TOKYO, September 26, 2016- The UNDOKAI World Cup Executive Committee, developed and managed by Pasona Group Inc., is hosting the “UNDOKAI World Cup”, an international sports competition that features competitive “undokai” sports. The UNDOKAI World Cup will be held on Awaji Island (Hyogo Prefecture) from Saturday, October 29th to Sunday, November 13th.
As the Japanese population continues to age, extending healthy life expectancy has become a crucial matter. An increasing concern with promoting healthy living has led to the rise of accessible, so-called “lifelong sports”, which allow for anybody to easily take part. This, alongside other motivations such as local community-building, has inspired schools, companies, and other associations to organize undokai, which are annual Japanese sports festivals. These events feature Japan-specific athletic games in which children and the elderly alike can take part.
And so the UNDOKAI World Cup Executive Committee will be acting upon the athletic culture that has taken root in Japan by holding the UNDOKAI World Cup on Awaji Island from Saturday, October 29th to Sunday, Novermber 13th. Featured events will include three-legged racing, tug-of-war, tama-ire (ball toss), ootama-korogashi (giant ball-rolling), obstacle course racing, and other unique competitions. Participants not only from throughout Japan, but also from overseas, are planning to attend.
Through this event, the Executive Committee aims to put the natural beauty and wonder of Hyogo Prefecture’s Awaji Island on display, promote the continued interest in physical health and athleticism, and broadcast the quintessentially Japanese sporting culture of undokai to the rest of the world.
1 : The UNDOKAI World Cup mascots, Awaji Ganbaru (left) and Awaji Otenba (right)
2 : Long-rope jumping
Outline: UNDOKAI World Cup
| Schedule |
Saturday, October 29, 2016 – Sunday, November 13,
2016 |
| Location |
Hyogo Prefecture, Awaji Island (Akashi Kaikyo
National Government Park, etc.) |
| Events |
Ootama-korogashi (giant ball-rolling), one-legged race, obstacle course, shiri-sumo (buttocks sumo), “AJTA” (competitive ball toss), “strikeout” (numbered pitching game), bubble soccer, tama-ire (ball toss), long-rope jumping, “kick target” (numbered penalty kick game), three-legged race, soft volleyball, obstacle dribbling, tug-of-war, leapfrog, “ultimate endurance grand prix” (pull-up, push-up, handstand, high-jump), “ground golf” (putting), dodgeball, hago-ita (wooden-racket badminton), “ringboard” (numbered ring toss), breakdance crew battle, breakdance 2v2 battle, yosakoi dancing, etc.
Note: the list of events is subject to change.
   |
| Eligible Participants |
Kids, teens, general public, senior citizens |
| Awards |
For each event, the first, second, and third-place
winners will receive an award of prize money and goods.
Note: winners in the kids and teen events will receive goods.
|
| Entrance Fee |
Free
Note: A separate entrance fee is required to enter Akashi Kaikyo National
Government Park.
|
| Website |
http://www.undokaiwc.com/ (Japanese only)
Note: Please refer to the website for details and
application.
|
| Logo |
The foundational concepts are health, courage,
hope, love, intelligence, challenge, and peace.
|
| Organization |
UNDOKAI World Cup Executive Committee |
| Management and Planning |
Pasona Group Inc. |
| Inquiries |
UNDOKAI World Cup Executive Committee Office
Phone: +81-799-72-5533 E-mail: info@undokaiwc.com |