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Japan's most popular sports

Japan's most popular sports are highly popular in Japan, and some of the most popular sports include baseball, sumo wrestling, judo, and kendo. Sports are introduced at a very young age in Japan, and a large number of people engage in sports. Most of the sports are traditional and have been played in Japan for centuries, as evidenced by the popularity of sumo wrestling and kendo. Sports are deeply rooted in the culture of Japan, and they are widely enjoyed by people of all ages. The following is a rundown of the sports that are famous in Japan.

Baseball: Horace Wilson, an American, introduced this game to Japan. In Japan, where there are now 12 professional baseball clubs, this sport has recently gained a lot of popularity. The teams compete from the end of March to the beginning of the fall season. The teams are divided into six, and they compete against each other in two separate leagues of the Nippon Professional Baseball League. Professional baseball games in Japan are played with enthusiasm, not only by the players but also by the spectators. Japanese high school baseball players, in addition to competing in the professional league, have the opportunity to participate in the summer's national high school baseball tournament.

Sumo: This is the national sport in Japan and is currently popular among the older generation of the country. This Japanese style of wrestling originated as a performance. The reason for its original formation was to entertain the Shinto deities. The sport later gained popularity during the Edo Period. Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo is the site of the three grand tournaments that are held annually and broadcasted throughout Japan.

Judo: Kano Jigoro was the person behind the traditional Japanese sport. He created the sport in 1882 to develop physical and mental strength. Judo has since grown to become one of the most popular martial arts in Japan, and it is even part of the modern Olympic Games. As such, Judo has enabled men and women of all ages to engage in physical activity and strengthen their bodies. By introducing Judo, Kano Jigoro set a new standard for physical fitness and the concept of "mutual benefit" in society.

Hakone Ekiden: This event takes place annually, where teams of 10 relay runners cover a distance of 217 km (135 miles) between Tokyo and the city of Hakone. In 1920, Tokyo University, Waseda University, Meji University, and Keio University took part in the Hakone Ekiden. The majority of the time, this competition takes place on January 2 and 3, respectively, each year. Because it is such a well-attended event in Japan, thousands of fans gather to watch and cheer on the competitors as they compete. The race is a remarkable physical and mental feat that showcases the spirit of camaraderie as well as the sheer determination and dedication of these extraordinary athletes.