Japanese Cricket at Suginami Festa

Cricket in Japan? It’s a question that might surprise many, but the answer is a resounding yes! The Japanese do play it. And as an avid fan and photographer, I was thrilled to witness and capture the sport’s growing presence right at Tokyo’s Suginami Festa.

The surprising history of cricket in Japan

While cricket was first played in Japan over a century ago, it wasn’t until the 1980s that the sport began to take root with the formation of university clubs. Since then, its progress has been slow but steady. Today, Japan is an associate member of the International Cricket Council (ICC), a promising sign for the future of the sport in the country.

Experiencing Tokyo’s Suginami Festa at Momoiharappa Park

If you found yourself at Momoiharappa Park near Ogikubo Station back in 2020, you would have stumbled upon the Suginami Festa. This annual family-friendly community event bustled with food and drink stalls and featured entertaining on-stage performances. Amidst it all, cricket made a memorable appearance, and I was there with my camera to document it.

The JCA ‘Cricket Have a Go Dome’: Introducing the game to Tokyo

The Japan Cricket Association (JCA) set up the “Cricket Have a Go Dome” to introduce the game to a new audience. Players and coaches were on hand to guide children and their parents, offering a free opportunity for everyone to try their hand at the sport. The aim was simple: to promote cricket in Japan and spark a newfound interest in the game.

It was a joy to see so many people, especially the kids, hitting the ball with such excitement. Their enthusiasm was infectious. Hopefully, this fun introduction to the sport inspired some to go home and learn more about cricket. It’s doubtful that anyone there had heard of my personal heroes, Don Bradman, Bill O’Reilly, or Abdul Qadir, but every new fan is a win for the sport.

The children, both boys and girls, were completely captivated. They eagerly listened to tips from the coaches, and for many, it was an entirely new experience. It was clear that some of them didn’t want to put down the bats and balls! Who knows, perhaps a future star, Japan’s own Mahendra Dhoni, was discovered that day, destined to shine in Test matches or Twenty20 cricket.

While I can’t say for sure how many people visited the dome, the festival itself drew thousands. The line of people waiting to try cricket was consistently long, keeping the staff busy all day. I enjoyed the photography and was lucky enough to be invited to another JCA event a few months later, Japan Cricket Blast in Akiruno City.

Baseball culture vs. cricket technique

One thing that caught my attention was how the participants held the bat. In Japan, baseball is king, so naturally, many people hold the cricket bat horizontally. In cricket, however, it is held vertically.

Of course, the modern, fast-paced T20 format has introduced a variety of innovative shots, but the classic technique remains distinct. As cricket becomes more popular, I’m looking forward to seeing the knowledge and skill levels of local players grow.

The growing future of cricket in Japan

Cricket still has a long way to go to challenge the dominance of baseball in Japan. But the Japan Cricket Association is actively working to raise awareness and grow the sport from the grassroots level. They organize displays and hold clinics in schools, a smart strategy for nurturing young talent. With Japan’s large population, the potential for cricket to take off is immense.

My photography gear for this shoot

For those interested in the technical side of my photography, here’s the equipment I used to capture the action:

• Camera body: Fujifilm X-T2
• Lenses:
  • Fujifilm XF 16-55mm F2.8 R LM WR
  • Fujifilm XF 55-200 mm f/3.5-4.8 R LM OIS

The road ahead for Japanese cricket

The idea of cricket in Japan might seem unusual, but it’s a growing reality. There is genuine interest in the sport, especially in Tokyo. Events like the Suginami Festa highlight its potential to capture the hearts of a new generation. While the road ahead is long, with continued effort, Japan could become a notable presence in the global cricketing community.

Suginami Festa actually served as a stepping stone into my short career as a professional sports photographer. I worked for the Japan Cricket Association (official website) in 2021.

What are your thoughts on cricket’s growth in Japan? Share your questions and comments below!