Japan is known worldwide for its martial arts and sumo wrestling. However, are Japanese sports the most popular? The answer is below!
5th Position: Golf
While golf remains a fairly elitist sport in France, it's a different story in Japan! Since the creation of the very first golf course in Kobe in the early 1900s, this sport has won the hearts of the Japanese, and today there are approximately 2,500 courses and 35,000 driving ranges across the archipelago. In major cities, you'll find numerous specialty shops as well as rooftop golf courses – perfect for letting off steam!
4th Position: Sumo
No, sumo is not (or no longer) the most popular sport in Japan! On the contrary, its popularity has been declining over time. Several explanations can be offered: the numerous scandals, the growing number of foreign yokozuna (the highest title), and the attraction of younger generations to Western sports, which prevents the sport from attracting new fans. That said, sumo remains an institution in Japan, and the most famous sumo wrestlers are superstars.
3th Position: Tennis
Tennis has enjoyed immense popularity for many years. It's safe to assume this dates back to 1920, when Japan won its first Olympic medal… thanks to tennis! The manga "The Prince of Tennis" (テニスの王子様, Tenisu no Ōjisama), a phenomenon of the 2000s with over 50 million copies sold, also significantly contributed to the Japanese enthusiasm for the sport. Furthermore, personalities like rising star Naomi Osaka and Uniqlo ambassador Kei Nishikori give tennis considerable visibility.
2th Position: Football
Football has seen a meteoric rise in recent years. Yet the J-League (Japan's professional football league) only dates back to 1993. Nevertheless, hosting the 2002 World Cup, the emergence of new talents, and the victory of the women's national team in 2012 have completely changed the game. In schoolyards and parks, you'll see many young Japanese fans of Mbappé, Neymar, Messi, or Ronaldo playing football with their friends.
1era Position: Baseball
Despite its foreign origins, baseball could be considered the national sport of the Japanese! Indeed, baseball (or yakyū, 野球) is one of the most unifying sports in the archipelago. While it is mainly played by younger generations, the fanbase includes an audience representing all age groups. Historic teams like the Tokyo Giants (読売ジャイアンツ, Yomiuri Jaiantsu) They are veritable institutions, and their players are adored. To truly grasp the scale of this phenomenon, buy tickets to see a match at the Tokyo Dome. An incredible atmosphere is guaranteed!
