𝗜𝗸𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂: 𝗝𝗮𝗽𝗮𝗻’𝘀 𝗘𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝗘𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 Sports hold a central place in Japan’s early education because they are viewed as essential to a child’s holistic development, not just as physical activities. From preschool to the early years of elementary school, children participate in structured play, rhythmic exercises, and cooperative games that strengthen their bodies and improve coordination. But beneath this physical training is a deeper cultural value: Japan believes that