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.

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