Sport & culture in Japan

Sport is global, and my study abroad experience in Japan made that clearer than ever. This program explored sport beyond the United States through the Japanese context, examining how culture, history, and social values shape the way sport is managed and experienced around the world.

We studied both the management and cultural sides of sport, interacting with professionals connected to ministries of sport, professional teams, Olympic sport, and Japanese businesses. At the same time, we experienced sport as it is deeply embedded in everyday life, through sumo, kendo, judo, high school athletics, and Japan’s unique relationship with baseball. Seeing how sport operates within a different cultural framework challenged my assumptions and broadened my global perspective.

One of the most memorable parts of the program was participating in kendo and judo classes and learning about sumo as both a sport and a tradition. These experiences reinforced how sport in Japan reflects discipline, respect, and collective identity.

My favorite part, without question, was the cuisine. Every meal, from casual convenience-store food to ramen and sushi, was intentional, thoughtful, and unforgettable. That attention to detail carried over into how I approached photography during this trip, encouraging me to slow down and be more intentional with every frame.

This was by far my favorite study abroad program. It connected sport, culture, and global understanding in a way that was immersive, meaningful, and creatively inspiring, and it continues to shape how I see the world through my lens.