A Day at the Sumo
Like visiting Kyoto, climbing Mount Fuji and catching a Japanese baseball game, watching a live sumo match is one of those things that 'must be done' while in Japan.
'Undo-kai': Sports Day
The opening ceremony of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics was held on October 10, which in 1966 became a national public holiday known as Health and Sports Day. Many schools hold athletic events and sports meets on this day.
9 Things to Know About Rugby in Japan
Riding the back of a stunning victory over South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup, Japanese rugby has never before enjoyed such popularity among the Japanese public.
Zen Pilates & Yoga Retreat at Lake Biwa
Practice Pilates near the serenity of Lake Biwa.
Mizuno Volleyball Gear Is Getting High Scores
If you know anything about volleyball, you likely know the name Mizuno. Find out how they ended up being long-time supporters of the U.S. volleyball team.
Tokyo Marathon: The Day We Unite
Launched in 2007, the Tokyo Marathon now draws up to 37,000 competitors, over 10,000 volunteers and more than 1.5 million spectators, and has become one of the world’s dominant marathons.
The 8 Most Popular Sports in Japan
If you're thinking about sports in Japan, chances are sumo, judo and kendo come to mind. However, only one of these makes the Top 8 list—find out what ranks in at No. 1!
Get Active & Get on the (Japanese) Beach!
In addition to Japanese cuisine culture, the nation's active lifestyle is credited with contributing to its famed longevity. So how do Japanese people stay active?
Surf & Cycle on Tokyo’s Subtropical Islands
Head down to two of Tokyo's islands for a tropical getaway full of good waves and relaxing hot springs.
5 Ways Improv is a Sport
Japan's Health and Sports Day exists to promote an active lifestyle—that should count competitive improv, right?
Save up to 86% with Advance Airfare!
Want to travel Japan, but worried about the cost? JAL’s ‘Sakitoku’ advance fares lets you save up to 86 percent on airfare if you book at least 28 days in advance on domestic flights! Here are 12 ideas for places you can go!
7 Samurai Doing 7 Extreme Sports!
These samurai warriors from Japan are fearless not only in battle, but also on a BMX bike, skis, a pogo stick and on a surfboard.
Hiroshima Has Pennant Fever!
For the first time in 25 years, the Hiroshima Carp have won the Central League title. It's a long-awaited reward for a city that has had an abiding love affair with these red-capped champions.
Tanzan Shrine Kemari Festival
A game played by royals 1,400 years ago, held at this nature-rich shrine in Nara. Japan's football starts here!
11 Lesser-Known Sporting Competitions in Japan
While the Tokyo Marathon may get a lot of attention, there are a number of other prime sporting events you can watch or take part in throughout the year, from triathlons and trail running to snowboarding and surfing.
8 Things You Didn't Know About Sports in Japan
How often does a sumo wrestler wash his loincloth?
The Big Catch is Cutlassfish
Delicious to eat and fun for anglers on the lookout for something with more than a bit of heft, cutlassfish are a great target for fishing enthusiasts!
Tokyo Marathon: From Start to Finish
Runners from all corners of the globe come to participate in the Tokyo Marathon in February each year. In 2016, AAJ contributor Jinichi Segawa set out to run the course with camera in hand.
The Past and Future of Japanese Sports
Professor Lee Thompson examines how media narratives have shaped the public’s view of Japanese athletics from the postwar period to the present.
