2. Children often join sports teams at a young age to help instill qualities the Japanese value
While Japan’s national sport is Sumo, Kendo, Karate, Aikido, and Judo are other traditional Japanese sports that are profoundly entrenched in Japanese culture. Sumo derived from a Shinto ritual over 1,500 years ago and was molded into a professional sport where the object is to push your opponent out of a ring. Kendo is thought to be one of Japan’s oldest forms of martial art, which is similar to fencing, but a much more spiritual experience. Karate, aikido, and judo, along with many others are all forms of martial arts, as well and each has their own unique style and teaches many different qualities that the Japanese value, such as dedication, discipline, and harmony. You can also find children taking part in sports like baseball, soccer, and football and they are encouraged to be part of a team to gain a sense of pride and camaraderie.
Jose Gil/Shutterstock.com
