When is Sports Day 2025 this year? | Family-friendly events and exercise habits
Once October arrives, the lingering heat of summer has passed and events related to exercise and health, known as "Autumn Sports," are held all over the country.
It used to be called "Health and Sports Day," but now it has changed to "Sports Day."
Here we will explain how to spend Sports Day.
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4. How to spend Sports Day with the family ~Activities that make use of the culture of Sports Day~
10. Reaffirm your health through Sports Day - How to develop an exercise habit
11. Special feature on local Sports Day events ~Events that carry on the spirit of Sports Day~
1. A thorough explanation of the origin and meaning of Sports Day
Origin of Sports Day and its historical background
Sports Day is a national holiday celebrated throughout Japan, and was established to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics.
At the time, the whole world was paying attention to Japan's sports culture, and Health and Sports Day was established with the intention of promoting the health of the nation through sports.
This holiday, which began in 1966, was originally fixed on October 10th, but with the introduction of the "Happy Monday System" in 2000, it was moved to the second Monday of October.
The day was renamed "Sports Day" in anticipation of the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
In today's world, it is not just important to encourage exercise, but also to deepen connections with others through sports and maintain a healthy mind and body .
Physical activity is now recognized not only as a means of physical health, but also as a way to improve mental health, relieve stress, and strengthen social connections.
On this page, we would like to convey the importance of engaging in sports, especially with your family .
Through sporting events that children can enjoy with their families and light exercise in the park, we hope to convey the joy of being able to exercise while experiencing the natural beauty of Japan's four seasons.
2. When is Sports Day? Holiday details and event information
Sports Day is held on the second Monday of October every year.
Many sporting events are held across the country on this day, making it a great opportunity to participate with family and friends.
For example, in Tokyo, a "Sports Festival" is held, which includes outdoor walking events, sports classes for beginners, and physical fitness tests.
There is a corner for children where they can experience the fun of moving their bodies, as well as plenty of game-style events that the whole family can enjoy.
In addition, unique events that make use of the natural beauty and history of each region are held in regional cities.
For example, in Kyoto, walking tours that take in the historic cityscape are popular, allowing you to enjoy the combined pleasure of exercise and sightseeing.
Fukuoka and Sapporo also have citizen-participation running events and special programs organized by local sports clubs.
Sports Day should not just be a day for exercise, but also an opportunity to be conscious of your health with family and friends.
This year, even if you don't usually exercise, we encourage you to take advantage of this holiday to get moving and try out new sports .
3. 5 events you should participate in on Sports Day!
5 sporting events you should attend
Numerous events are held across the country on Sports Day , offering plenty of opportunities to participate with family and friends in every region.
Here are five events worth noting.
1. Tokyo Sports Festa : This large-scale event offers a variety of sports for everyone, from walking and physical fitness tests to volleyball and basketball.
Many families participate, and there are plenty of programs for beginners, so you can easily get some exercise.
2. Yokohama Sports Festival : This event incorporates cutting-edge technology to offer VR sports experiences and unique sports like Mölkky.
There are many events that even beginners and children can enjoy.
3. Osaka Citizens' Sports Festival : Osaka offers a variety of free sports experiences within the city.
Many local residents participate in walking, jogging, and other local sports competitions.
4. Kyoto Walking Tour : A walking tour through Kyoto's historic streets is a unique experience that combines sports and sightseeing.
Families are also welcome to participate.
5. Fukuoka Sports Festival : Fukuoka hosts a sports festival featuring local athletes together with the local community.
Local specialties will also be on sale at the same time, so you can enjoy sightseeing at the same time.
These events are designed to be fun for everyone and allow you to enjoy a new sporting experience with family and friends.
4. How to spend Sports Day with the family
How to spend Sports Day with the family
Sports Day offers a wide range of activities for you and your family to enjoy.
It's the perfect opportunity to take a break from your busy daily routine and enjoy a healthy and fun day.
Here are some ways to strengthen family bonds while getting active in the pleasant autumn weather.
1. Family Walking : Walking is an easy exercise for the whole family, regardless of age.
Walking together in a nearby park or nature trail allows you to have a relaxed conversation about topics that you might not normally have the chance to discuss.
Walking while enjoying the autumn nature is a great opportunity to help children, in particular, experience the change of seasons.
2. In-home sports tournaments : We also recommend holding in-home sports tournaments, which can be enjoyed regardless of the weather.
For example, activities that can be done in the living room, such as balloon volleyball, simple stretching, or dancing, can be enjoyed by the whole family.
3. Cycling Day : If your family loves bikes, cycling is the perfect day out.
Head to a nature-rich area and enjoy a picnic with your family for a healthy day out.
Even kids who aren't good at exercise will be motivated if there's a fun destination.
So make the most of your sports day by doing activities that the whole family can enjoy together .
Cherish time with your family and live a healthy life through exercise.
5. Use Sports Day as an opportunity to start healthy habits! Recommended exercise methods
Recommended exercises to start on Sports Day
Sports Day is a great way to get started on your exercise routine.
For those who feel they don't get enough exercise on a regular basis, this day is an opportunity to incorporate a little bit of exercise into your daily routine.
Regular exercise is said to improve your physical and mental health and enhance your quality of life.
First of all, we recommend starting with easy exercises like walking or jogging.
Even those who are not used to exercise can continue without difficulty, and it puts little strain on the body.
Also, doing it together as a family can strengthen family bonds and allow you to share fun times together.
If you make it a habit to walk together on weekends, exercise will naturally become a part of your daily life.
Additionally, we also recommend some light strength training that you can do at home.
For example, squats and sit-ups can be done without any special equipment, and you can see results in a short amount of time.
By carrying on the spirit of Sports Day and incorporating these basic exercises into your daily routine, the whole family can lead a healthy lifestyle.
The key to continuing to exercise is to enjoy it and do it without overexerting yourself.
Start slowly at first and gradually increase the amount of exercise you do, and your body will get used to it and it will naturally become a habit.
The most important thing is to exercise in a fun way and not overdo it.
6. Why was the name of Sports Day changed?
Reasons and background for the change to Sports Day
The reason behind the change from Health and Sports Day to Sports Day is the expansion of sports culture in Japan and the changing times.
Established to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Health and Sports Day primarily focused on physical fitness through exercise and gymnastics.
At the time, Japan was going through a period of post-war reconstruction and one of the national priorities was to promote the health and physical fitness of its citizens. This was the background to Health and Sports Day as a holiday to promote sports to the entire nation.
However, as time has passed, sports have evolved from simply being a means of improving physical fitness to becoming an important element in maintaining physical and mental health and promoting interaction with others.
For this reason, in 2020, "Health and Sports Day" was renamed "Sports Day," and became a day that contributes not only to physical fitness but also to communication with others and improving mental health.
This change recognises a wider range of exercise forms and purposes, and includes not only specific sports and gymnastics, but also light sports such as walking, yoga and dance.
The sports culture in Japan that was brought about by Health and Sports Day has now spread even more widely among families and local communities, and has become the foundation for living a healthy and active life.
7. Special feature on noteworthy events taking place on Sports Day [National Edition]
Featured Sports Day Events
Sports Day is an exciting day when various sporting events are held all over the country.
There are plenty of opportunities for families, friends and the local community to come together and have fun.
Here are some of the events that are attracting national attention.
1. Shinjuku Sports Festival (Tokyo): This large-scale event is held annually in Tokyo, where you can enjoy sports classes, physical fitness tests, and competitions like volleyball and basketball.
There are many programs especially aimed at beginners, and the programs are designed to be easy for everyone from children to adults to participate.
2. Yokohama Sports and Leisure Festival (Kanagawa): In Yokohama City, you can enjoy new sports experiences such as Mölkky and VR sports.
This hands-on event, incorporating technological advancements, is popular and can be enjoyed by the whole family.
3. Izumo Ekiden (Shimane): This is a relay race held in Shimane Prefecture, where top university runners from all over the country gather.
You can enjoy watching the game and cheering on your team with your family and friends.
This tournament is also famous as an event that symbolizes Japan's ekiden culture.
These events continue the spirit of Health and Sports Day and aim to promote community cohesion and health through sports.
It will be an opportunity to rediscover the joy of physical activity while spending the day with your family.
8. Special Sports Day Activities for Kids and Adults
Family activities for sports day
Sports Day offers a wide range of activities for all ages.
One of the most appealing aspects of exercise is that it allows families to exercise together and have fun while also being mindful of their health.
Here are some activities that both kids and adults will enjoy.
1. Family Picnic & Sports Day : Enjoy sports that the whole family can participate in at a nearby park.
For example, a picnic that incorporates some light exercise, such as badminton, frisbee, or soccer, can be a great way to combine fun and exercise. It's also important to bring a packed lunch and spend time eating together as a family after the exercise.
2. Children's events held at local sports centers : Many local governments open their gyms and sports centers to the public on Sports Day and hold events that are free or available at a discount.
Here, there are plenty of fun activities, such as swimming lessons and physical fitness tests, giving children their first opportunity to try sports.
3. Family cycling in nature : It's a great idea to take your family on a bike ride to a natural area you don't usually visit. Light cycling makes it easy for family members who aren't good at exercise to join in and rediscover the joy of physical activity. It's also a good idea to set a destination and enjoy a delicious lunch together.
This series of events and activities, which follows on from Sports Day , is designed to allow families to spend quality time together through exercise. It will be an important day to forget the busyness of everyday life and refresh both body and mind through sports.
9. A detailed explanation of the difference between Sports Day and Physical Education Day! Learn the history
Explaining the difference between Sports Day and Physical Education Day
The difference between Sports Day and Physical Education Day is not just a change of name.
Established to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Health and Sports Day primarily focused on physical fitness through exercise and gymnastics.
At that time, Japan was going through a period of post-war reconstruction and one of the national priorities was to promote the health and physical strength of its citizens.
This is the background to Health and Sports Day as a national holiday that promotes sports to the entire nation.
However, as time has passed, sports have evolved from simply being a means of improving physical fitness to becoming an important element in maintaining physical and mental health and promoting interaction with others.
For this reason, in 2020, "Health and Sports Day" was renamed "Sports Day," and became a day that contributes not only to physical fitness but also to communication with others and improving mental health.
This change recognises a wider range of exercise forms and purposes, and includes not only specific sports and gymnastics, but also light sports such as walking, yoga and dance.
The sports culture in Japan that was brought about by Health and Sports Day has now spread even more widely among families and local communities, and has become the foundation for living a healthy and active life.
10. Reaffirm your health on Sports Day! The importance of exercise habits
Reaffirm your healthy habits on Sports Day!
Sports Day is a great opportunity to reaffirm your health consciousness and incorporate exercise into your daily life.
Lack of exercise is one of the major issues in modern society, and maintaining an exercise habit is important in order to avoid health risks.
Moderate exercise not only reduces the risk of heart disease and diabetes, but also supports mental health.
On the other hand, you may find it difficult to find time to exercise in your busy daily life.
However, it's a good idea to start with small steps, using sports day as an opportunity.
For example, you can gradually incorporate exercise into your daily life by walking one stop when commuting to work or shopping, or by using the stairs instead of the elevator.
In addition, sports days allow the whole family to enjoy exercise, helping to maintain the health of the whole family .
Building a healthy lifestyle can be achieved through activities that involve the whole family, such as weekend walks, bike rides, and family yoga sessions.
The change from Health and Sports Day to Sports Day has further expanded the significance of exercise, making physical activity more accessible and easier to follow.
Take this opportunity to develop an exercise habit with your family and friends and enjoy healthy daily life.
11. Local Sports Day Events
Sports Day Event Special [National Edition]
Sports Day is a valuable opportunity to take part in a variety of local events held across the country.
There are many sporting events taking place that make use of the characteristics of each region, and the park is designed to make it easy for anyone to participate.
Here are some notable local events.
1. Hokkaido Sports Festival : Hokkaido hosts outdoor sports events set against the backdrop of magnificent nature.
Particularly popular are walking and hiking activities combined with nature walks. There are many courses that families can participate in, and the experience of sports while enjoying the autumn scenery is exceptional.
2. Hyogo Prefecture Sports Day : In Hyogo Prefecture, local gyms and parks are opened to the public, and free sports classes and events are held.
Family sports tournaments and physical fitness testing events are particularly popular, attracting health-conscious participants.
There will also be exercises for beginners and networking events with local athletes.
3. Fukuoka Citizens' Sports Festival : In Fukuoka, various sporting events are held by local communities.
Particular attention is being paid to community-based sports tournaments and experiential events held at major sports facilities in the city.
Events to enjoy local specialties are often held at the same time, and the event is designed to be enjoyable for the whole family.
These events, which carry on the spirit of Health and Sports Day , are not just for exercise but also serve to revitalize the local area and strengthen community ties. Come join us with your family and friends in the pleasant autumn weather, enjoy sports, and deepen your connections with the community.
12. Summary: Take advantage of Sports Day and enjoy exercise
Summary for enjoying exercise on Sports Day
Sports days are a great opportunity to get active and healthy with family and friends in the middle of busy lives.
Health and Sports Day, which began in 1964 to commemorate the Tokyo Olympics, has evolved into the current "Sports Day," and the public's awareness has shifted to a focus on improving their physical and mental health through exercise.
It's also strange that the names of national holidays changed between the first and second Tokyo Olympics.
Over the course of 50 years, the way we see things and our values change.
Walking, cycling and participating in local sporting events are fun ways to spend a day with your family and stay healthy.
In addition, incorporating exercise into your daily life is a step towards achieving a healthy lifestyle.
Through Sports Day, we hope you will rediscover the joy of exercise and the importance of health, and enjoy this holiday every year.
And using this day as an opportunity to feel the happiness of being healthy and spend time filled with smiles will have a positive impact on your future life.
Let's spread the joy of physical activity for a healthy and happy future.
