Youth Sport In Japan

Abstract

Introduction In this chapter, we describe youth sport in Japan by analyzing various statistical data, exploring its socio-cultural background and examining several contemporary controversial issues found within it. First, we describe several general trends of youth sport in Japan by using nation wide statistical data, focusing on how frequently sports are played, which sports are played most and least, where play occurs, which clubs are most popular, why youth play sports, who coaches them and how many injuries occur. Second, we describe the current state of affairs in Japanese school sport, chiefly because it is the most important centre for Japanese youth sport. In particular, we try to understand the role of teachers in school sport and their challenges by using nation wide survey data. Third, we offer a brief history of Japanese youth sport. Fourth, and finally, we consider the kinds of problems that currently exist in contemporary youth sport, focusing on two serious issues as case studies: judo accidents and corporal punishment (taibatsu).