Every year, schools across Japan hold a lively event known as Undo-kai (運動会) — the school Sports Day.
It’s not just about winning races or games.
Undo-kai is a day that brings together children, teachers, and families to celebrate teamwork, effort, and community spirit.
A Celebration Beyond the Classroom
Traditionally held in autumn, Undo-kai has long been one of the most anticipated school events in Japan.
With recent climate changes and hotter autumns, many schools now host it in May or June, when the weather is milder.
The entire school spends weeks practicing dances, relays, and fun team competitions.
Children are usually divided into red and white teams — a symbol of friendly rivalry that encourages cooperation and school pride.
The Spirit of Undo-kai
More than a competition, Undo-kai reflects key values in Japanese culture:
teamwork, perseverance, discipline, and gratitude.
Each performance — whether it’s a tug-of-war, relay race, or choreographed dance — is designed so that every student, regardless of athletic ability, can participate and shine.
For many parents, watching their children’s hard work on display is a moment of pride and emotion.
In that sense, Undo-kai is as much for the families as it is for the children.
A Family Gathering Around Homemade Lunch
One of the most heartwarming scenes of Undo-kai is lunchtime.
Families gather on picnic sheets in the schoolyard, opening boxes filled with colorful homemade lunches.
Mothers often wake up early or shop the day before to prepare special bentos — with rice balls, fried chicken, tamagoyaki (rolled omelet), and seasonal fruits.
It’s a way to show love and appreciation for their children’s efforts.
After sharing sweets and chatting with friends, children return to the field for the afternoon’s highlight: the final relays and cheering competitions.
The Grand Finale
The climax of Undo-kai is usually the relay race, where the fastest runners from each class represent their teams.
Cheers fill the schoolyard as students give their all to the very end.
The day concludes with an award ceremony, celebrating both victory and effort.
For many children, this experience teaches that success is not only about winning — but about doing your best together.
Growing Up with Undo-kai
While kindergarten and elementary school Undo-kai include full family participation,
events in junior high and high school are usually student-centered, focusing more on competition and school spirit.
Still, the sense of unity and shared joy remains the same —
Undo-kai continues to be a cherished tradition that shapes childhood memories across Japan.
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