other in friendly but spirited contests.
These community events aren’t just for kids — adults and even seniors join in the fun, taking part in classic games such as tug-of-war and ball toss (tamaire).
While the atmosphere is lively and cheerful, the competition can also get surprisingly serious, as each district strives to earn victory and local pride.
Beyond the excitement, these community festivals serve as a beloved tradition that strengthens ties among neighbors.
They bring people together across generations, encouraging teamwork, laughter, and a renewed sense of connection within the community.
Local and Citywide Sports Events
In addition to traditional undōkai-style festivals, cities and sports centers across Japan also host a wide range of special events to celebrate Sports Day.
These programs are designed to encourage people of all ages to move, explore, and enjoy being active.
Here are a few examples from around the country:
- Hiroshima City (Hiroshima Prefecture) – The local Sports Center hosts physical fitness tests, allowing participants to check their strength, balance, and endurance.
- Tokyo – Special swimming lessons are led by Olympic gold medalists, giving children and adults a rare opportunity to learn directly from world-class athletes.
- Itami City (Hyōgo Prefecture) & Toyama City (Toyama Prefecture) – These cities open public sports facilities for free, offering spaces where families can freely enjoy various sports and activities together.
- Kochi City (Kōchi Prefecture) – Residents can try out lesser-known sports such as tee ball and pétanque, discovering new and fun ways to move and play.
Together, these activities show how today’s Sports Day has grown beyond schools — becoming a national celebration of health, connection, and shared happiness.
Conclusion: A Day to Move, Connect, and Celebrate
From its beginnings with the 1964 Tokyo Olympics to today’s nationwide celebrations, Sports Day has evolved into a powerful symbol of health promotion, love for sports, and community vitality in Japan.
Through the cheers of students at school undōkai, the laughter shared at local events, and the smiles of families trying new sports together, this day reminds people that being active is not only about staying healthy — it’s also about connection, respect, and the sharing of happiness.
Sports Day is a reminder for everyone to move their bodies, support one another, and live each day with energy, gratitude, and joy.