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Undokai
On the second Monday of October, Japanese schools hold
Undokai, which is a national holiday in Japan called “Sports
Day”. Undokai can be held on other days as well. It is quite
different from the American tradition of track and field
day.
Undokai, formally began in 1966 to commemorate Japan’s
hosting the 1964 Olympic Games in Tokyo (October 10-24). The
event has the pageantry of the Olympic opening ceremonies,
including dances, songs, and an oath of fair sportsmanship.
The actual games involves a combination of traditional
sports and fun games. Sports might include martial arts,
sumo, or baseball. Games may include tug of war relay races
and three legged races. The winning team is decided based on
the efforts of the team as a whole. Individuals are not
specifically identified.
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