#Japan #Tokyo #Winter Olympics #Cross Marketing #Sports Survey

Insights into the Winter Olympics 2026

As the world prepares for the upcoming Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina in February 2026, anticipation is building among sports fans in Japan. A recent survey conducted by Cross Marketing, a leading marketing research firm, aimed to gauge public interest and preferences surrounding the event. The survey targeted men and women aged 20 to 79 across all 47 prefectures in Japan, involving a sample of 2,400 respondents. The findings offer valuable insights into the fascination with this prestigious international sporting event.

Survey Findings on Interest Levels

The survey revealed that 51% of respondents expressed interest in the Winter Olympics, with 18% indicating they are very interested and 33% somewhat interested. Notably, interest levels were higher among male respondents and those aged between 60 to 70, while individuals in their 30s showed the least enthusiasm. This trend reflects a growing divide in how different age groups perceive the Olympics, potentially affecting viewership and engagement.

Events of Interest

When asked which events they would most like to watch, participants were presented with 16 different competitions, including the opening and closing ceremonies. Results showed that figure skating topped the list with 56%, closely followed by ski jumping at 54% and speed skating at 52%. All of these events are highly anticipated due to the strong prospects for Japanese athletes winning medals. Other popular options included snowboarding, the opening ceremony, curling, and short track events. Seniors aged 60 to 70 exhibited a higher interest in various competitions, indicating their preference for watching a wider range of sporting events.

Points for Watching the Olympics

The survey also sought to understand what factors would influence the respondents’ viewing experience during the Olympics. The top five considerations included:
1. Desiring a relaxed and enjoyable viewing experience
2. The simplicity of the rules
3. The preference for watching alone
4. An intrinsic love for the sport
5. Enjoying the competition itself
These insights into viewing preferences could help broadcasters tailor their presentations to enhance audience engagement.

Athletes and Teams to Watch

When respondents were asked which athletes or teams they would support, notable mentions included Miho Takagi in speed skating, Kaori Sakamoto in figure skating, and Ayumu Hirano in snowboarding. Additionally, Ryoyu Kobayashi and Sara Takanashi in ski jumping were also recognized for their multiple Olympic participations. This clearly illustrates a strong connection between the athletes’ past performances and their ability to draw support from fans.

Conclusion

The survey conducted by Cross Marketing sheds light on the growing anticipation for the Winter Olympics 2026, particularly among different demographic groups in Japan. With a diverse array of events capturing public attention, coupled with renowned athletes in the spotlight, it is clear that the upcoming Olympics will hold significant interest for many. As preparations intensify and the games approach, both athletes and fans alike look forward to celebrating the spirit of competition and unity that the Olympics embody.

For anyone interested in delving deeper into the survey’s findings, additional details can be downloaded from Cross Marketing's official site. It is essential to stay connected with updates and developments as the excitement surrounding the Winter Olympic Games continues to grow.