The History of Sport in Japan

From the Edo Period to the Tokyo Olympics

This exhibition looks at the history of sports in Japan, from the games of the Edo era to the gradual acceptance and popularization of modern sports in the Meiji era, all the way to Tokyo’s first Olympic Games in 1964. As Tokyo 2020 penetrates the country’s imagination, this show takes a step back to celebrate the bigger picture of athleticism, victory and loss throughout the decades. Featuring objects used by athletes and images from history, the exhibit is a playful and thoughtful walk down memory lane.