When I think of autumn in Japan, one of the things that comes to mind is undōkai, the school sports festival. Even now, the word brings back memories of my school days: practising with my classmates, cheering for our team and waiting nervously for the starting whistle!
For many Japanese children, undōkai is one of the most memorable events of the school year. Although it is often translated as “sports day”, it is much more than simply a day of running races. It is a celebration of teamwork, performances, cheering and friendship, bringing together pupils, teachers and families.
What is Sports Day in Japan?
Japan celebrates Sports Day, or Supōtsu no Hi (スポーツの日), on the second Monday of October. In 2026, it falls on 12th October and is a national holiday.
The holiday has an interesting connection with the Olympic Games. Originally called ‘Taiiku no Hi’ (Health and Sports Day), it was established to commemorate the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The opening ceremony took place on 10th of October, and the holiday was traditionally celebrated on this date before moving to the second Monday of October in 2000.
School undōkai, however, is not necessarily held on the national holiday itself. Schools organise their own sports festivals, often in spring or autumn.
A different kind of school sports day
If you grew up in the UK, you may remember your own school sports day, with running races, egg and spoon, and perhaps a tug of war. Japanese undōkai includes some familiar activities, but the atmosphere can be quite different.
Rather than simply competing as individuals, pupils often work together as members of a team. Several teams may be formed, with children from different year groups belonging to the same team. This gives younger and older pupils the opportunity to work together, encourage one another and share the excitement of competing.
The whole school becomes involved, and cheering for teammates is just as important as taking part in the events themselves.
More than just running races
Relay races are always exciting, with children running their fastest while classmates cheer them on. But there are also some fun and unusual events.
Tamaire, for example, involves teams throwing small, coloured balls into a high basket. Other activities might include tug of war, obstacle races and ball-carrying competitions.
And then there are the performances. Depending on the school and age of the children, pupils may perform carefully practised dances, coordinated routines or group gymnastics. Some performances involve a whole year group moving together in rhythm, requiring plenty of practice and cooperation.
For the children, all that preparation is part of the experience. You learn to work together, remember your movements, listen to others and keep going even when something doesn't quite go according to plan.
(Tamaire, ball throwing game, at a primary school on sports day)
Cheering, family and a special lunch
One of my favourite things about undōkai is the atmosphere. Children clap, shout encouragement and celebrate when someone finishes a race. Seeing pupils from different year groups supporting one another makes the day feel like a real school-wide event.
For parents, it can also be a very special occasion. Families come to watch their children, take photographs and enjoy the day together. At many traditional school sports festivals, families bring a packed lunch to eat during the break.
Preparing a lunch for a family outing is something many Japanese parents enjoy. A bento might contain rice, vegetables, tamagoyaki (Japanese rolled omelette), small portions of meat or fish, and colourful seasonal treats.
For a special occasion like this, a beautifully presented lunch can make the day feel even more memorable. Wooden and Japanese lacquer bento boxes offer an elegant way to arrange a homemade meal, while a jubako box, with its stackable compartments, is ideal for presenting a selection of dishes to share with family and friends.
Of course, lunch arrangements vary between schools, but sharing food is a lovely part of many Japanese family gatherings and celebrations.
(typical Sports Day lunch in a beautiful jubako box)
More than winning
Although there is usually a winning team at the end of the day, undōkai is not simply about who is the fastest or strongest.
It teaches children about teamwork, cooperation, perseverance and supporting others. Not everyone is naturally good at running or sport, but everyone can contribute in their own way. Cheering loudly, helping younger pupils, taking part in a group performance or simply doing your best are all important parts of the day.
Perhaps that is why undōkai remains such a strong childhood memory for so many Japanese people. Years later, you may not remember exactly who won each race, but you remember the excitement, the music, the cheering and the feeling of being part of something together.
An autumn tradition to remember
For many Japanese people, the word undōkai instantly brings back a particular feeling: standing outside in the autumn sunshine, wearing your school sports uniform, listening for your name to be called and hearing your classmates cheering from the sidelines.
For me, that is what makes undōkai so special. It isn't simply a day of sport. It is a celebration of childhood, friendship, teamwork and shared memories – all wrapped up in one very Japanese tradition.
If you're planning your own family picnic or autumn gathering, why not add a little Japanese inspiration to your lunch? You can explore our collection of Japanese wooden and lacquer bento boxes and jubako boxes at The Japanese Shop and discover beautiful ways to present and share your favourite foods.