One of the unique aspects of Japanese school culture is "Undokai" (Sports Day) and "Taiikusai" (Athletic Festival). Traditionally, these events were held in autumn, but did you know that more and more schools are now hosting them in spring? This time, we will introduce the recent trends in Japan's Undokai and Taiikusai, the typical events included, and also take a look at their history and origins. Additionally, by comparing them with similar events in other countries where FUN! JAPAN's global staff come from, we will explore what makes Japanese Undokai special.
What Is "Undokai"? How Is It Different from "Taiikusai"?
Undokai is a school event centered around physical activities, usually held in the schoolyard. It typically starts around 8:30–9:00 AM, includes a lunch break, and finishes around 3:00–4:00 PM, making it a full-day event.
In general, "Undokai" refers to events held in kindergartens (nursery schools) and elementary schools, while "Taiikusai" is used for middle and high schools. Undokai at kindergartens and elementary schools focuses on having fun while moving the body, with teachers leading the event. The programs are designed to help children develop basic physical abilities through activities like simple competitions, as well as performances such as group exercises, gymnastics, and dance routines to showcase their practice efforts.
In middle and high schools, Taiikusai is often planned and organized by students themselves, with the event committee playing a central role. Plenty of preparation time is allocated, emphasizing teamwork and the sense of accomplishment in creating a large-scale event.
Another characteristic of Japanese Undokai is that all students are divided into teams, typically "Red" and "White," competing to determine a winner. In middle and high schools, where there are more classes, teams may be organized across different grade levels rather than simply split into Red and White. Students give their all in competitions, cheering each other on, creating an exciting and lively atmosphere throughout the event.
When Is Undokai or Taiikusai Held in Japan?
Although autumn used to be the main season for Undokai and Taiikusai in Japan, more schools have been holding them in spring in recent years. There are two main reasons for this change: first, due to global warming, temperatures remain high even in September and October, increasing the risk of heatstroke. Second, schools want to allocate more class time after autumn to prepare students for winter entrance exams. Undokai and Taiikusai have evolved with the times. Another notable change in recent years is that while these events used to be full-day affairs from morning to evening, more schools now opt for half-day schedules. This adjustment aims to reduce the risk of heatstroke and lessen the workload of teachers.
Another change is how lunchtime is handled. Traditionally, families would eat together, bringing homemade bento to enjoy as a family picnic. However, nowadays, it is becoming more common for children to eat in their classrooms, either with school-provided lunch or their own packed meals, while parents return home or eat separately. This shift is intended to accommodate children whose parents cannot attend, such as those from dual-income or single-parent households.
Additionally, in recent years, there has been a growing focus on safety, leading to the discontinuation of events like "Kumitaiso" (human pyramid formations) and "Kibasen" (cavalry battles), which carry a higher risk of accidents or injuries.
As times change, so does the way Undokai is conducted, with various considerations being made to ensure a safer and more inclusive event.
What Events Are Held in Undokai and Taiikusai?
As mentioned earlier, Japan’s Undokai and Taiikusai are not just about improving physical abilities but also about fostering teamwork and cooperation by participating in the same events with classmates and friends. These events provide a sense of achievement, the joy of success, and even the frustration of losing—offering a range of emotional and physical experiences.
Here are some of the typical events you’ll find in an Undokai or Taiikusai.
Sprint Race
A race that tests speed, usually covering distances of 50m or 100m. The "Relay" is a team-based event where runners pass a baton in sequence, competing for the fastest overall time. Both are straightforward, exciting races where winners are easily determined, making them some of the highlights of Undokai.
Obstacle Race
Participants race to the finish line while overcoming various obstacles, such as nets or hoops. The difficulty of the obstacles can be adjusted, making this a fun event for all ages, from kindergarteners to high school students.
Tamaire (Ball Toss Game)
A team competition where participants throw small balls into a high basket within a time limit. Since students from different grade levels can play together, this is another classic event enjoyed by all.
Oodama Korogashi (Giant Ball Rolling)
A team-based race where groups work together to roll a massive ball toward the finish line as quickly as possible. To roll the ball efficiently, teammates must coordinate their force and speed, making this event great for building teamwork and cooperation.
Tug-of-War
A competition where two teams pull on opposite ends of a rope, trying to pull the center line past a designated mark. The team that successfully pulls the rope beyond the line wins. This event allows for a large number of participants, making it a staple of Undokai.
Bōtaoshi (Pole Toppling)
Teams compete to knock down a tall pole placed in the opponent's territory. Each team is divided into defenders, who protect their pole, and attackers, who try to bring down the opposing team's pole. Since this is a high-contact event with a risk of injury, some schools limit participation to male high school students.
Kibasen (Cavalry Battle)
A game where teams form "horses" by having three or four people support a rider on top. The riders then try to snatch hats from opposing riders. Like Bōtaoshi, Kibasen involves close contact and the risk of falling, so safety precautions are necessary.
Karibito (Karimono) Kyōsō (Scavenger Hunt Race)
Participants draw a card with a prompt and must find a person or object that matches the description to bring to the goal. Prompts may include "a person wearing glasses," "someone in red clothing," "a fan," or "a blue towel." Students find suitable people or objects among classmates, teachers, or parents and race to the finish line. This is an enjoyable event that doesn't require athletic ability, making it fun for everyone involved.
Hyōgen (Performance)
In this event, students perform dances and other artistic expressions. Some schools and regions have a tradition of showcasing local performing arts, while others perform well-known routines such as "Sōran Bushi" from Hokkaido or "Yosakoi" from Kōchi Prefecture. Originally regional, these dances have become popular nationwide. The purpose of this event is to help students develop basic physical movements, experience different cultural traditions, and foster teamwork and enjoyment. Additionally, dance has become a mandatory part of physical education in elementary and junior high schools.
Relay Race
The climax of Undokai is the relay race, typically held at the end of the event. Usually, the fastest runners from each class are selected to compete in class or team-based relay races. Since the outcome of the entire competition may be determined by the relay race, it is one of the most exciting events of the day.However, selected participants are often required to undergo special training during lunch breaks or after school, which can be a burden. Despite this, being chosen as a relay runner is considered an honor for both students and parents, and very few children dislike being selected.
History and Origins of Undokai in Japan
The origin of Undokai in Japan dates back to 1874 when a "Kyoto Yugi-kai" (Competitive Play Event) was held at the Naval Academy in Tokyo under the guidance of foreign instructors. The event was introduced as a way to relieve students' stress and provide more opportunities for physical exercise between academic lessons. It consisted of 18 events that combined competitive and recreational activities.Initially held at higher education institutions, Undokai gradually spread to elementary schools by the late Meiji era and evolved into the modern-day school sports festival.
Do Other Countries Have Undokai?
Unlike sports festivals in other countries, Japanese Undokai and Taiikusai feature not only individual events like sprinting but also team competitions such as relays and Kibasen, as well as dance performances. Preparation for these events includes not just training for competitions but also rehearsals for the opening and closing ceremonies, ensuring that students are well-prepared for the big day. The emphasis on teamwork and unity is a defining characteristic of Japanese Undokai.In contrast, sports events in other countries tend to focus more on individual performance rather than team competition. In Western countries, for example, sports days are often more about having fun and being physically active rather than intense competition or showcasing the results of extensive training.
Additionally, while participation in Japanese Undokai is typically mandatory for all students, sports events in other countries are usually voluntary. Furthermore, Japanese Undokai is a full-day event, whereas similar events abroad often last only half a day or a few hours, making them more of a recreational activity.
How Are Sports Events Held Abroad? Insights from Locals
So, do other countries hold events similar to Japan’s Undokai? If so, how do they differ? We interviewed FUN! JAPAN’s global staff to find out.
Taiwan
"In Taiwan, schools often hold sports festivals around their school’s founding anniversary. Unlike Japan, students are not divided into red and white teams; instead, competitions are usually conducted on an individual basis or as class-based contests. One distinctive feature is the cheerleading competitions, where students take charge of choreographing routines, forming formations, and preparing props."
Team events: Jump rope, tug-of-war, volleyball, relay races
- Individual events: 200m, 400m, 800m sprints, high jump, long jump, shot put
- Cheerleading: Each class performs choreographed cheerleading routines
Hong Kong
"Hong Kong schools also hold sports festivals. Schools already have pre-existing group divisions beyond class levels, and these groups are identified by distinct uniforms and sportswear colors. The groups, known as ‘houses,’ are usually named after the school’s four core values (e.g., Love, Respect, Diligence, Honesty). Competitions take place between these groups, and just like in Japan, the final event is usually a relay race featuring selected runners."
- Events: 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m sprints, hurdles, long jump, high jump, discus throw, javelin throw, 4x100m & 4x400m relays
- Cheerleading: Each house presents choreographed cheer routines and chants slogans
- Souvenirs: Accessories and badges featuring house colors are distributed among members and exchanged with students from other houses
Thailand
"Thailand holds a ‘Color Sports Festival’ (กีฬาสี) in elementary, middle, and high schools. Competitions are divided into three categories: sports, creativity, and cheer performances. Preparation is extensive in large schools, sometimes taking one to three months. However, in smaller schools and kindergartens, the event is much more simplified."
- Competitive sports: Soccer, sprints, relays, hurdle races (best student-athletes compete); in urban schools with pools, swimming events may be included
- Fun games: Tug-of-war, three-legged races, sack races, obstacle courses (open to all students)
- Creativity: Banner and signboard displays in the cheering section
- Cheer performances: Cheerleading, drum major performances, choreographed routines in the stands (singing, waves, pom-poms, hand gestures, human formations), and elaborate parades with costumes and banners
Vietnam
"School-based sports festivals are uncommon in Vietnam. Instead, competitions are usually held at provincial or national levels. I personally never participated in one, but recently, more schools have started organizing annual sports festivals. These events are class-based rather than team-based."
- Events: Soccer, track and field, badminton, chess, shuttlecock kicking, Vovinam (Vietnamese martial arts), tug-of-war, and traditional games like bamboo horse races
- Performances: Singing and dancing during opening and closing ceremonies
Indonesia
"There is no strong tradition of school sports festivals in Indonesia, and most schools do not hold them. Many schools lack the necessary infrastructure. Cultural festivals are more common. Middle and high schools are more likely to hold soccer or futsal tournaments, and some high schools organize basketball competitions."
United States, United Kingdom, and Other Countries
In the United States, “Field Day,” and in the United Kingdom, “Sports Day,” are held in schools. However, these events are more about physical activity and enjoyment rather than competition. The emphasis is on recreation rather than serious athletic contests.
Undokai: A Vital School Event in Japan
While Undokai is not unique to Japan, it is deeply embedded in the country’s school culture. Unlike in many other countries, Japanese Undokai is not just a day of physical activity but a structured event where students train in advance, work as a team, and share in a sense of achievement. This makes it a significant and memorable experience for students.
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