July 19, 2025

The Japan Sport Association (JSPO), the umbrella organization for sports in Japan, recently announced that in fiscal 2024, the number of consultations related to harassment and violence in sports reached 536, hitting a record high since the consultation service began in 2013.

Of the 536 consultations, children aged under 18 accounted for 80%. Half of these children were elementary school students. In terms of the contents of consultation, the number of issues related to verbal abuse and harassment was larger than that of issues related to violence. The most common form of verbal abuse was demeaning and insulting, such as “You’re so stupid!” and “You’re not needed here!” Some of the children suffer from emotional pain due to continuous exposure to such harsh words.

In the results of a questionnaire survey which the JCP sports supporters’ association had conducted on the street in regard to topics needed to be discussed to popularize and develop sports, the elimination of violence as well as power and sexual harassment came first, followed by the climate crisis, the promotion of gender equality, and wage hikes and shorter working hours. It has become clear that the issue of violence and harassment will pose a barrier to the further development and popularization of sports.

The JCP supports the sports community’s efforts to eliminate the type of coaching associated with violence, harsh words, and harassment. In addition, the JCP is urging the national government to establish an organization which comprehensively deals with issues related to violence and harassment in sports by such means as carrying out programs aimed at educating and raising awareness among coaches about this matter and providing consultation services.