Sports Day
Next: October 11, 2027
Lace up and cheer each other on.
The story
Where it comes from
Japan's Sports Day began as Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no Hi), first held on 10 October 1966 to commemorate the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympics on 10 October 1964. From 2000 it moved to the second Monday of October, and from 2020 it took its present name, Supōtsu no Hi. The national holidays law sets out its purpose: to enjoy sports, foster a spirit of respect for others, and aspire to a healthy and dynamic society.
How it's celebrated
It is a national public holiday. For decades, primary and junior high schools held their sports days on the holiday itself, with races, relays, dancing and team games. Many schools have since moved theirs to spring to avoid the autumn heat, but the long weekend is still a good excuse for a run, a game in the park or a family outing.
Did you know
- A school sports day favourite is kōhaku tamaire, in which a red team and a white team race to throw the most beanbags into a basket.
- In 2020 and 2021 the holiday moved to late July to line up with the opening of the Tokyo Olympics, which were postponed by a year.
- The old name Taiiku no Hi means 'physical education day'; the new one shifts the focus from school PE to sport in general.
Coming up next
- Luciano Pavarotti's Birthday · October 12, 2027
- International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction · October 13, 2027
- World Sight Day · October 14, 2027
- World Standards Day · October 14, 2027
- Global Handwashing Day · October 15, 2027
- World Food Day · October 16, 2027