Japan is known for having a wide variety of sports. From soccer and baseball to judo and sumo wrestling, the country is full of different sports that are popular and widely played throughout the country. But is badminton one of them? Is badminton a big sport in Japan?
History of Badminton in Japan
Badminton is a racquet sport that has been around since at least the 16th century, with the modern version of the game being developed in the 19th century in England. The sport was introduced to Japan in the late 19th century and has since become an important part of the country’s sporting landscape.
The Japan Badminton Association was founded in 1934 and the sport has been included in the All Japan Championships since 1939. The Japan Badminton Association is now a member of the Badminton World Federation, the international governing body for the sport.
Popularity of Badminton in Japan
Badminton is a popular sport in Japan, with the number of players increasing every year. According to the Japan Badminton Association, there are more than 10 million people who play badminton in Japan. The sport is popular among both men and women and is widely practiced in schools and universities.
In addition, the Japan Badminton Association organizes a wide range of tournaments and events to promote the sport. The All Japan Championships are held annually and the Japan Badminton Grand Prix is held every year in Tokyo. The Japan Open is also held annually and is one of the most popular badminton events in the country.
Badminton in the Olympics
Badminton has been an Olympic sport since 1992 and Japan has had some success in the sport. In the 1992 Olympics in Barcelona, Japan won two medals, a bronze in the men’s doubles and a silver in the mixed doubles. In the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Japan won a bronze medal in the women’s doubles.
Badminton in Professional Sports
Badminton is also a popular professional sport in Japan, with several professional teams competing in the All Japan Badminton Championships. The most successful team is the Saitama Super Badminton Club, which has won the championship four times.
The Japan Badminton Association also organizes the Japan Professional Badminton League, which is the highest level of professional badminton in the country. The league consists of six teams that compete against each other in a round-robin format.
Conclusion
Badminton is a big sport in Japan and has been a part of the country’s sporting landscape for over a century. The sport has grown in popularity over the years, with more and more people playing and getting involved in the sport. Badminton has also been an Olympic sport since 1992 and Japan has had some success in the sport, winning medals in the Olympics and in the professional leagues. Thanks to its popularity and success, badminton is sure to remain a big sport in Japan for many years to come.