Manga Helps Fuel Japan’s Kabaddi Ambitions at Asian Games
Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail
Japan’s growing interest in kabaddi has received an unexpected boost from a popular manga series, helping the country develop a new generation of players ahead of the Asian Games in Nagoya.
The Japanese men’s team kept its medal hopes alive on Thursday by defeating South Korea 62-35 in front of a local crowd.
Manga Plays a Role in Kabaddi’s Growth
Kabaddi has deep roots in South Asia, with India traditionally regarded as one of the sport’s strongest teams. In Japan, however, the game has found a different route to popularity through manga.
Japan captain Tetsuro Abe said the manga Burning Kabaddi introduced many players to the sport.
According to Abe, more than 80 percent of the current Japanese squad began playing after becoming interested in kabaddi through the comic.
The sport combines elements of tagging, wrestling and rugby. Two teams of seven players compete on a marked court, with attackers entering the opposition half to tag defenders and return safely.
A raider must also maintain their breath while repeatedly chanting “kabaddi”, adding another physical challenge to the game.
Players Balance Kabaddi With Regular Jobs
Unlike professional athletes in some of the sport’s major nations, many members of Japan’s team have full-time jobs.
The squad includes teachers, food industry workers and employees from other professions who continue to play kabaddi alongside their careers.
Abe said the players do not receive salaries for representing Japan and often need permission from their employers to attend international competitions.
He described the opportunity to play at a home Asian Games as particularly important for the development of the sport.
Japan Chasing Another Asian Games Medal
Japan first made a mark in Asian Games kabaddi by winning a bronze medal in 2010 in Guangzhou.
The team has also enjoyed success in regional competition, winning the inaugural East Asian Men’s Kabaddi Championship in 2025.
However, the Japanese side faces a major challenge at the current Games. It suffered a 49-24 defeat against India earlier in the tournament.
A strong performance on home soil could nevertheless help increase public interest and attract greater investment in the sport.
Young Fans Get Their First Look
Several hundred schoolchildren attended Thursday’s match after nearby schools received free tickets.
Teacher Kumpei Tanaka said his students had been introduced to the rules through YouTube before attending the match.
For many of the children, it was their first experience watching kabaddi live.
One nine-year-old student compared the sport to the tag games played at school, describing the match as enjoyable.
The young spectators left before the final whistle as Japan held a commanding lead, with lunchtime calling.
Japan Wants Kabaddi to Grow
Kabaddi has been organised in Japan for decades. The country’s kabaddi federation was established in 1981, while national and regional competitions have been held regularly since 1989.
The sport also received attention this week when Prince Hisahito, nephew of Emperor Naruhito, attended a kabaddi match.
Abe believes Japan can eventually compete more strongly with established teams such as India and Iran if better facilities, sponsorship and development opportunities become available.
For now, the Japanese team hopes its Asian Games campaign can give kabaddi greater visibility and encourage more people to discover the sport.
