Undokai and sports events in the Japanese school system.

BACKGROUND Japanese schools hold annual sports events in which all pupils participate. These events include activities such as walking, running, and swimming competitions. METHODS We analyzed literature on school sports events in Japan. RESULTS In addition to the physical education classes that are part of the curriculum, Japanese schools hold annual sports events in which all pupils participate. These school events include activities such as walking, running, swimming, and ball game competitions, skiing, and climbing. School sports events offer participants an opportunity for holistic education as well as cultivating a variety of virtues such as cooperation, a sense of solidarity, teamwork, and responsibility. A popular sports event held countrywide is the 'undokai.' Undokai has a style that is unique to Japan. Undokai usually take one day and include individual and group competitions. The pupils participate in a variety 13 of activities including a foot race, relay race, group gymnastics, and group activities. The undokai is an important event in both the school and its surrounding communities. Therefore, the potential benefit of undokai is often considered in terms of social capital. However, the competitive nature of undokai may generate negative feelings in the children who participate. CONCLUSION Further research on the potential of sports events such as undokai is necessary.