Japanese Leisure activities

The standard leisure activities that Japanese are involved in are domestic travel, visiting theme parks, dining out, enjoying time with family and friends and sports; although domestic travel is relatively expensive and thus not engaged on a regular basis.

According to research (Central Research Services Inc, 2005), the Japanese prefer dining out the most.

The Japanese usually spend time with their families and friends whilst playing sports, thus incorporating the two into a new paradigm. A most popular sport in Japan would be baseball (Also known as "Yakyuu" in Japanese).Many people love the sport and are raging fans, parents usually play the game with their children and the love for the sport is passed on. Baseball is offered at both junior high and high school level, where there are national level competitions, one of the most coveted competitions being "Koushien".

"They take their baseball very seriously"

A popular leisure activity especially among the youths is visiting theme parks. With Tokyo Disneyland and Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, Japanese youths are flocking to Tokyo or Osaka during their school holidays or weekends to relax and have a great experience.

Other leisure activities revolve around traditional games such as "Shogi", a Japanese form of chess. Whilst its popularity is mostly upheld by the senior citizens, there is still a considerable amount of middle-aged people to youths playing such traditional games.

Festive activities are also alternatives of leisure activities for the Japanese. One of the major and most popular festivals in Spring that attracts many Japanese to participate is Cherry Blossom viewing (Also known as "Hana-mi" in Japanese). Viewing the Cherry Blossoms in their transient moments of glory and beauty is something that Japanese of all ages appreciate.

 An old couple viewing the cherry blossoms. How loving at such a ripe old age.

Source: http://www.ocada.jp/life/sakura.htm

Some would simply spread a picnic sheet and view the flowers for a day whilst having a picnic.

Picnic under the cherry blossoms

Source: http://www.ocada.jp/life/sakura.htm

Reference:

Ken Y-N (2005) Leisure time activities. Retrieved from http://whatjapanthinks.com/2005/10/27/leisure-time-activities/

Leisure Activities. Retrieved on 8th December 2010, from http://www.japanlink.co.jp/ka/cgorfr.htm