Health and Sports Day (Japan)

Health and Sports Day (Japan): Celebrating Fitness and Well-being

Health and Sports Day, also known as Sports Day or “Supōtsu no Hi” in Japanese, is a national holiday in Japan that promotes physical activity, sports, and overall health. It encourages citizens to embrace an active lifestyle and commemorates the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.

Quick Facts

When is it?: Second Monday in October
Tagged as: National holiday, Sports festival
What’s the hashtag?: #SportsDay #SupōtsuNoHi
When was it founded?: 1966
Who founded it?: Japanese government

History of Health and Sports Day

Health and Sports Day was established in 1966 to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. Initially celebrated on October 10th, it was moved to the second Monday of October in 2000 as part of Japan’s “Happy Monday System.” In 2020, the holiday was renamed from “Taiiku no Hi” to “Supōtsu no Hi” to emphasize a broader focus on sports and physical activity.

Timeline

1964: Tokyo hosts the Summer Olympics
1966: First Health and Sports Day celebrated
2000: Holiday moved to second Monday in October
2020: Renamed to Sports Day (Supōtsu no Hi)
2021: Temporarily moved to July 23rd for the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics

Health and Sports Day Dates

Year	Month and Date	Day
2025	October 13	Monday
2026	October 12	Monday
2027	October 11	Monday
2028	October 9	Monday
2029	October 8	Monday
2030	October 14	Monday

Observed Health and Sports Day

Health and Sports Day is celebrated nationwide in Japan. Schools, businesses, and communities organize various sporting events and activities. Many schools hold their annual “undōkai” or sports festival on this day, featuring traditional track and field events, relay races, and unique games like tug-of-war and obstacle courses.

Communities often organize local sports events, encouraging people of all ages to participate. These may include family-friendly activities, health assessments, and amateur sports tournaments.

The day serves as a reminder of the importance of physical activity and promotes a healthy lifestyle among Japanese citizens.

Fun Facts About Health and Sports Day

Giant ball rolling is a popular activity during some Sports Day events.
Many museums stay open on this holiday to encourage cultural activities alongside physical ones.
The holiday was temporarily moved in 2021 to coincide with the rescheduled Tokyo Olympics.
Radio Taiso, a short exercise routine, is often performed as a warm-up during Sports Day events.
The “Cavalry Battle” (Kiba-sen) is a unique team game often played during school Sports Day festivals.

Quiz

In which month is Health and Sports Day celebrated?
What was the original name of the holiday before it was changed to Sports Day?
Which historical event inspired the creation of Health and Sports Day?
What is the Japanese term for the sports festivals held in schools?
In which year was Health and Sports Day first celebrated?

(Answers: 1. October, 2. Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi), 3. 1964 Tokyo Olympics, 4. Undōkai, 5. 1966)

FAQs

Q: Is Health and Sports Day a public holiday in Japan?
A: Yes, it is a national public holiday observed on the second Monday of October.

Q: What types of activities are common on Health and Sports Day?
A: Common activities include relay races, tug-of-war, obstacle courses, and various track and field events.

Q: Do adults participate in Health and Sports Day activities?
A: Yes, many communities organize events for people of all ages, including health assessments and amateur sports tournaments.

Q: Why was the name changed from Health and Sports Day to Sports Day?
A: The name was changed to reflect a broader focus on sports and voluntary enjoyment of physical activities.

Q: How do schools celebrate Health and Sports Day?
A: Schools typically hold their annual sports festivals (undōkai) featuring various competitive and team-building activities.

Importance of Health and Sports Day

Health and Sports Day plays a crucial role in promoting physical fitness and well-being among Japanese citizens. It serves as a reminder of the importance of regular exercise and an active lifestyle in maintaining good health.

The holiday fosters a sense of community and teamwork through group activities and competitions. It brings people together, encouraging social interaction and strengthening bonds between families, friends, and neighbors.

Moreover, Health and Sports Day helps preserve and promote traditional Japanese sports and games, ensuring that cultural heritage is passed down to younger generations while promoting the values of sportsmanship and fair play.