Japan’s Governor Calls for Abolition of Annual National Sports Event: The Impact on Host Prefectures and International Athletics Competitions

In Sendai, Miyagi, Governor Yoshihiro Murai has proposed the idea of abolishing the annual national sports event, known as “Kokutai” or the Japan Games. This event, which has been held since 1946 and rotates among Japan’s 47 prefectures, is co-sponsored by the Japan Sport Association (JSPO), the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology, and the host prefecture. Murai expressed his personal opinion during a regular news conference that one way to address the issue might be to do away with the event altogether.

The financial burdens on host prefectures are significant, and few top athletes aiming for international competitions like the Olympics actually participate in the event. Murai emphasized the need to assess and rethink the current format of the event as it approaches its third round in 2035. He mentioned that a survey is being conducted by the National Governors’ Association to gather input from its member prefectures on how the event should be held. Ultimately, the association plans to compile a report based on the survey results and share it with the JSPO to consider potential changes moving forward.