Topic: 2025-Safeguarding and Promoting Traditional Sports and Games
Country: Japan
Delegate Name: Safiya Mahmood
Traditional sports and games (TSG) in Japan, such as sumo, kendo, and various martial arts, reflect deep cultural practices and cultural identities that have been passed down for centuries. Unlike globally recognized sports, these traditional activities often lack standardized rules and formal governing bodies, which makes them more vulnerable to decline. During the Meiji Restoration in the late 19th century, Japan underwent significant modernization, which led to the suppression of many regional practices in favor of Western sports. However, traditional Japanese sports have persisted, and today they remain a vital part of cultural heritage. In modern times, Japan faces challenges similar to those seen in other countries: globalization, urbanization, and climate change. For example, sports that were once tied to rural life, like snow-based activities such as traditional winter festivals and games, are threatened by rising global temperatures and changing weather patterns. Additionally, rural-to-urban migration has disrupted the transmission of cultural practices, as younger generations are increasingly disconnected from these traditions. Since the early 2000s, Japan has supported UNESCO’s efforts to recognize TSG as part of the world’s cultural heritage. While some advocate for the inclusion of traditional sports in the Olympics to ensure their survival, Japan believes that this approach risks altering their authenticity and cultural significance. The Japanese perspective calls for sustainable solutions that strike a balance between global exposure and maintaining the traditions and values inherent to these practices.
Japan actively supports the preservation and promotion of TSG, both domestically and internationally. Traditional sports such as sumo, kendo and more remain integral to Japanese cultural identity. The Japanese government, through the Japan Sports Agency, has worked to maintain these practices by integrating them into school curricula and supporting national federations dedicated to their preservation. Japan has also backed UNESCO’s efforts to document and promote TSG and has historically supported international resolutions emphasizing cultural heritage protection. Also, Japan supported the adoption of the 2003 Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage, which recognizes TSG as vital expressions of cultural diversity. Additionally, Japan backed the 2005 UNESCO Resolution 21, which highlighted the need for a global agreement on traditional sports and games. Japan has taken steps to modernize traditional sports while preserving their cultural roots. For example, sumo remains a respected sport with a structured professional league, while martial arts such as judo have gained international recognition without losing their historical significance. Japan advocates for a balanced approach that ensures cultural authenticity while allowing for adaptation and continued practice in modernized society.
Japan urges the United Nations and its member states to adopt a comprehensive approach to safeguarding and promoting TSG. One of the key recommendations is the integration of TSG into educational programs, particularly in physical education, to ensure that younger generations are educated about and appreciate these cultural practices. By including TSG in school curriculums, countries can help foster a sense of cultural pride and continuity among youth. Additionally, Japan calls for the establishment of global cultural exchange initiatives that enable athletes and practitioners to share their TSG practices across borders. This would help raise international awareness and appreciation of these traditions, while also promoting unity through sports. To further support TSG, Japan emphasizes the need for increased funding and policy support. Governments and international organizations should allocate financial resources and structural assistance for the preservation of TSG, including grants for community-led initiatives that can help sustain these practices at the local level. In line with modern technological advancements, Japan advocates for the use of digital platforms, online archives, and social media to document, teach, and promote TSG globally. These tools provide a unique opportunity to reach wider audiences, making traditional sports accessible and engaging to people from different cultures. Finally, Japan recognizes that the inclusion of traditional sports in the Olympic Games may be beneficial for some, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, Japan proposes the exploration of alternative methods of preservation, such as regional competitions and festivals, which can provide opportunities for these sports to thrive while maintaining their cultural integrity. These approaches balance global recognition with local authenticity which will be essential for the sustainable preservation of TSG, worldwide.
