t Japan playing South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Japan’s sporting calendar is packed with both quintessential traditional offerings, such as sumo and kando, and Western games like baseball. Alongside the usual events, the country staged the 2019 Rugby World Cup and will host the 2020 Olympics, cementing it as a sports lover’s paradise.
t Japan playing South Africa in the 2015 Rugby World Cup
Japan’s love affair with rugby started in the mid-19th century with the end of isolationism, and it was soon a regular fixture at elite universities. The country now has more rugby clubs than any other in the world. Following a legendary last-minute victory over South Africa in 2015, Japan hosted its first ever Rugby World Cup in 2019. Japan rugby travel packages are available from InsideJapan (www.japanrugbytravel.com).
Kendo, a traditional style of fencing using bamboo swords, traces its roots back to the samurai. Take a lesson, visit an armourer, or eat with the professionals on a tour with Samurai Trip (www.samuraitrip07.com).
Baseball was imported to Japan from the US during the early Meiji Period, and almost immediately gained popularity among amateur athletic clubs and universities. Despite being banned during World War II, when it was seen as a corrupting American influence, it is now the most watched and played sport in the country. Housed in Tokyo Dome – the home stadium of the Yomiuri Giants – the Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum displays a fascinating array of memorabilia (www.english.baseball-museum.or.jp). Try out your swing at the Shinjuku Batting Centre (2-21-13 Kabukicho).
The rituals around sumo may be complicated, but the rules are simple: the first wrestler to exit the ring, or touch the ground with any part of his body besides his feet, loses. Tournaments only take place six times a year, but there are other ways to experience sumo. Exhibitions are held between tournaments and beya – where the wrestlers live and train – open their doors to visitors. To catch an early morning training session, contact the Japan Sumo Association (sumo.or.jp).
In 2020, Japan hosts the Olympic Games for the second time. The 1964 competition symbolized Japan’s rebirth after World War II, and there are hopes that the 32nd Olympiad in 2020 will mark the end of 21st-century austerity. Although there have been controversies, including a major redesign, the massive New National Stadium, designed by Kengo Kuma, promises to be a monument to match those in Yoyogi Park. Hire a bike, and cycle around the park to admire some of the original 1964 venues that will again be used as sporting stages in the 2020 games.
Discover Japan Your Way
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Drink MLB Cafe Tokyo This shrine to baseball is packed with memorabilia. ⌂ 1-3-61 Kouraku ∑ mlbcafe.jp/en Los Cabos Shinjuku Mexican-style sports bar with great tequila. ⌂ 1-3-16 Kabukicho Legends Sports Bar Burgers and craft beer accompany the rugby. ⌂ 3-16-33 Roppongi ∑ legendsports.jp |