Making its Olympic debut in 2020, karate is set to become a symbol of the Tokyo Games. We look at the martial art's long history, with a focus on kumite, and visit Teikyo University's karate club, home to 15 Japan team members. We speak to Ayumi Uekusa, kumite gold medalist in the 68kg+ category at the 2016 World Championships, and Miho Miyahara, who fought Uekusa in the 2017 Japan Championship final, and examine the appeal of karate as a sport as well as its unique underlying philosophy.
Sport climbing will be joining the ranks of official Olympic sports when it makes its debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games as a single combined event comprising the 3 disciplines of bouldering, lead and speed climbing. Japanese climbers are working hard to polish their speed climbing skills, their weakest area up till now. Former national team coach Hidekazu Ito joins us at the climbing wall. We also examine what sets handcrafted Japanese climbing shoes apart from other rival brands.
Japan is finally enjoying the limelight once again as one of the world's top table tennis nations after decades of decline. This change of fortunes is down to various efforts being made at the youth level of the sport, including a number of young stars coached by their parents, and the Hopes national team, an elite academy for under-12s responsible for developing a new crop of Olympic medalists. With a brand-new league set to kick off this autumn, we explore Japan's table tennis renaissance.
Va'a is a new discipline for paracanoe set to feature for the first time at the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics. The over 7m long outrigger canoes are based on traditional Polynesian craft, and will be raced over a 200m sprint. Masaaki Suwa (32) is a Japanese pioneer of va'a. He has a very quick start due to his fast paddling rhythm and skill in keeping straight. Suwa is vying to represent Japan in 2020, and hopes his training can bear fruit in a race to decide Japan's Paracanoe World Championship team.
Japan's first professional football league, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. The J.League's success has greatly improved the quality of football in Japan, helping the national team qualify for both Olympic and World Cup tournaments. We speak to former national team player Masakiyo Maezono, who played in the J.League from its very first year, and Japan Football Association President, Kozo Tashima, about the impact the J.League has had on Japanese football and their hopes for the future.
Japan's first-ever national sports research facility, the Japan Institute of Sports Sciences, was opened in 2001 at a cost of 27.4 billion yen. Using the latest research and technology, including a unique purpose-built wind tunnel to analyze air resistance, the facility supports athletes and para-athletes in all aspects of their training and health, and is the cornerstone of the fully integrated Japan High Performance Sport Center, encompassing everything from training grounds to dormitories.
In Japanese kyudo, archers use traditional asymmetric bows over 2 meters long as they attempt to strike a target from a distance of either 28 or 60 meters. Self-mastery is key in this exacting martial art, where the target is said to reflect the heart, and correct attitude and technique are seen as intertwined. We use a high-speed camera to track the path of a skilled archer's arrows as they fly through the air, shining a light on the depth and subtleties of kyudo's hidden techniques.
Rugby Sevens made its Olympic debut at Rio 2016 and proved to be a highlight of the Games. There were hopes that the Japan women's team, the Sakura Sevens, might reach the podium, but they were swept aside in almost all their matches and finished up in 10th place. We follow the Sakura Sevens as they enter a new stage of development, putting their tough experience in Rio to positive effect and working on all aspects of their game in preparation for the 2020 Olympics on home turf in Tokyo.
The grueling combined swimming, cycling and running sport of triathlon joined the official Paralympic roster at Rio 2016. Hideki Uda is a rising star of the sport. He lost his right arm in 2013, and was scouted for para triathlon while swimming for rehabilitation. He won the 2015 Asian Championships on his first attempt, and is now near the top of the world rankings. With national team leader Masamitsu Tomikawa, he's working hard to ensure he can continue to compete at the top of the sport.
1992 Olympic judo gold medallist, Toshihiko Koga, was famed for his formidable ippon seoi nage throw. He now runs a judo school where he's passing on his skills and approach to the next generation.
Japan has won more medals in gymnastics than in any other Olympic sport. Together with 1992 Olympic silver medalist Yukio Iketani, we look back at how Japan grew to be one of the sport's leading nations, and explore the essence of the "beautiful gymnastics" its top gymnasts are renowned for. With Tokyo 2020 on the horizon, we see how the next generation of young talent is being trained, and introduce the incredible skills of current stars Kohei Uchimura and Kenzo Shirai.
3×3 basketball will be making its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020. With roots as a popular street sport, the lightning-speed 3-a-side version of the game uses just a single hoop on a half-court, and players must switch between offense and defense in an instant. We follow the Japan men's team as they try to build on recent Asia Cup bronze medal success at the World Cup. Given the sheer size of overseas players, Japan must rely on speed, skill and shrewd tactics as they take aim at the Olympic podium.
The samurai warrior remains an enduring symbol of Japan. In the 17th century, when peace came to the country after more than a century of wars and turmoil, samurai continued to practice their sword-wielding skills, with emphasis shifting from the demands of the battlefield to ideals of self-cultivation. With expert Alex Bennett, we examine the philosophy of influential swordsman Yagyu Munenori, who popularized swordsmanship as a means of cleansing one's heart and achieving one's full potential.
Making its Olympic debut in 2020, karate is set to become a symbol of the Tokyo Games. We look at the martial art's long history, with a focus on kumite, and visit Teikyo University's karate club, home to 15 Japan team members. We speak to Ayumi Uekusa, kumite gold medalist in the 68kg+ category at the 2016 World Championships, and Miho Miyahara, who fought Uekusa in the 2017 Japan Championship final, and examine the appeal of karate as a sport as well as its unique underlying philosophy.
In Japanese kyudo, archers use traditional asymmetric bows over 2 meters long as they attempt to strike a target from a distance of either 28 or 60 meters. Self-mastery is key in this exacting martial art, where the target is said to reflect the heart, and correct attitude and technique are seen as intertwined. We use a high-speed camera to track the path of a skilled archer's arrows as they fly through the air, shining a light on the depth and subtleties of kyudo's hidden techniques.
Japan's badminton team have made great progress in the run-up to Tokyo 2020. Their current strength owes much to the appointment in 2004 of Park Joo-bong as head coach. Park analyzed why Japan, despite technical ability and smashing power, were unable to win in international competition, and concluded the players lacked the strong resolve to win no matter what. Park overcame significant opposition to change Japan's attitude to badminton. We look back on the secrets behind this success story.
With skateboarding making its Olympic debut at Tokyo 2020, there's a palpable buzz among Japan's young skaters who are bursting with talent. All 10 male and 10 female athletes so far shortlisted for the 2020 national team are aged 19 or under. We follow 11-year-old Yumeka Oda as she looks to realize her Olympic dreams, and also break down some of the breathtaking tricks we'll be seeing from the world's top skaters, looking at how scores will be awarded at the 2020 Games.
In tankendo, exponents use a 53-cm-long bamboo sword, less than half the length of those used in kendo. As tankendo was originally based on bayonet fighting, thrusts form the main mode of attack. With its thrilling up-close action, the martial art is gaining enthusiasts worldwide. 6th dan expert Baptiste Tavernier discusses the French influence on tankendo as well as the overall efficacy of short sword fighting, and we report from an international tankendo seminar with attendees from 15 nations.
Blind football has fast grown to become one of the most popular Paralympic sports. The 5-a-side game for visually impaired players has featured at the Paralympics since 2004, but Japan's men's team have until now failed to even qualify for the Games. A new coach and revamped training methods have brought about a dramatic turnaround in fortunes, though, with Japan recently holding back the world's top 2 teams Brazil and Argentina in 0-0 matches. We follow the team as they gear up for Tokyo 2020.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Japan's 4×100m sprint relay team stunned the world when they clinched the silver medal. With World Championship 4×100m bronze medalist Kenji Fujimitsu, we explore the secrets behind Japan's unique baton exchanges, which first propelled them to a medal at the 2008 Beijing Games. We take a closer look at the skill involved in the risky underhand or "up-sweep" baton pass technique, and discuss why the Japanese team originally decided to adopt this difficult approach.
At the World Challenge Cup held in Tokyo this June, Japan's men's team beat leading wheelchair basketball nations Australia, Germany and Canada to win their first major international trophy. At the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Japan had focused on teamwork but were overcome by more powerful opponents. A revamped approach focusing on speedy transitions has led to rapid improvements. We explore the team's current success and look back on their half-century of history, starting with the 1964 Tokyo Games.
n Olympic archery, a 1.22m diameter target is set 70m from the archer. To date Japan has won 5 Olympic archery medals, 3 silver and 2 bronze, and the team will be looking to add to this success at Tokyo 2020. Modern archery in Japan has been influenced by traditional Japanese archery or kyudo, particularly the 8-step process used to prepare and fire. We interview 2012 Olympic silver medalist Takaharu Furukawa about his own unique style and investigate the mental control required to succeed.
Aikido is a Japanese martial art that aims to train a person's movements and character in harmony with the rules of nature. An estimated 1.6 million people practice Aikido worldwide, drawn by its spiritual and physical benefits. Aikido was developed in the early 20th century by the late grandmaster Morihei Ueshiba. Through interviews with the current lineage holder, a kinesiologist, and practitioners, we unveil some of Aikido's secrets and find out what makes it so unique among martial arts.
Japan's homegrown track cycling sport of keirin first joined the Olympics in 2000. Despite a vibrant professional scene, Japan has underperformed on the world stage until now. We speak to 10-time former sprint cycling world champion, Koichi Nakano, and renowned coach Benoit Vetu, who are working hard to transform Japan's fortunes. Thanks in part to revamped training program performances have been improving, with Yuta Wakimoto clinching the men's keirin title at this year's UCI World Cup.
In 2018 Japanese sailors competing in the 470 class made great progress with a number of international wins. Hopes are high that Japan can grab a gold medal in the class at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. One of the favorite pairs for the men's team are Keiju Okada and Junpei Hokazono. Their familiarity with the erratic wind conditions at the Olympic venue in Enoshima gives them a solid home advantage. We also meet former Olympian Aiko Saito who plays a key role in raising Japan's youngest sailors.
BMX Freestyle Park aired December 21, 2018
Devised and developed by players, wheelchair rugby is renowned for its fierce collisions and full-contact action. In 2018, Japan clinched their first-ever World Championship victory, marking the latest step in a major turn-around in fortunes for the team. Wheelchair rugby pioneer Masahiro Fukui reveals the secrets behind Japan's recent success, in particular the role of star players Daisuke Ikezaki and Yukinobu Ike. With experienced coach Kevin Orr at the helm, all eyes are now on Tokyo 2020.
Hiromi Miyake has had a distinguished career in weightlifting, making her first Olympic appearance at the 2004 Athens Games at just 18 years old. She went on to win Olympic medals in both London and Rio, and is much loved by the Japanese public for her stoicism, competitive spirit, and gentle manner. We hear about her hopes for what could be her final Olympics on home soil at Tokyo 2020, and also meet a professor of biomechanics to help us understand some of the secrets of her technique.
In para-equestrian, riders use adapted saddles and reins to control their horse and achieve accurate, artistic dressage performances. Mitsuhide Miyaji represented Japan at the 2016 Rio Paralympics. A former JRA racehorse trainer, he was left with partial paralysis and brain damage after a stroke in 2005. He uses fine fingertip movements to control his horse while his wife Yumiko assists by calling out guidance. Working together, the couple hope to make an impression at the 2020 Paralympic Games.
We explore the world of Japan's classical martial arts, the ancient predecessors of modern martial arts. Developed on the battlefield, classical martial arts techniques encompass centuries of wisdom on body mechanics and how to maximize efficiency of movement. Such skills still have great relevance for modern sports, and we investigate how athletes such as sprinter and Olympic medalist Shingo Suetsugu and Olympic speed skating gold medalist Nao Kodaira have been applying them in their training.
Badminton will be making its Paralympic debut at the 2020 Tokyo Games. 2009 para-badminton world champion, Ayako Suzuki, has returned to the sport as she aims for a gold medal on home soil. Known for her careful shot selection and smart strategy, the 31-year-old competes in a class for players with upper body disabilities. Having reclaimed the world number one spot, can she hold off Chinese rival Yang Qiuxia, more than 10 years her junior and leading the tally in their one-on-one battles?
Boccia is a Paralympic sport with similarities to lawn bowls or curling that demands immense skill and precision. Players use various strategies to get their balls as close to the white jack ball as possible. In the team event at the 2016 Rio Paralympics, Japan's "Fireball Japan" team clinched the silver medal. Cool technician Hidetaka Sugimura and aggressive attacker Takayuki Hirose played a key role in Rio, and we follow them as they aim to go one better and claim gold at next year's Tokyo Games.
Goalball is a dynamic team sport where visually impaired players rely on sound as they combine hard-hitting attacks, stoic defending, and shrewd tactics. It was originally developed as a rehabilitation activity for visually impaired veterans and has gone on to become one of the most popular Paralympic sports. Japan's women's team won gold at London 2012, and they're now working to hone their game and adapt to evolution in the sport as they look to reclaim the Paralympic title in Tokyo next year.
Japan is targeting 2 fencing gold medals at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. The sport is also undergoing a major transformation at the direction of Japan Fencing Federation President Yuki Ota, himself a silver medal winner at the Beijing and London Olympics. Ota is working hard to attract new audiences by incorporating technology such as "sword tracers" and heart rate monitors that bring the action alive. With the Olympics approaching fast, work to incorporate these new initiatives is gathering pace.
Japan has a strong tradition of marathon running. The 1964 Tokyo Olympic Marathon was the first-ever to be broadcast live. In the 1980's and 90's Japan enjoyed a long period of success, but over recent years Japan's runners have struggled to keep pace with their East African rivals. A new project designed to improve performances will culminate in a one-off race to decide the Olympic marathon team later this year. We follow the efforts of Japan's marathon runners to get back on top of the world.
In para judo, visually impaired athletes rely on feeling to sense their opponent's every move. The biggest difference with standard judo is that bouts start with a hold, resulting in frequent ippon. Five-time Paralympic medalist Satoshi Fujimoto explains how his hands receive information from the moment of contact. His throws are so precisely executed, it can be hard to comprehend that he can't see his opponent. We also speak to the German national team, visiting Japan for their training camp.
Shorinji Kempo is a martial art founded in post-war Japan that emphasizes self-defense and personal development. It incorporates both "hard" techniques such as punching and kicking, as well as "soft" techniques like throws and joint locks. Perhaps most intriguing is its highly developed understanding of human physiology, particularly the use of pressure points and energy meridians, which can be used either to disable an attacker or to treat illness or injury. We visit the main dojo in Shikoku.
Japan's strong track record in volleyball includes 9 Olympic medals. Despite the smaller average size of Japanese players, innovative skills helped the women's team win a historic gold medal at the 1964 Olympics, with the men's team following suit 8 years later. As larger overseas players adopted their tactics, Japan's successes grew rarer, but a women's bronze win in 2012 has proved the podium is still within reach. We discuss prospects for Tokyo 2020 with former star player Motoko Obayashi.
In table tennis, players with a defensive style based on backspin returns are known as "choppers." The style requires persistence and skill to force errors. At this year's World Championships, Japan's bronze medal winning women's doubles players were both choppers, highlighting the style's effectiveness. While chopping may look one-dimensional to the untrained eye, its exponents employ many subtle varieties of spin. We look deeper into the chopping style with legendary chopper Koji Matsushita.
Breakdancing or more correctly "breaking," the athletic street dance with its origins in 1970's New York, is expected to become the latest youth-focused addition to the Olympic program at the 2024 Paris Games. Its b-boys and b-girls, as they're known, perform mind-boggling acrobatics to music, displaying extreme creativity and skill. Japan is home to some top-class dancers who compete at the very highest level. We follow b-boy Shigekix, a 17-year-old prodigy with a dream of winning gold in Paris.
Japanese race walkers have been achieving unprecedented success, occupying many of the higher positions in international rankings. Olympic race walking, contested over 50km and 20km for men, and 20km for women, is a grueling sport with strict rules on walking technique that result in frequent disqualification. Despite being an individual event, Japanese athletes are approaching the sport as a team, focusing on form, information sharing, and a well-organized support network during races.
In wheelchair fencing, competitors use the same 3 weapons of foil, epee, and sabre as in standard fencing, along with the same protective gear. The key difference, however, is that wheelchairs are firmly fixed in position, restricting movement to only the upper body. This forces fencers to employ a diverse range of advanced strategies, giving a unique twist to the traditional art of swordsmanship. We meet Paralympic hopeful Shintaro Kano as we explore this demanding and lightning-fast sport.
The Japan women's field hockey team has been improving dramatically. Following their first Asian Games gold in 2018, they've gone on to defeat some of the world's top sides. The team's turnaround in fortunes is in great part down to Australian head coach Anthony Farry, who has harnessed the team's speed to create a "high press" strategy, enabling them to win the ball back quickly in the opponent's half. Farry aims to take the team to number one.
20-year-old Hikaru Mori took up trampolining at age 4, and now hopes to become Japan's first-ever Olympic gold medalist in the sport. Her mastery of the challenging "triffus," a triple somersault with a twist, has opened the door for her to compete at the very top of the sport. We explore the technical intricacies of her ten-skill optional routine. Trampoline routines are judged on both aesthetics and difficulty, and Mori is working hard to make sure she can fly higher than all her rivals.
Para high jump follows the same basic rules as its able-bodied counterpart, placing similarly exacting mental, technical, and strategic demands on competitors. Veteran para high jumper Toru Suzuki has so far competed at a remarkable 5 Paralympic Games. He employs a wide array of training methods to hone his technique and keep his body and prosthetic leg moving as one. We follow him as he reflects on his efforts at the Rio Paralympics and puts his brand-new tailor-made prosthesis to the test.
We meet 87-year-old grandmaster Masaaki Hatsumi, living legend of the ninja arts, and speak with one of his instructors, an American living in Japan who has reached a high level of proficiency in ninjutsu. Keeping the secretive techniques of the ninja alive in the modern age, Hatsumi sensei has attracted countless thousands of students from around the world, even winning recognition from law-enforcement agencies such as the FBI. We explore the history of the ninja arts and their enduring legacy.
The traditional martial art of karate evolved on the islands of what is now Okinawa with rich regional influences. Today, karate has developed into a global competitive sport, with events comprising both one-on-one bouts as well as kata, specific sets of movements performed solo that embody the very essence of the martial art. We explore karate past and present with a special focus on kata and their role in passing karate's core teachings from one generation to the next.
Wheelchair tennis largely follows the rules of the standard version of the sport, but the ball is allowed to bounce twice. Players employ deft, creative chair work to make up for lack of sideways movement, dashing around the court in an instant. Japan has a number of world-class players, but the country's greatest pioneer of the sport is multiple Paralympic medalist Satoshi Saida. Now 47, he's gearing up for a final shot at the podium, hoping to crown his career with a medal in Tokyo next year.
Softball first arrived in Japan from the US in 1921, soon gaining popularity as a women's sport. Japan eventually grew to become one of the world's top teams, spurred on by their rivalry with the US, traditionally a dominant force in the sport. Using similar strategies to Japan's baseball team, Japan developed "small softball," climbing to world number one by avoiding sole reliance on home runs. We speak to former national coach Taeko Utsugi about Japan's unique approach to softball.
Female boxers endured long years of fighting for their right to enter the ring before women's boxing was finally sanctioned in the 1990's, with Olympic status following in 2012. Japan has earned a reputation for raising some exceptional fighters. 21-year-old flyweight Tsukimi Namiki has already proven her speedy footwork and stunning close quarters punch combinations can deliver. We look at her eventful career so far and find out how she's planning to topple her rivals on the world stage.
Today Japan is a major force in freestyle wrestling. 1976 Olympic gold medalist and four-time world champion Yuji Takada is one of the country's most celebrated wrestling heroes. A true innovator of the sport, Takada's Sotomuso technique propelled the 52kg wrestler to the top of his class. As a coach, he is now passing down his skills and passion for the sport to 65kg prodigy Takuto Otoguro, a rising star of the Japanese team, as a new generation carries forward Japan's storied wrestling legacy.
Japan today is a swimming powerhouse, regularly winning medals in international competition. Through much of the late 20th century, however, the country's swimming stars failed to truly shine on the world stage. As head coach, Koji Ueno helped revive Japan's fortunes through an emphasis on team spirit, while developing a healthy balance of rivalry and camaraderie within the squad. We investigate how Ueno has boosted Japan's performance while easing the pressure burden on individual athletes.
In para powerlifting, athletes with lower body impairment compete in the bench press. At Rio 2016, Siamand Rahman of Iran lifted 310kg, far exceeding weights attempted in Olympic weightlifting. Powerlifting is a test of stability and form as well as strength, and poor technique can mean disqualification. The extreme mental and physical pressure of the event demands nerves of steel. We feature women's 55kg class Japan record holder Eri Yamamoto, who remarkably only took up the sport in her 30's.
Sitting volleyball is one of the most popular team-based para sports, played by some 10,000 people in over 75 countries worldwide. The Japan women's team are finally starting to make an impression on the world stage, following a string of disappointing results over the years. Recruiting a new athletic trainer with pioneering methods has given them the foundation to step up to the next level. We see if their efforts can stand the test in actual competition against some of the world's top nations.
Heir to Japan's ancient art of swordsmanship, the martial art of kendo is viewed by many as more than just a sport. While bouts are scored by points or ippon, very specific conditions must be met for a strike to count. Every element of mind and body should be seen to move as one. Practitioners give years of hard practice to hone their skills and develop the perfect ippon. We follow one Kendoka through a remarkable endurance training method, that involves fighting 100 bouts in quick succession.
The throw known as Uchimata is a firm favorite among judo fans. Spectacular to watch and devastatingly effective, Uchimata has played a decisive role in many historic bouts. We explore the technique in depth, breaking down not only the fundamentals but also a range of variations, as well as explaining how a skilled judoka can counter an Uchimata attack. As we delve into the essence of this iconic technique, we analyze some of the most famous instances of its application in top-level competition.
53-year-old footballer Miura Kazuyoshi was a superstar of the J.League's inaugural 1993 season and he incredibly still plays professionally to this day, holding the world record for the oldest goalscorer in a competitive league game. Back in the 90's, already a national icon, "Kazu" became the first Asian player in Italy's Serie A. 2020 sees him back in Japan's top J1 division for the first time in 13 years. We look back on Kazu's colorful career and explore his lasting influence on the J.League.
The martial art of Jodo is a comprehensive system of techniques that employs a simple stick of tough Japanese white oak with devastating efficiency. Jodo is designed to neutralize attacks from swords or other weapons, forcing the aggressor to surrender. It's an art rooted in 4 centuries of history that continues to enjoy a large following in Japan and worldwide. We meet a Jodoka from Canada who has dedicated himself to the "way of the stick" and follow him on a journey to discover Jodo's roots.
From the adrenaline-pumped intensity of BMX racing to the mind-boggling skills and free expression of BMX flatland, we explore 2 very different disciplines in the world of extreme cycling sports. BMX racers reach speeds approaching 60km/h as they hurtle down the start ramp and jostle for position. We see how Japan's racers are working to close the gap on their international rivals, while Japanese flatlanders push the limits of technical wizardry as they make their bikes dance, twist and spin.
Showcasing Kyudo (archery), Kobujutsu (classical martial arts) and Kenjutsu (swordcraft), we explore the interconnected elements of mind, body and technique in Japanese martial arts. With sporting events and regular training suspended across the world due to the coronavirus pandemic, martial artists too have had to find novel ways to train and stay connected. We find out how they've been doing it and hear what lessons we can learn from the martial arts to help us in these challenging times.
Confined at home during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, many have found Japan's long tradition of radio calisthenics to be a great way to stay in shape. Radio calisthenics first arrived in Japan in 1928, when the average Japanese life expectancy was still less than 50. Performed in homes, schools and workplaces, the movements take just 3 minutes to complete, yet their scope is remarkably wide. We examine the history, popularity and health benefits of this familiar early morning routine.
Breaking, the highly athletic dance form born on the streets of New York, continues to see its signature skills and creativity taken to ever new extremes by the talented B-Girls and B-Boys at its core. While breaking's culture and roots elude confining it to "sport" alone, slated inclusion in the 2024 Paris Olympics is a testament to its deep universal appeal. We meet Japanese B-Boy prodigy Issei, who has taken the breaking world by storm with his style, musicality and boundary-pushing technique, and see him battle one of his biggest international rivals.
In footbag, acrobatic routines are performed with a small beanbag, kept in the air using mainly just the feet. With its roots in traditional kicking-based games found across the globe, footbag shot to popularity in the 1970's under the "Hacky Sack" brand name, and today has branched into a variety of both solo disciplines and games for multiple players. We meet 2018 overall freestyle champion Ishida Taishi as he enters the 2020 World Footbag Championships, being held online for the first time.
In the sport of diving, competitors show off stunning, mid-air acrobatics as they leap into a pool, typically from either a 10-meter-high platform or 3-meter-high springboard. 5-time Olympian Terauchi Ken has been a trailblazer for Japanese divers. With a remarkable 2 decades of springboard competition behind him, the 40-year-old veteran of the sport still has his sights set on the podium. We find out how he's continuing to hone his take-off technique.
Tai Chi (Taijiquan) is the most widely practiced Chinese martial art in Japan. Known for its slow, graceful movements, Tai Chi grew in popularity as a form of health exercise following the watershed normalization of diplomatic relations between China and Japan in 1972. Today medical researchers continue to explore the unique martial art's numerous benefits. Former Japan national wushu champion Ichikizaki Daisuke explains how Tai Chi can boost health and facilitate relaxation in the truest sense.
First taking amateur boxing by storm and now WBA world title holder, Japanese middleweight Murata Ryota has been hailed a true sporting hero. His journey from wayward teenager to the top of the boxing world has been a dramatic story of twists and turns. Far removed from the boxer stereotype, Murata is an avid reader of philosophy and psychology, and time and again has displayed incredible mental strength, always finding a way to come back whenever his back appears to be against the wall. He reflects on his colorful career so far and reveals what made him a "thinking man's boxer."
In the world of para sport, participation, training and competition have been severely affected at every level due to restrictions amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. In a bid to stem the damaging impact, innovative efforts to develop para sports and improve understanding of people living with disabilities have continued full pace. We test-drive a futuristic VR racing wheelchair that melds the physicality of real-world racing with multiplayer online functionality, explore robotic exoskeletons, and find out how para athletes are using technology to stay connected with their fans.
We explore speed climbing, a unique competitive discipline that sees 2 climbers race to the top of a standardized 15m wall. Japan's climbers have traditionally been strong in bouldering and lead climbing, however, the advent of combined events that include speed climbing has prompted a concentrated effort to slash times. We check in to see what progress is being made and also meet speed climbing specialist Ikeda Yudai, who helps us analyze the innovative technique of world champion sport climber Narasaki Tomoa.
Breaststroke is a popular and easy to learn recreational swimming style, but when it comes to top-level competition it's actually considered one of the most technically challenging of all. The effects of water resistance are particularly pronounced for breaststroke, meaning small adjustments can make a big difference. Down the decades Japanese swimmers have time and again set new standards for technique in the stroke. We meet Watanabe Ippei, the first man ever to record a sub-2m07s time in the 200m event, and assess his prospects for beating his formidable rivals on the world stage.
Team pursuit is a nail-biting battle on ice, where 2 teams of speed skaters chase each other for several laps round a 400m track. In February, the Japan women's team set a new world record for an incredible fourth time in a row. The team's recent game-changing success is down to painstaking efforts to reduce wind resistance. Through innovative technique and meticulously coordinated movements at speeds topping 50km/h, we explore team Japan's journey from underdogs to pioneers revolutionizing the sport.
Since its earliest iterations in the 1960's, wakeboarding has evolved into one of the fastest-growing water sports in the world. Using the wake created by a boat as a ramp, riders perform mind-boggling aerial tricks, twisting and turning with extreme creativity and style. 16-year-old Takamura Taiga is the current Japan Men's Champion, but is yet to make a serious breakthrough onto the world stage. Coached by his father on a lake at the foot of Mt. Fuji, we follow Taiga as he tries to land a highly advanced trick and see if he has what it takes to compete against the world's best.
At the 1972 Munich Games, Japanese gymnast Tsukahara Mitsuo stunned the world with his revolutionary horizontal bar dismount. The "Tsukahara" would have a lasting impact on gymnastics, influencing countless techniques including the "Kolman" and the "Cassina." In the 21st century, Japanese gymnasts such as Tomita Hiroyuki, Uchimura Kohei and most recently Miyachi Hidetaka, have taken the Tsukahara's key elements into fresh territory, pushing the boundaries of human potential in gymnastics on the way. We explore the rich legacy of this iconic move.
Core training has become a buzzword in the fitness industry in recent years, with well-known sports personalities like Japanese footballer Nagatomo Yuto extolling its benefits. We find out how balanced conditioning of the low back and abdomen not only boosts performance for elite athletes, but also provides the stability to avoid many common sports injuries and health issues. We meet a core training expert who has helped many of Japan's top athletes, and explore some of the similarities between core training methods and traditional Japanese martial arts principles.
Over the past 2 decades, the world of competitive video-gaming has transformed from niche amateur hobby to a multi-billion dollar spectator sport with global reach. We take the pulse on Japan's rapidly evolving esports scene and meet the legendary Umehara Daigo, known as "The Beast" for his unrivaled mastery of 2D arcade fighting games. As he turns 40 this year, we look back over Daigo's record-breaking career so far, and explore the secrets of his enduring success after decades in the sport.
Ekiden is a hugely popular form of long-distance relay race in Japan, dating back to 1917. Key races are typically held in winter, with televised races over New Year's drawing audiences in the tens of millions. The team relay format makes for a distinct atmosphere and appeal that sets Ekiden apart from individual long-distance events. In this episode we feature the inter-high school Ekiden held in Kyoto at the end of 2020. We also explore the relationship between Ekiden events and local communities, and learn about the key role played by overseas students from East Africa.
With no divisions by weight class, the All Japan Judo Championships is a unique event said to determine Japan's overall top judoka. Held yearly since 1948, the tournament stands out for its memorable scenes of smaller wrestlers attempting to topple larger opponents, including a valiant effort by 75kg judoka Koga Toshihiko, who made it all the way to the final in 1990 only to lose to a rival weighing over 50kg more. Through the lens of the tournament's 2020 edition as well as past historic bouts, we examine the spirit of judo and the core principle of "softness overcomes hardness."
In Japan, some college-level sports have as dedicated a following as the professional leagues. A baseball league contested by 6 Tokyo universities has a proud history stretching right back to a match between the universities of Keio and Waseda in 1903. The 2 teams' century-spanning rivalry includes a particularly dramatic series from 1960 that remains etched in the national memory. We also learn about the student sumo wrestlers who later turn pro, as well as the student football teams giving top J.League sides a run for their money in a unique open tournament.
Shorinji Kempo is a dynamic martial art that combines both hard and soft techniques while developing mind and body as one. Previously, we followed British practitioner Paul King as he trained intensively for his 4th dan exam at the head dojo in Shikoku, Japan. In this episode we catch up with Paul, who returned home to the Netherlands to fulfill his long-held dream of opening his own dojo. Not long after he started, the pandemic hit, yet Paul is applying Shorinji Kempo's philosophy to help him be there for his students and ensure their continued progress amid the challenges of lockdown.
With growing international success and a new domestic pro league, table tennis enjoys a huge fan base in Japan. The continually improving standard of play, combined with a supportive environment for raising young players, has allowed Japan to edge closer to posing a realistic threat to traditional titans of the sport, China. But in the past, table tennis wasn't always so popular in Japan. It was actually the pioneering efforts of certain star female players and their coverage in the media that helped take the sport to new levels and inspire a new generation of athletes.
Moguls is a freestyle skiing event where competitors negotiate a steep slope covered in bumps of compacted snow known as moguls. Events are contested not simply on speed, but also on the technical mastery of turns and acrobatic aerial maneuvers. Veteran mogul skier Uemura Aiko is renowned for the elegance of her carved turns, a core skill employing the very edge of the skis, bending them into an arc. Together with rising star of the sport Kawamura Anri, Uemura reveals the secrets to the perfect carved turn.
In ski jumping, competitors charge down a nail-bitingly steep ramp as they launch themselves to soar eagle-like through the air. Japan has a strong tradition in this truly unique winter sport, with past Olympic successes in both individual and team events including a podium sweep at the 1972 Sapporo Games. Changes to the sport in the 1990s gave Japan's squadron of ski jumpers new technical challenges to contend with, but by the time the Winter Olympics returned to Japan in 1998, they were ready to shine once again. We uncover the dramatic story of their 1998 team gold in Nagano Prefecture.
Freestyle Football, the expressive sport of performing tricks with a football, has exploded over the past 2 decades, with video uploads of "ballers" from around the world showing off their skills clocking millions of views. The one-on-one battles at big global tournaments really get the crowd fired up, as competitors seek to outdo each other on technique, creativity and style. We meet 2 internationally renowned rivals from Japan as they polish their dynamic, contrasting styles and gear up for the fight to become Japan's latest number one.
Two accomplished martial artists reveal the diverse ways ancient knowledge of the human body can be applied in today's world. Classical martial artist Kono Yoshinori helps actors harness martial arts principles to take their performances to the next level. The techniques can even be used to protect caregivers from work-related injury. Chinese martial arts specialist Ichikizaki Daisuke teaches Tai Chi to young football and basketball players. He explains how Tai Chi's relaxation techniques can allow athletes to use their bodies more efficiently.
We feature 2 remarkable para badminton stars, both of them wheelchair players. Nagashima Osamu is not only a multiple medalist in international competition, he's also an acclaimed sanitation-tech researcher, equally devoted to his work as his sport. Satomi Sarina, a flexible player with great reach and skillful chair-work, made waves when she became World Champion just 2 years into her career. She's also been playing an active role in helping her hometown recover in the aftermath of a typhoon that hit in 2019. The 2 pioneering players share what they love about their sport.
Men's marathon in Japan has seen 4 new national records in just the last 3 years. We take a look back over Japan's strong history of performance in the sport, and assess how developments in running shoe technology, most notably thicker soles, are impacting finishing times in the marathon. 2018 Boston Marathon champion Kawauchi Yuki discusses how athletes have been adapting their running styles and training methods to take advantage of the evolution in footwear.
In Parkour, extreme athletes known as "tracers," run, vault, jump and climb over virtually any feature of the urban landscape. Moving with jaw-dropping fluidity and speed, the discipline is often likened to martial arts, developing mind and body together. In recent years, Parkour has also emerged as a competitive sport with 2 events - the Speed Run and Freestyle. In Freestyle, tracers are judged on who can produce the wildest trick combos, all seamlessly linked. We follow Japan's current Freestyle champion, a young tracer with artistic flair looking to make his mark on the world stage.
The Chiba Jets are Japan's newest basketball champions, clinching their first-ever B.League title in June. Based in the city of Funabashi, in Chiba Prefecture, the club was founded to help put a spark into the local community, but soon hit financial troubles, with its future looking uncertain before a local businessman with no previous experience in the sports industry stepped in to save the day. The Jets went on to win the prestigious Emperor's Cup 3 years in a row, and now their B.League crown represents the culmination of a remarkable comeback story.
Freestyle Skateboarding, one of the sport's oldest styles, has been making a comeback in recent years. Using basically just a skateboard and a flat open area, Freestyle pushes the limits of technique and creativity in ways that seamlessly blend artful expression and logic-defying skills. Japan boasts some of the planet's top Freestylers and in this week's show we meet 2 teenage innovators with contrasting styles who regularly compete for the world title. Both are heavily influenced by their dads, one a Freestyle pioneer himself, the other an award-winning calligraphy artist.
We explore the world of "Superhuman Sports," a movement started in Japan employing the latest tech to create fully immersive, barrier-free sporting experiences that can transcend all physical limitations. The engineers developing these futuristic sports not only come up with the equipment - typically an innovative blend of robotics and virtual reality - they also invent the rules of the game from scratch, with some 29 new sports under their belts already. We turn our lens on how technology and imagination are unlocking new realms of possibility for the future of sports.
Elite athletes are not immune to psychological stress. In recent months top sports professionals have begun speaking out on the issue of mental health. Some prominent figures have even been taking a break from competition, citing the importance of protecting their mental well-being in the face of the colossal pressure placed upon them as athletes, a phenomenon greatly amplified in the era of social media. We explore efforts in Japan to protect mental health using specialist coaches who help athletes fulfill their potential without sacrificing their well-being.
Judo legend Koga Toshihiko, renowned for his supreme mastery of the Ippon-seoi-nage throwing technique, passed away in March aged just 53. Koga made a name for himself in the judo world with his precise, controlled technique and beautifully executed throws. Smaller than many of his international opponents, Koga won fans with a bold, aggressive approach that brought him huge success. On retiring from competition, he went into coaching, becoming a major influence on new generations of Japanese judoka. We examine his remarkable skills, his passion for judo, and the legacy he has left behind.
Murakami Mai made history for Japan at Tokyo 2020 with her bronze in the women's floor exercise, becoming the country's first female medalist in Olympic gymnastics in 57 years. We explore the unique appeal of the flamboyant and energetic event, one that in the past has been defined by the legendary performances of gymnastic greats such as Vera Caslavska, Nadia Comaneci and Mary Lou Retton. We explore the key differences between the men's and the women's versions of the floor exercise and how they impact the style and flavor of the event.
Tokyo 2020 marked the first time for Japan to field female boxers in the Olympics. Young flyweight Namiki Tsukimi claimed a hard-fought bronze following several years of specialist training and impressive performances. At only 1 meter 53 tall, the short-statured fighter has gained a reputation for lightning speed and powerful punching. A high-octane dynamo in the ring, her ability to dictate a fight's tempo often overwhelms her opponents. We catch up with Namiki as she reflects on her medal-winning performance in Tokyo and the road she traveled to get there.
The top women's curling teams in Japan recently did battle for the chance to represent their country at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. A nail-biting showdown saw PyeongChang 2018 bronze medalists Loco Solare take on national champions Hokkaido Bank. The quality of curling competition in Japan has come on leaps and bounds in recent years, with even former Olympic medalists now struggling to beat their rivals. Four-time Japan women's team champion Ichikawa Miyo joins us as we explore the impact of new technology and the wealth of detailed performance data it's providing players with.
Japan's stunning mountain scenery provides the backdrop to the fast-growing sport of trail running. With some 3 quarters of the country designated mountainous terrain, it's perhaps little surprise that Japan hosts numerous mountain-based running events, including a race to the top of Mt. Fuji, and a grueling 415km test of endurance including several peaks of over 3,000m. We report on one adventure racer's remarkable journey covering 301 Japanese peaks, as well as a globally connected event bringing trail running enthusiasts across the world together virtually amid the pandemic.
September 2021 saw the WE League, Japan's all-new pro women's football league, kick off its inaugural season. The opening match threw together 2 contenders for the title, Tokyo Verdy Beleza and Urawa Reds. Urawa secured a tantalizing comeback victory with a last-minute goal from Tokyo Olympic star Shiokoshi Yuzuho in what proved a hugely entertaining game attended by a capacity crowd. We speak to WE League chair Okajima Kikuko who shares her plans for bolstering the popularity and profile of women's football in Japan.
The unique sport of Nordic Combined brings together ski jumping and cross-country skiing in the ultimate test of both explosive power and sheer stamina on skis. In the 1990s, before a rule change prioritized the cross-country section, Japanese competitors enjoyed a strong record in the sport. For the past decade, Watabe Akito has been leading the charge to lift Japan back up among the sport's top-performing nations. We explore the two-time Olympic silver medalist's exceptional career, and examine Japan's past and present record in Nordic Combined events.
Breaking - a dance form, culture and now sport, all dynamically fused into one - is about to become the latest youth-focused addition to the Olympics at Paris 2024. B-Boys and B-Girls from Japan regularly battle for top spot on the world stage. Among them is B-Boy Shigekix, whose evolution since we first met him in 2019 has been simply phenomenal. As B-Boy Shigekix continues to push the boundaries of creativity and technique with his signature style, his battles reveal just how fine the margins between winning and losing can be at the very highest level.
Taido is a relatively young martial art, developed in the 1960s, with its roots in Okinawan karate. The intriguing discipline includes fluid, highly acrobatic elements reminiscent of gymnastics or parkour. Taido emphasizes the core stability required to remain orientated during rapid, rotating attacks. Such stability is built through the rigorous observance of painstakingly coordinated body movement and posture. Deeply grounded in respect for precision, Taido's flamboyant techniques combine both novelty and tradition. We uncover the unique appeal of this remarkable art.
Freestyle Wrestling is a sport that demands explosive power, split-second judgment and grinding determination. Japan has been a powerhouse of women's wrestling for many years, typically scooping up multiple golds in international competition, including 4 at last summer's 2020 Tokyo Games. This week we meet Mukaida Mayu, a wrestler who truly blossomed in Tokyo where she became the 53kg class champion. Supported by her coach and life partner, Mukaida fought her path to the podium with a passionate yet strategic performance, dispelling the frustration of past disappointments.
At last year's Tokyo Paralympics, Japan clinched silver in the men's wheelchair basketball, their first-ever medal in the event. At the heart of the team was star player Chokai Renshi. Both a talented basketball player and a budding writer, Chokai is working to change the public image of para-sport. His motto is "Don't try to be perfect, just be different." Chokai, who has no lower legs and is missing fingers on both hands, writes in the preface to his book "With my body and mind together, I am complete." We learn what drives this focused young athlete and retrace the action from Tokyo 2020.
Boccia is a Paralympic sport that demands chess-like tactical awareness and immense mental focus to outscore your opponent. At the 2020 Tokyo Paralympics, Japanese athlete Sugimura Hidetaka showed the world his intricate placement shots and pinpoint accuracy, delivering a triumphant performance imbued with years of meticulous training with his therapist and coach, who helped train him with a combination of specialized exercises and match simulations. Sugimura's distinctive style and cool-as-ice focus are a joy to watch, as he gives us an insight into the intricacies of this fascinating sport.
Japan's women's basketball team use fast-paced, space-creating "small ball" tactics to make up for their relative height disadvantage – drawing out the opposition defense and exploiting the gaps created with highly polished three-point shooting. We trace the team's history and the evolution of their tactical approach, in particular under head coach Tom Hovasse, who helped them adapt and refine their strategy after they lost their key power forward to injury in the run-up to Tokyo 2020.
Softball first arrived in Japan from the U.S. around a century ago, and since the 1960s the 2 countries' women's teams have enjoyed a friendly rivalry on the world stage. While the U.S. were long the dominant force in the sport, recent years have seen Japan sharpen their game and soar to new heights. Following Japan's historic repeat softball gold at Tokyo 2020, a revamped professional women's softball league in Japan now hopes to build on the momentum and attract new players and fans to the sport.
BMX Freestyle Park was one of the new youth-focused events to debut at Tokyo 2020. Defined by its breathtaking aerial acrobatics, riders constantly push the boundaries of what's possible on a BMX bike. Japan's standout rider in Tokyo was 20-year-old Nakamura Rim. He now faces a new rival, 16-year-old Mizogaki Joji, who is hot on Nakamura's tails for the top spot as he forges his own original style. We speak to a veteran of Japan's BMX scene Nishi Takase about the 2 young riders, as well as the development of the sport in Japan as a whole.
Aggressive inline skating took the world by storm in the 1990s, giving birth to a whole culture and movement in the process. Since then, the sport has never stopped evolving, with skaters constantly pushing themselves to get more technical, outrageous and daring with their tricks. We introduce a Japanese skater who has won multiple world titles and is arguably the top female skater of her generation. We follow her through some dramatic ups and downs, as she embarks on the journey to defend her position as world number one.
Wushu, the modern competitive sport form of traditional Chinese martial arts, also enjoys a popular following in Japan, with high-level competitions held. For performance routines, artistic expression and acrobatic athleticism are both indispensable, with judges also looking for realism and an understanding of martial arts principles. Two former national champions share insights into their respective styles, as well as the qualities of a winning performance. We also meet a film crew of former wushu competitors looking to kickstart a new kung fu action movie trend in Japan.
Japan's female long and middle-distance runners have been making their mark on the world stage. Two of the most promising talents to emerge in recent years, Tanaka Nozomi and Hironaka Ririka, share a strong rivalry on the track. 1,500m and 10,000m specialists respectively, their contrasting approach to the 5,000m always makes for a thrilling contest when the pair go head-to-head in competition. Former Olympian and long-distance runner Masuda Akemi joins us, as we track the progress of these 2 impressive young runners.
Sumo is a traditional Japanese sport, and its amateur counterpart is growing in popularity around the world. Sumo wrestlers from Ukraine clinched an impressive 9 medals, at the 2022 World Games in July. One reason for their strong showing was the preparatory training camp organized in Japan for wrestlers escaping the conflict in their home country. We talked with them and looked into their passion for sumo.
Digital tech is increasingly shaping the experience of sports fans, connecting athletes and supporters in pandemic times. Social media, online fan clubs and live streaming events are now central to fan base engagement. Digital innovations are also creating new ways to secure funding, independent of corporate sponsors, as crowd-based funding models are opening new doors to professional sport. We explore the changing relationships and shrinking distances between athletes and fans.
Race Walking is one of athletics' most punishing disciplines, requiring precise form across long distances. Japan is a world leader in the sport, but its current success lies in learning from past failure at the 2003 World Championships. Re-assessing training techniques has given birth to a new generation of talented athletes who regularly win medals internationally. We also follow star Race Walker, Yamanishi Toshikazu, and how he dealt with disappointment at the 2020 Olympic Games to recover and reclaim his World Championship title.
We take a look at vertical running, a unique urban sport where athletes race up the stairs of tall buildings and landmark towers. Although it is an easy sport to take up, it pushes runners to extremes. The first ever vertical running race reportedly took place at the Eiffel Tower in 1905. One of the most famous races, first held in 1978, involves climbing the stairs of the Empire State Building. Around the world, more than 100,000 people take part in the sport. Recently, it is growing in popularity in Japan, and one Japanese runner is now among the world's best.
In BMX Freestyle Flatland—sometimes considered cycling's version of figure skating—riders compete by executing incredible tricks in an arena without ramps or jumps. Tricks include spinning on the BMX bike's wheels or riding on the handlebars. Japan has produced many of the sport's top stars, and the competition for the Japan National Championships sees international and X-Games champions battle it out. We follow two top Japanese riders as they prepare for the final event of the domestic tour, and learn more about the appeal of this fascinating sport.
Japan has a long history with gymnastics. While China was traditionally known for precision and Russia for power, Japan focused on gymnastic beauty. The 60s and 70s were Japan's golden age. Although the 80s and 90s yielded fewer successes, Japan's fortunes began to change in the early 2000s, thanks to the all-around world champion Tomita Hiroyuki, before Uchimura Kohei fully restored Japan to its former glory. Today, younger gymnasts such as Hashimoto Daiki, combine dynamism with beauty. We look at the continued evolution of men's gymnastics in Japan.
Roller Freestyle VERT is one of the most exciting and daring extreme sports. In November 2022, it was featured in the WORLD SKATE GAMES for the first time. One Japanese skater, Yasutoko Takeshi, who has dominated the sport for the past two decades, has his sights set on becoming the first ever champion. He is also known as the creator of the Double Viking Flip, a trick so difficult that no other skater has been able to pull it off. As Takeshi trains for the WORLD SKATE GAMES, he is determined to make the trick for the first time in 15 years.
As the only Paralympic sport that allows full body contact, Para Ice Hockey is often referred to in Japan as "martial arts on ice." Japan has a proud history in the sport, having beaten gold-medal favorites Canada to claim silver at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympics. After that triumph, Japan struggled to develop a new generation of players, and failed to make an impression in the following three Paralympics. However, efforts to revive the team continue, with players of all ages working together to recapture Paralympic glory.
Parkour competitors harness the natural abilities of running, jumping and climbing to create a sport of artistic, fluid movements. Parkour is a possible candidate for inclusion in the 2028 Olympics and has its roots in military obstacle course training developed in early 20th century France. The sport is growing in popularity and the first-ever Parkour World Championships was held in Japan in October 2022. We introduce Izumi Hikari and Suzuki Tomoya, two world-class Japanese athletes, to outline the philosophy behind this unique discipline.
Japan is home to the Trans Japan Alps Race, a physically and mentally grueling mountain race. Runners must traverse a distance of 415 kilometers through some of Japan's most rugged and unforgiving mountain territory. Passing over peaks that rise to over 3,000 meters in height, the biannual race is considered to be one of Japan's most challenging running events. As we focus on this unique and demanding race, we speak to a four-time winner and a new rival seeking to break his existing course record.
Padel, a sport combining elements of tennis and squash, features dynamic, powerful play in tandem with delicate technique and clever strategies. The Japan women's team, spearheaded by duo Yamada Rio and Kutsuna Maiko, have dominated at a regional level, but awaiting them at the 2022 World Championships was world powerhouse Argentina. Under the careful eye of their Spanish coach Asier Gago Martinez, the two athletes incorporate lessons from their experiences abroad to refine their tactics and continue to test themselves on the world stage.
Kyudo, one of Japan's oldest martial arts, is currently growing in popularity around the world. Its practice incorporates traditional techniques and encourages personal development. One kyudo club in Tokyo attracts many non-Japanese participants. New Zealander Jessica Gerrity, one of the group founders, has achieved much in her five years of practice and promotes the sport on social media. We take a deep dive into this ancient discipline and its aesthetics, and also learn how its unique bamboo bows are created.
In Sport Climbing, competitors scale artificial walls embedded with holds. The sport is growing in popularity around the world and Japan is no exception. As the number of gyms in Japan increases, the quality of climbers is also rising, turning Japan into one of the sport's leading nations. In the lead-up to the 2024 Paris Olympics, we speak to top male climber Ogata Yoshiyuki and discuss how Japanese climbers are aiming to improve their competition performance and how changes in the Olympic rules for Sport Climbing have affected their training.
Tricking combines the kicks of martial arts and the flips of gymnastics with the expressive skills of break dancing to produce dynamic and acrobatic performances. While the sport has its origins in the United States, trickers now come from all around the world. Their diverse backgrounds often result in radically different tricking styles which can include anything from capoeira to taekwondo. We speak to three-time World Champion Iwamoto Shosei of Japan about his own journey with tricking, his technique and style, and his views on what makes this sport so special.
Competitive Karuta is a thrilling sport based on a traditional Japanese card game using a set of 100 classical poems known as waka. In recent years, it is gaining fans outside of Japan, thanks to its exposure in manga and anime. The sport demands a wide mix of talents, including a strong memory, fast hand reflexes and stamina. The highest accolade in Competitive Karuta is the title of Meijin. We take a closer look at one Meijin's rise to dominance and explore the appeal of this unique and tensely-fought sport.
Esports has seen extraordinary growth in recent years. Fighting games, one of the most popular genres, require a combined skillset of razor-sharp reflexes, strategical skills, decisiveness and endurance. Japan boasts some of the world's most talented fighting game players and this week we meet Tokido, a player who has stayed at the top for more than 15 years. He looks back on a legendary and dramatic final at EVO2017, a tournament that proved to be a significant turning point in his career.
In Skateboarding Park, skaters have just 45 seconds to impress the judges with tricks in their run around the course. 17-year-old Nagahara Yuro is an up-and-coming Japanese skater known for his technical prowess. At the X Games in 2022, he achieved the best-ever performance by a Japanese Men's Park competitor, placing fourth. The Japan Open, the first Japanese competition of the 2023 season, was held in April. We see how Nagahara fared at the event in the run-up to the selection of the Japanese team for the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Karate team kata is a form of karate popular around the world and particularly in Japan, where the first All Japan Championship was held in 2022. A team of three performs techniques with precision, synchronization, speed and intensity. One element that sets it apart from the individual discipline is the performance of bunkai, which demonstrates how kata are used in the presence of an opponent. The coordinated displays of bunkai turn karate into an art. We examine this exciting form of karate to better understand its athletic and artistic elements.
Kendama is a traditional Japanese toy made of wood and string. Players must balance the attached ball on one of the kendama's three cups or catch it on the spike. Recently, kendama has evolved into an international urban sport, and more than 3 million people worldwide are said to have taken it up. Today, skilled kendama exponents join us to demonstrate their astounding techniques. We also feature a performance combining kendama with dance and music and see how this Japanese pastime has become a global phenomenon.
In BMX Freestyle Park, riders use a variety of ramps to show off thrilling aerial tricks. Japan is home to world champion Nakamura Rim, and many younger riders are hoping to follow in his footsteps. One up-and-coming rider is 13-year-old Matsuura Aou, who managed to land Backflips at the age of seven. With a potential that goes beyond his years, and after training in Australia, Aou hoped to unveil a new high-level trick at the Japan Cup in June. We follow Aou on his journey to become a future star of BMX Freestyle Park.
Tricklining is a style of Slacklining that is acrobatic and artistic in form. Using a narrow flat line of webbing like a trampoline, Trickliners perform a mesmerizing display of twists, spins and flips. Japanese Trickliners are some of the best in the world and the winner of the 2022 World Cup, teenage wonderkid Nakamura Rikuto, is known for his beauty of movement, dynamic combos and big original tricks. We follow Rikuto in his preparations and efforts for defending his World Cup title.
In Japan, many university students are currently obsessed with a new sport known locally as "Cap Baseball," a simpler version of baseball that can be played by anyone, anywhere with a plastic bottle cap instead of a ball. After exposure to the sport on social media, students at various universities nationwide formed teams, eventually leading to the founding of the Japan Cap Baseball Association. As students across Japan fall in love with this hot new game, we join them to take a closer look.
Chinese martial arts are a major part of Asia's cultural heritage. These days, they are practiced internationally as a competitive sport known as Wushu. In fact, Wushu is a highlight of the Asian Games where Team Japan is never far from the top of the leaderboard. After a hiatus of four years, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the World Championships is set to return this autumn, delighting fans and contenders alike. We follow the fortunes of three young Japanese competitors on their quest to gain prominence on the global stage.
As its name suggests, Beach Volleyball is played on sand. With only two players covering an area around the size of a regular volleyball court, it's a demanding sport, requiring strength, stamina and strategy. Japan has never been among the sport's big guns, but former player and current president of the Japan Volleyball Association is trying to improve its competitiveness and popularity by implementing some rigorous initiatives. We take a look at how Beach Volleyball is developing in Japan, focusing on a promising women's pair.
Freestyle Skateboarding, an old-school style of Skateboarding that's been undergoing a renaissance in recent years, sees skaters perform astonishing tricks and routines on flat ground. Yamamoto Isamu is a young Japanese skater who's setting new standards both technically and creatively. His father, an award-winning calligraphy artist, has nurtured his son's artistic sensibilities, encouraging him to constantly push the envelope. We discover how this "artist on a skateboard" continues to stand head and shoulders above his rivals on the world stage.
Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, is a Japanese martial art that's attracting worldwide attention thanks to its unusual techniques. These techniques have even been featured in Japanese comics, and include the bringing down of an opponent while shaking hands. The foundations of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu lie in the longstanding affinity the Japanese people have with nature and it's based on the principle of harnessing and neutralizing your opponent's intent to attack. This time, we learn about one of Japan's lesser-known martial arts.
Jump Rope is both a popular children's pastime and an elite sport, and there are high hopes that it may one day feature at the Olympics. In Japan, jumping rope is known as nawatobi, and the country is a major force in elite Jump Rope. In fact, Japanese men won both the junior and senior categories in Speed Sprint at the recent World Championships. We take a look at one champion's unique training methods and learn that Jump Rope is not just about physical skill, but also about rhythm and mental control.
Japan reigns supreme in one urban sport – BMX Freestyle Flatland. Riders pull off gravity-defying tricks using only their bodies and their BMX bikes on a flat surface with no ramps or other equipment. The riders can use any part of the BMX in their routine, and the sport places much importance on originality. Successful riders are those who carve out their own style. At recent world championships, Japanese riders are dominating the podium. We speak to three world-class riders, and discover the Flatland skills that took them all the way to the top.
Sports Yabusame has made Yabusame, the mounted archery once performed by samurai warriors, accessible to all. We follow an American teenager who is aiming to win her first major title.
In the sport of Stairclimbing, competitors must run up emergency staircases to reach the top of tall buildings in the shortest possible time. We report from the 2023 World Championships held in Osaka Prefecture.
Goalball, a sport for the visually impaired, is played in silence. Players wear eyeshades and rely on the sound of the ball. We meet the Japan men's team, who have qualified for the 2024 Paralympics.
The martial art of taido includes a number of eye-catching techniques, such as attacking kicks combined with back somersaults. We take a look at the history behind this acrobatic sport.
The long-distance race is the marathon of SUP. Taguchi Rai, a racer who has exploded onto the scene in recent years, reflects on his progress and shows us how he trains in various ocean conditions.
Super Formula is an elite form of open-wheel racing in Japan, attracting top drivers from around the world. We meet Miyata Ritomo, a young driver who had a major impact on last season's competition.
Para Judo has adapted judo rules for visually impaired people. Bouts can be decided in an instant, making it an exciting spectator sport. We take a look at one of Japan's most promising competitors.
