Sports Day promotes health, fitness and an active lifestyle while commemorating the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, Japan's first hosting of the Games. Schools and communities organize athletic festivals featuring races, games, and team competitions that foster teamwork and national spirit. The day encourages people of all ages to enjoy sports and appreciate the importance of physical well-being.

When is Sports Day?

Sports Day is celebrated in Japan on the second Monday of October each year.

The following is the list of Sports Day from 2020 to 2049.

The History of Sports Day?

Sports Day, later renamed Health and Sports Day, was established to promote physical fitness and commemorate Japan's first hosting of the Tokyo Olympic Games in 1964.

The holiday was first observed on October 10, 1966, two years after the Tokyo Olympics, which had officially opened on October 10, 1964—a date chosen for its historically clear weather. The success of the 1964 Olympics symbolized Japan's postwar recovery and reemergence as a modern, peaceful nation, making the event a proud milestone in national history.

In 2000, under the Happy Monday System, the holiday was moved to the second Monday of October to create a long weekend and encourage more participation in sports and outdoor activities.

In 2020, the name was officially changed from "Physical Education Day" to "Sports Day" to better reflect modern values of sportsmanship, enjoyment, and inclusivity beyond formal education or athletic training.

When Japan hosted the Tokyo 2020 Olympics (held in 2021 due to the pandemic), the holiday was temporarily shifted to July 23, 2021, aligning with the opening ceremony. It returned to October in subsequent years.

Today, Sports Day is celebrated across Japan with school field days, community athletic meets, and public fitness events. It encourages people of all ages to engage in physical activity, fostering health, teamwork, and the Olympic spirit of unity and perseverance.