In Japanese schools there’s a pure approach taken to sports; Participate for love of the sport and to show that you’re willing to give 100%. While there’s no doubt that Japanese schoolkids, like schoolkids all around the world, love to compete and show their stuff on the field, track, etc…, it’s also clear that they’re encouraged to support each other and keep animosity out of competitions.
Even in elementary schools (and sometimes earlier) kids are expected to participate in undokai, or sports festivals. By the time they reach junior high school …