The rise of modern sport and the Olympic Movement in Japan

Modern sport were introduced to Japan from the late nineteenth century, initially as extra-curricular activities in the schools, and later as part of the curriculum. University sport clubs produced most of the athletes that competed in international competitions. The Olympic Games were perceived as a site where Japan could vie for an advantageous place in the imperialistic world order. The patronage of the royal family was somewhat effective in countering jingoistic opponents of Western sport. However, Japan’s military adventurism from the 1930s had chilling consequences for sport in the region, leading Tokyo to withdraw from hosting the 1940 Olympics. Japan did not compete again in an Olympic Games until 1952 in Helsinki.