30th Japan-Korea Sports Exchange
The Japan Sports Association (JSPO) is proud to announce the 30th Japan-Korea Sports Exchange event, which will take place from September 17 to 22, 2026, in Ishikawa Prefecture. This remarkable event will see the arrival of a Korean delegation composed of 157 sports enthusiasts aged between 30 and 70, fostering mutual understanding through sports and cultural exchanges.
Purpose of the Exchange
The primary goal of this exchange is to enhance the friendship and goodwill between Japan and Korea through sports. Participants will engage in various sporting activities and cultural explorations, deepening their understanding of each other's society and culture. This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Japan-Korea Sports Exchange, with the first event having been held in 1997.
Since 2012, the Korean delegation has actively participated in the 'Japan Sports Masters,' a comprehensive sports tournament for senior citizens in Japan. This year, they will compete in eight sports at the 2026 Ishikawa Games, as well as attend the opening ceremony and enjoy cultural activities around Ishikawa.
Event Details
1. Duration
The event will last for six days from
September 17 to September 22, 2026.
2. Location
This year’s exchange will be held in
Ishikawa Prefecture, coinciding with the host location of the Japan Sports Masters 2026.
3. Number of Participants
The Korean delegation will include
157 members.
4. Sports Included
The exchange will feature
eight sports:
- - Soccer
- - Tennis
- - Volleyball
- - Basketball
- - Soft Tennis
- - Softball
- - Badminton
- - Bowling
5. Additional Information
Additional documentation including schedules and match pairings can be accessed on the official website of the Japan Sports Masters 2026:
Japan Sports Masters 2026 Ishikawa Games.
6. Other Activities
In April 2026, a Japanese delegation will visit South Korea to participate in the National Sports Festival in Gyeongsangnam-do, strengthening bilateral ties. This entire exchange is recognized by the Sports for Tomorrow initiative.
Related Websites
About JSPO
Founded in July 1911 as the Dai-Nippon Sports Association with the aims of promoting national sports and enhancing competitive abilities, JSPO transitioned through various names before adopting its current title in April 2018. JSPO organizes various sports tournaments such as the National Sports Festival and the Japan Sports Masters, catering to all age groups. The organization also promotes community sports clubs, trains sports coaches, and supports a wide range of initiatives to enable everyone to actively participate in sports as players, spectators, and supporters.
For more information, visit the official website:
JSPO Official Site.
To read the JSPO Medium-term Plan for 2023-2027, visit:
JSPO Medium-term Plan.