#Japan #Ehime #Sports Exchange #Japan Sports Association #Junior Athletes

Exciting Announcement: Ehime Prefecture to Host the 2029 Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange

The Japan Sports Association (JSPO), which focuses on creating environments for sports participation and support, has officially announced that the 2029 Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange will take place in Ehime Prefecture. This announcement was made during the third board meeting of the FY2025 on July 16, 2023.

Overview of the 37th Junior Sports Exchange

The event is expected to occur from August 23 (Thursday) to August 29 (Wednesday) in 2029, marking the first time the competition will be held in Shikoku. It aims to promote youth sports among East Asian nations and enhance mutual understanding and competitive ability.

Participation Criteria

Participants of the junior exchange will consist of high school students aged 18 and under, recommended by central sporting federations from each country. The anticipated number of athletes is 988, divided equally as follows:

• - Japan: 247 athletes
• - South Korea: 247 athletes
• - China: 247 athletes
• - Ehime Prefecture: 247 athletes

Scheduled Sports

The competition will feature a total of 11 sports, which include:

• - Athletics
• - Soccer
• - Tennis
• - Volleyball
• - Basketball
• - Weightlifting
• - Handball
• - Soft Tennis
• - Table Tennis
• - Badminton
• - Rugby Football

The long-standing tradition of the Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange has been in place since 1993. It serves to foster youth sports in East Asian nations with the goal of enhancing competitive performance while building strong friendships and understanding among young athletes.

Previous Events and Achievements

Historical data shows that the previous junior sports exchanges have produced many athletes who have gone on to excel in international competitions, including the Olympics. The 2024 Paris Olympics will see participation from several medalists from past exchanges, demonstrating the event's importance in shaping future sports stars.


Image from the 31st Wakayama Exchange (2023)

Insights into JSPO

JSPO, founded in July 1911, aims to promote national sports and enhance international competitiveness. The organization conducts various sports events catering to all age groups, from national sports festivals to programs for junior athletes. Additionally, JSPO emphasizes creating opportunities for sports participation, developing sports coaches, and promoting sports science to foster an environment where everyone can enjoy and engage in sports activities.

For more information about the Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange, visit the JSPO website.

Additional Resources

• - JSPO Corporate Information
• - JSPO Medium-Term Plan 2023-2027

With the announcement of this exciting event, both younger athletes and sports enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be a historic and momentous occasion in Ehime Prefecture's history.