Japan’s culture has given the world more than just unique art, food, and architecture; it is also the home of many unique traditional sports. The origin of these sports can be found throughout Japan’s history and they have since spread throughout the world, though they have kept their uniquely Japanese character no matter where they’re found.
Here are ten traditional Japanese sports:
1. Sumo
Sumo is something many people know on sight, but there is actually a lot more going on than meets the eye. Sumo as it is known today developed in the Edo Period (1603-1847). The clothing of the wrestlers and the referee, as well as the hairstyles, all date back to that period.
The ring is considered a sacred place and salt is thrown into it to purify it before a match. There are six sumo tournaments a year, each taking place over 15 days, and they are broadcast on live TV. This is Japan’s oldest professional sport.
While most of the less than 1000 professional sumo wrestlers in Japan are Japanese, there have been an increasing number of foreigners in their ranks. The sport’s prestige has remained steady throughout its history.
When you come to Japan, be sure to watch Sumo tournaments. Check out 2024 Grand Tournament Schedule and book your ticket!
2. Judo
Created in Japan in 1882, Judo combines elements of the martial art jiujitsu and sumo. It originated in the unarmed combat techniques of the samurai of the Edo period.
The sport’s founder, Kano Jigoro, took the parts of different jiujitsu schools that he found to be best and combined them to create judo. It was introduced to the rest of the world in 1889 and finally became an official Olympic sport starting in 1964.
It is an interesting sport, with many traditional elements still in use despite its worldwide practice, such as the uniforms and tatami mats.
3. Yabusame
This form of traditional horse archery is ancient in Japan. It first arose as a way for warriors to perfect their skills. Arrows are shot while the horse is galloping, at three targets placed along the course.
The sport is surrounded by ritual and tradition. Riders and horses wear traditional costumes and equipment. There are many ceremonies accompanying the entire competition, from its opening to its closing.
Watching a yabusame competition is an exciting experience, and competitions can be found in historic districts throughout Japan in many parts of the year.
4. Aikido
This martial art was created by Morihei Ueshiba in the 1920s. The name can be translated as ‘the Way of unifying with life energy’ or as ‘the Way of harmonious spirit’.
It is a unique Japanese martial art where the goal is to avoid injuring the opponent while also defending oneself. Aikido moves focus on redirecting an attacker’s energy, usually terminating in a throw or joint lock.
Today, there are many forms of aikido in use all around the world, though they all share the desire to avoid injury to either opponent.
5. Karate
Karate, also known as karatedo, has made a mark all over the world, though it has its origins in Japan.
While there are many, many approaches to karate, most fall into one of two categories: “dentoha karate” (traditional-style karate), which uses the “sundome” (non-contact) rules, and full-contact karate, which uses direct-attack rules.
Most modern karate is a striking art, but the Okinawan style also includes grappling and throwing techniques. While most people think f karate as an unarmed martial art, it also includes armed techniques with weapons such as sai and bo staffs.
6. Kendo
Kendo is a martial art that focuses on swordplay. It dates to around 1899, though it may have existed earlier under other names.
Kendo participants wear traditional garb modeled after samurai armor that has been modernized for safety and uses specialized bamboo swords. The winner of a match is determined by points scored from good strikes as determined by the referee.
There are two common types of matches: Sanbon-shobu (three-point match) and the Ippon-shobu (one-point match). Most matches are five minutes long. It is a thrilling sport to watch and harkens back to the days of the samurai.
7. Kenjutsu
This sword-based sport also draws heavily on the samurai tradition, but it has a different take on it than kendo.
It is less about combat and more about technique, with pairs performing a kata together, where one person is the attacker and the other the defender, who is the one demonstrating the techniques.
There are many schools of kenjutsu and high-level performances are an impressive sight.
8. Kyūdō
This ritual form of archery dates back to around 700 AD. It saw ceremonial use as well as being a common competition in the imperial court, where nobles trained at it as a mark of refinement.
Kyudo is a target shooting contest, done from a standing position. This sort of Japanese traditional sports is practiced by men and women at just about any age, as the tension of the ow can be adjusted.
Besides, it is done in traditional dress and in some more ceremonial contests, the costumes can be quite elaborate and colorful.
9. Iaido
This martial art focuses on the drawing of a traditional Japanese sword to respond rapidly to an attacker. It is highly focused on technique, with every move beginning with the unsheathing of the sword and ending with its sheathing.
Most kata are practiced aloe, against imaginary opponents. It is a highly disciplined art, and watching masters go through katas is like watching poetry in motion.
10. Jujutsu (Jujitsu)
While now found around the world, jujutsu began in Japan. Jujutsu is an unusual martial art, as it does not rely as much on one’s own strength but rather uses an opponent’s strength against them.
Jujutsu saw use by samurai as a grappling technique. There are many different Japanese Jujutsu schools, some of which include weapons training. All schools have participants wear a gi based on traditional combat gear.
As one of the most popular combat sports in the world, you can see jujutsu tournaments wherever you go, though be sure to look up the details to learn if it is a Japanese jujutsu tournament or not.
For individuals interested in learning about Jujutsu, there are quite a few training books available on Amazon.
