Sports Day in Japan: A celebration of sweat, smiles, and bento boxes

When I first moved to Japan, I thought Sports Day was just a school thing, kids running around in matching caps, parents cheering politely from the sidelines. But over the years, I’ve come to appreciate it as something much deeper: a joyful, communal celebration of movement, teamwork, and the simple pleasure of being outside.

This year, Sports Day スポーツの日 was held on October 13, giving everyone a well-earned long weekend. Originally created to commemorate the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, it’s now a national holiday that encourages people of all ages to get active and celebrate health. And let me tell you, Japan knows how to do this with style.

If you’ve ever attended a Japanese undōkai (sports festival), you know it’s part athletic competition, part variety show, and part family picnic. I remember watching my friend’s kids compete in a three-legged race while their grandparents waved flags and their mom unpacked a bento box that looked like it belonged in a food magazine.

There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about it, even if you’re not participating, you feel pulled into the energy. Tug-of-war, relay races, and the infamous kiba-sen (cavalry battle) where kids climb on each other’s shoulders and try to knock off headbands, it’s all part of the fun.

What I love most is that Sports Day isn’t just for athletes. It’s for everyone. Whether you’re a kid doing your first sack race or a retiree joining a community tai chi session, the day is about moving your body and connecting with others. It’s a reminder that health isn’t just about fitness, it’s about joy, laughter, and shared experience.

Living in Japan has taught me that movement isn’t just physical, it’s cultural. It’s about showing up, participating, and being part of something bigger than yourself. Sports Day captures that beautifully.

So whether you spent October 13 running a relay, cheering from the sidelines, or just taking a walk in the park, I hope you felt the spirit of the day: move your body, lift your spirits, and enjoy the moment.

And if you didn’t get a chance to celebrate, why not make this weekend your own Sports Day? Grab a friend, go for a walk, stretch in the sun, or dance in your living room. Movement doesn’t need a medal, it just needs a little motivation.

Let’s get out there and move!