Spring traditions in Japan: sports festival

In Japan each school has a sports day or festival. In elementary school in Saitama Prefecture, where I live, it is called an undokai, which translates to a sports meet, but is most commonly called "Sports Day". In Junior High School in Saitama Prefecture the sports day is called taiikusai, which translates to "Sports Festival".


Not only are the names of the event different between elementary school and junior high school, the seasons are completely different. In our prefecture the elementary school 'undokai' sports day is on in fall (autumn), but the junior high school 'taiikusai' is on in spring, shortly after the school year has started. Another difference is that the elementary school sports day is on a Saturday (unless its postponed due to rain), whereas at junior high school its on a weekday.


Therefore, every year in spring since my eldest child entered junior high school we have a spring tradition, like many other families, of going along to the 'taiikusai'. My eldest child is in senior high school from this year and it turns out their sport meet is also in spring. The junior high school sports festival was today and the senior high school is on next week. Also on a weekday.


The sports day / festival / meet is quite an elaborate event in Japan and a lot of effort goes into it. Its a lot of fun for the kids, but it is also quite stressful and quite taxing too. And in truth, when you have more than one child participating, it can be quite stressful for parents too. But there is a good atmosphere and lots of adrenaline!


Have you been to a sports festival / day / meet in Japan yet?