オフィシャル

A sports day, or "Undokai," is a traditional physical event held in Japanese schools. It is an event conducted across all levels of Japanese education, including kindergartens, elementary schools, junior high schools, and high schools. There are various competitions tailored to different age groups; for instance, kindergartens may have simple races, elementary schools may include relays and ball-throwing games, and junior and senior high schools feature more competitive events. Students are often divided into teams by class or grade level, competing to see which team scores the highest overall. The sports day is a cherished event where students learn about the joys of sports and teamwork. It is a common experience throughout school life, making it a familiar part of Japanese culture.

Sports days are not limited to schools; they are also widely held as community events. Particularly, "community sports days" organized by neighborhood associations or local communities are traditional events seen throughout Japan. Participants of all ages, from young children to the elderly, come together to foster community interaction. Although similar to school sports days in content, the focus is more on enjoying the interactions rather than the competitive aspects. It is valued as an opportunity to strengthen bonds among local residents.

A scene of the Gono-chan sports day

（Taken in October 2023, during the previous event.）

The Gono-chan Sports Day is a local sports day for the Nihonbashi Go-no-bu area. Nihonbashi Go-no-bu is a federation of ten neighborhood associations in the eastern part of the Nihonbashi district. Gono-chan" is a coined term combining "Go (Five)," representing Nihonbashi Gono-bu (the Fifth Section of Nihonbashi), and the honorific "chan" used for children. Gono-chan is the mascot character of Nihonbashi Gono-bu.

The area of Nihonbashi Gono-bu

This event, organized by these ten associations, is a traditional sports day with a long history, now in its 46th year. Many participants have a history with the sports day, having joined as children and now participating with their own families. While there are competitive events such as relays, tug-of-war, and large rope jumping, most events are designed for casual participation without concern for team affiliation. There are various events, from those suited for young children, like candy-catching races, to activities that older participants can enjoy. There is no need to worry about age or physical fitness. Participants receive prizes for taking part, and those placing in the top three receive slightly better prizes. By the end of the sports day, some might end up with more prizes than they can carry home. The focus is on community interaction rather than winning or losing. Although winning is enjoyable, the main feeling is one of having fun, even if one does not win.

Every child likes the candy-catching race.

（Taken in October 2023, during the previous event.）

A delivery relay where teams of four, consisting of both adults and children, participate.

（Taken in October 2023, during the previous event.）

Thank you race for older participants

（Taken in October 2023, during the previous event.）

The Gono-chan Sports Day is open to anyone who lives or works in the Nihonbashi Go-no-bu area. Participation is free, and no prior registration is required. There is no overall registration desk, so if you want to join, please visit your neighborhood association’s tent on the day of the sport day. The association's officers will kindly assist you. Why not enjoy the autumn sky, get active, and laugh together with everyone? It will be a lot of fun!