JSPO Releases Survey Results on Awareness of 'No Sports Harassment' Efforts

The Japan Sports Association (JSPO), a public foundation based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Toshimasa Endo, has publicized the results of a survey conducted in January 2025, focusing on awareness regarding its 'No Sports Harassment' activities. This initiative aims to create an environment conducive to participating, viewing, and supporting sports.

Survey Highlights

The survey assessed public awareness of the JSPO's violence report consultation center and opinions regarding sports harassment ('スポハラ' or 'spo-hara'). Alarmingly, the results suggested that awareness did not meet the targets outlined in the JSPO's Mid-term Plan for 2023-2027.

In light of these findings, the JSPO determined that it must work to bolster recognition of the consultation center—an essential resource for those facing issues related to sports harassment. Furthermore, the organization stresses the need for advocacy against acceptable forms of sports-related misconduct by coaches and mentors, stating that such behavior is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The JSPO remains committed to continuing its 'No Sports Harassment' campaign, which seeks to eradicate inappropriate actions such as verbal abuse and violence in sports. This mission aligns with their goals of raising awareness and implementing educational initiatives in support of safe sports environments.

Key Survey Results

1. Awareness of JSPO Violence Consultation Center
The JSPO established its consultation center for violence in sports in March 2013, which has been receiving reports of sports harassment. Currently, awareness among the general public stands at only 8.8%, while a significantly higher figure of 70.8% is recorded among certified coaches. This stark contrast highlights a concerning gap in knowledge among the general populace.

The JSPO aims to achieve a recognition level of 85% within stakeholders and 20% among non-stakeholders by 2027, as per Outcome Goal No. 17 of the Mid-term Plan.

2. General Perception of Inappropriate Actions in Sports
The survey indicated that 54.0% of the general public and 71.8% of certified coaches believe that inappropriate actions, no matter the justification, are unacceptable. However, a notable minority expressed a willingness to condone such behavior under certain circumstances to enhance performance.

The JSPO aims to increase the percentage of those condemning such actions to 85% among stakeholders and 80% among non-stakeholders by 2027, in line with Outcome Goal No. 18 of the Mid-term Plan.

3. Experience with Sports Harassment
Among the surveyed groups, 23.7% of the general public (roughly one in four) and 52.9% of certified coaches (approximately one in two) reported having experienced sports harassment. Incidents of verbal abuse were cited as the most prevalent form of victimization.

4. Recognition of Sports Harassment
Only 21.4% of the general public reported familiarity with the term 'スポハラ', compared to 83.5% awareness among certified coaches. This significant disparity indicates a need for greater public education on the issue.

Conclusion

The survey underscores the necessity for further actions aimed at increasing awareness and preventing sports harassment. With this in mind, JSPO plans to continue its educational and awareness-raising efforts through its 'No Sports Harassment' activities, which are vital for promoting respect and safety in the sporting world.

For a detailed report on the survey findings, including methodologies and demographic data, please refer to the official survey report here.

Survey Overview

- Purpose: To assess awareness and attitudes toward inappropriate actions in sports and the JSPO's consultation center and initiatives, leading to effective strategies for combating sports harassment. The survey has been conducted since fiscal year 2022 with initial public unveiling in 2024.
- Target Audience: 20 to 69-year-olds in Japan, including both the general public and certified sports instructors.
- Methodology: The survey utilized web-based questionnaires distributed to a monitoring panel and participants among certified coaches and registered youth sports teams.
- Duration: January 10 to January 27, 2025.
- Response Count: 3,000 from the general public and 5,681 from certified instructors.

About JSPO

Established in July 1911 as the Dai Nippon Taiiku Kyokai, the Japan Sports Association aims to promote sports at the national level and enhance international competitiveness. It has evolved through various phases to its current incarnation in 2018, focusing on wide-ranging initiatives that support community sports, nurture sports instructors, and ensure the widespread enjoyment of sports across all generations.

For more information, visit the official website here.