Japan Sends 245 Athletes to the 33rd Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange

Japan's Participation in the 33rd Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange

The Japan Sports Association (JSPO) is gearing up to send a delegation of 245 athletes to the 33rd Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange, scheduled to take place in Inner Mongolia, China, from August 23 to August 29, 2025. This event, aimed at promoting youth sports exchanges among East Asian countries, serves as a platform for fostering mutual understanding and improving competitive performance among junior athletes in the region.

Overview of the Exchange

The Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange brings together elite young athletes from Japan, Korea, and China, creating a high-level multi-sport competition. Since its inception in 1993, the event has seen the participation of numerous top athletes, including Olympic medalists such as Haruka Kitaguchi (track and field) and bronze medalists Yudai Watanabe and Arisa Higashino (badminton). This year's event promises to feature a similar caliber of competitors, showcasing the future generation of athletes who have excelled in national competitions, including the Inter-High Championships.

With the focus on youth engagement, the 33rd exchange is particularly significant as it marks the return of the competition to China after six years, following its last occurrence there in 2019. The event was paused from 2020 to 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Event Details

The 33rd Japan-Korea-China Junior Sports Exchange will host delegations not only from Japan but also from Korea and China, with each country sending approximately 247 athletes. The participating countries include:

- Japan: 245 athletes
- Korea: 247 athletes
- China: 247 athletes
- Inner Mongolia: 247 athletes

Competitions

Athletes will compete in a variety of sports, including but not limited to:

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

The event aims to create a vibrant atmosphere for sportsmanship while allowing the athletes to develop their skills alongside their peers from neighboring countries.

Additional Resources

For more detailed information on the event's schedule, including competition dates and team rosters, visit the JSPO website: JSPO Junior Exchange Overview. Updates during the event will also be posted here.

About JSPO

Founded in July 1911, JSPO (Japan Sports Association) was established with a mission to promote national sports and enhance international athletic performance. Previously known as the All Japan Athletic Association and later the Japan Sports Association, it has evolved to meet the diverse needs of the sporting community in Japan since adopting its current name in April 2018. JSPO engages in a wide range of initiatives, including organizing sports events across all age groups, supporting local sports clubs, training sports coaches, and promoting sports education through scientific methods.

To learn more about JSPO's initiatives and the overall structure of sports in Japan, please refer to the following:

JSPO continues to strive for a society where everyone can engage in and support sports—be it through participation, observation, or underpinning the athletes' journeys to success.