Sports Day in Japan can be one popular day compared to what we have in Canada. That being said, the size & importance of this event will vary in different areas of Japan. In Fukuoka at least, they go all out here. Everyone takes it is seriously.
Sports Day in Japan
Sports Day Layout
Depending on the size of the school, both the staff & student body is divided into more or less 3 colors (red, blue, and yellow). Each group competes by class level (or grade) through a series of relays, as well as through team performances of dancing, cheering, and tumbling (human pyramid building).
Sports Day Preparation
In weeks leading up to Sports Day, there’s hardcore focus, rehearsal and preparations. During the day they will perform for friends and family members but will be judged by the principal, vice principal and a couple other high-profile members.
Aside from the sport relays, the coolest memories of mine were the boys tumbling and cheer team. It’s such a rare sight. It’s really neat to also mention that everything from the team billboards, to the performance costumes were all designed and made by the students themselves (though for the boys, I’m sure their mother’s had a hand in it).
Boys Tumbling. This includes building pyramids, or shooting each other up in the air. This is also one of the most dangerous category that calls out all male teachers to the field as spotters.
Teachers can order team colored shirts. I had my graduating kids sign my shirts.
BC Roll in Japan 