Undoukai: Japan’s unique and lively sports day tradition

Undoukai is an annual sports day held at Japanese elementary schools in spring or autumn. Many other countries might have sports days, but undoukai activities can be uniquely Japanese.

Tama-ire
File ID 160486932 | © Yorozu Kitamura | Dreamstime.com

The entire student body is divided into red and white teams, competing in events like tsunahiki (a good old-fashioned tug-of-war), tama-ire (throwing bean bags into overhead baskets), odori (dance performances featuring everything from classic bops to anime themes and contemporary hits), kumitaiso (human pyramids), etc.

One of my favorite aspects of undoukai is the community vibe. Especially with parents bringing homemade bento (boxed meals) and setting up picnic sheets around the school field, it feels like a large-scale neighborhood meet-up!

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