Red vs. White again 👹🍣🎎 My Japan

Undokai Time Again: A Glimpse into Japan’s School Sports Festival

Recently, it was Undokai-time again. Undokai (運動会) is the name for the school sports festival in Japan, and like so many things here, it felt very different from the sports festivals I remember growing up.

Back then, our events took place at the stadium of the local football club. We used its grounds for activities that weren’t much different from our regular PE lessons. We ran, jumped, and threw things through the air. Apart from the larger setting, it wasn’t particularly exciting. We stayed with our classmates and our class teacher, although other classes were present too. But they mostly competed within their own groups.

In Japan, primary school students from all six grades are divided into two teams: Red and White. These teams face off in a variety of competitions, though within each year group, pupils still compete against their peers. There aren’t that many events for each individual student, likely due to the sheer number of participants.

Six grades, each with four classes of around thirty pupils, adds up to roughly 700 children—split into two teams. For the occasion, the school rented the local football stadium, and one side of the ranks was opened for parents, grandparents and siblings. I’d estimate the number of spectators at around 1,500 —far too many for the school’s own sports ground.

Unlike simultaneous events, the competitions were held one after another, which made the day quite long. Some while ago, the festival ran all day, but recently schools seem content to schedule just half a day.

Though I was just a quiet spectator, I found myself enjoying the day more than expected. After a brief opening speech by the principal, all the students gathered to perform a choreographed dance. They had been practicing for weeks at school, and now was their moment to shine. It was sweet, energetic, and surprisingly moving to watch so many children move in sync.

Next came the big cheering event—known in Japan as Ouen (応援). The Red and White teams lined up side by side, ready to fire up their teammates for the competitions ahead. This wasn’t just spontaneous shouting; it was a full-on performance. Each year, students create new chants set to familiar rhythms, and they rehearse their moves with precision. Drums echoed, loudhailers blared, and the coordinated movements—combined with matching sportswear—made the whole scene feel powerful and impressive.

What struck me most was the spirit behind it. The teams didn’t just cheer for themselves—they also cheered for their opponents. It was a beautiful gesture, reminding everyone that while they were rivals for the day, they were still classmates who’d be playing together again tomorrow. That sense of unity and mutual respect felt just as important as the competition itself.

After the cheering, the games began. As mentioned earlier, each student only took part in a few events, mostly running—sometimes solo, sometimes in relay teams. There were ball games, more running, and a final piggyback race that had a distinctly playful vibe. The whole festival leaned more toward teamwork and fun than fierce competition, which felt just right. After all, joy should always be part of a day like this.

Two Winners and a Lesson for Us All

Of course, there was competition too—both the Red and White teams wanted to win. And honestly, I believe a little healthy rivalry is not only important but necessary. Even at a young age, it’s good to learn how to handle setbacks, face defeat, and most importantly, keep going. As long as you’re still trying, you haven’t truly lost. It’s a lesson we adults could stand to relearn now and then—one we often forget in the rush of daily life.

In the end, there were actually two winners. The White team earned the most points and won the sporting competition. But the Red team had their own moment of triumph, winning the cheering contest after a second round just before the festivities wrapped up.

After about five hours, the event came to a close. Judging by the laughter, smiles, and buzzing energy among the children, they clearly had a great time. Many of them probably didn’t want to leave just yet—though I imagine most were getting pretty hungry by then.

As for me, my day wasn’t quite over. I still had work to do in the afternoon and had to head out again later. But my spirits were high, lifted by the sunshine and the joy I’d witnessed. It was one of those days that leaves you smiling long after it’s over—and one I wouldn’t want to miss.