What are "Urban Sports" like Skateboarding and Breaking that are Gaining Attention in Japan?

"Urban Sports" refers to extreme sports that can be performed in urban settings. In the category of urban sports, a total of seven events are featured, including beach volleyball, skateboarding, breaking, BMX flatland, double dutch, parkour, and "palony". This article introduces the characteristics of each sport. If you're interested, check out the "Yokohama Urban Sports Festival '24 (YUSF '24)" event in Yokohama!

Skateboarding

アーバンスポーツ(URBAN SPORTS)スケートボード
© Yoshio Yoshida/YUSF

Skateboarding comes in various styles, such as park and vertical, but Japanese athletes have excelled on the world stage in the street category, which takes place on obstacle-filled courses with staircases and rails, much like those found in city environments.

Breaking

アーバンスポーツ(URBAN SPORTS)ブレイキン
© Jason Halayko/YUSF

Breaking, also known as breakdancing, is a form of street dance. It originated in the 1970s in New York, USA, and spread to Europe and Japan during the 1980s. It's a highly energetic and acrobatic sport.

BMX Flatland

アーバンスポーツ(URBAN SPORTS)BMXフラットランド
© Hikaru Funyu/YUSF

This BMX competition is performed on a flat surface, without the use of ramps or rails. It's often described as "riding a bike as if you were dancing," with riders showcasing their skillful tricks and balance.

Double Dutch

アーバンスポーツ(URBAN SPORTS)ダブルダッチ
© Kazuki Murata/YUSF

Double Dutch involves jumping rope with two ropes. It has become a global sport with top-level contests held worldwide. Japanese athletes, from elementary school students to adults, have achieved top results across various age groups.

Parkour

アーバンスポーツ(URBAN SPORTS)パルクール
© Kazuki Murata/YUSF

Parkour is a dynamic sport that involves running, jumping, and climbing, utilizing structures like walls to leap, drop, and perform spins. Its appeal lies in its impressive and fluid movements, making full use of the urban environment.

Palony

アーバンスポーツ(URBAN SPORTS)パルオニ
© Kazuki Murata/YUSF

"Palony" stands for "Parkour Tag," a sport that turns the traditional game of tag into an exciting competition. It's the ultimate game of tag, designed for everyone to enjoy, regardless of their expertise in the sport.

Beach Volleyball

Originating from the U.S., beach volleyball is played on a sand court with two players on each team, battling it out over a net. It’s a popular sport that combines skill and teamwork.

Yokohama to Host One of Japan’s Largest Free Urban Sports Festivals!

YOKOHAMA URBAN SPORTS FESTIVAL ʼ24
YOKOHAMA URBAN SPORTS FESTIVAL
© Kazuki Murata/YUSF

Following successful events in the past two years, the "Yokohama Urban Sports Festival '24" (YUSF '24 for short) is returning on November 9 (Saturday) and 10 (Sunday), 2024, at Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza.

YUSF '24 is a sports festival that brings together urban sports competitions and the street culture that inspires them, packed with elements to "watch, experience, eat, and enjoy."

Top athletes from Japan and abroad will take part, and there will be workshops for kids. The event will also feature a street culture market full of fashion, gear, and food, alongside a live entertainment festival "Live! Yokohama" with plenty of collaborative content packed into the two days.

Culture Market

YOKOHAMA URBAN SPORTS FESTIVAL
© Hikaru Funyu/YUSF

YOKOHAMA URBAN SPORTS FESTIVAL
© Jason Halayko/YUSF

In addition to "watching and experiencing" urban sports, the festival offers a variety of shops and booths where you can explore fashion and culture, alongside delicious food and drinks. You'll have plenty to do all day, with options to "eat, drink, and play" throughout the event.

Kids Workshops

If your child is curious about trying out a new sport, the urban sports workshops at YUSF '24 are the perfect opportunity! They might discover a new passion! These hands-on experiences are what make YUSF '24 unique and fun for everyone.

Spot Information

  • Event Name: Yokohama Urban Sports Festival '24 (YUSF '24)
  • Location: Yokohama Red Brick Warehouse Event Plaza, 1-1 Shinko, Naka-ku, Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture
  • Access:
    • About a 15-minute walk from JR/City Subway Sakuragicho Station or Kannai Station
    • About a 6-minute walk from Bashamichi Station or Nihon-Odori Station on the Minatomirai Line, About a 12-minute walk from Minatomirai Station
  • Date & Time: November 9 (Sat) & 10 (Sun), 2024, 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM *subject to change, may be canceled due to rain
  • Admission: Free *Food, drinks, and merchandise are not included. Some paid experiences available.
  • Website: https://yusf.jp/

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