From Minato Ward to the Whole Country! The Appeal and Future of Lacrosse, Now an Olympic Sport
Lacrosse is a sport in which players use a stick with a net at the end—called a “cross”—to shoot a ball approximately 6 cm in diameter into the opposing team’s goal. It is a sport known for its high level of strategy and dynamic gameplay, and the number of participants is growing in Japan as well. In 2022, the Japanese national team won its first-ever bronze medal at the “11th World Games,” one of the world’s major international sports competitions. It has also been decided that the Women’s and Men’s World Lacrosse Championships—which determine the world’s best lacrosse teams—will be held in Japan in 2026 and 2027, respectively. Furthermore, lacrosse has been selected as an additional sport for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, and while the sport is experiencing unprecedented popularity, did you know that Minato Ward was actually the birthplace of lacrosse in Japan? We spoke with Wataru Anzai, a board member and Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) of the Japan Lacrosse Association, about the history and characteristics of lacrosse, as well as its connection to Minato Ward.
What is lacrosse, a sport that originated in North America?
――For people who have heard the name “lacrosse” but don’t know what kind of sport it is, could you start by explaining the basics of the game?
“Basically, it’s a field sport played with 10 players per team, and games consist of four 15-minute quarters. However, similar to rugby sevens, there’s also a six-player version called ‘SIXES,’ and it’s the SIXES format that was adopted for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, the rules and equipment differ between men’s and women’s lacrosse. In men’s lacrosse, ‘body checking’—where players are allowed to collide with an opponent who has the ball—is permitted. To knock the ball out of an opponent’s possession, players can hit them with their sticks or push them. Consequently, players wear protective gear such as helmets and gloves. It might help to think of ice hockey or American football. On the other hand, physical contact is not permitted in women’s lacrosse, so players do not wear protective gear. The appeal of women’s lacrosse lies in its diverse stickwork, teamwork, and speed, while one of the highlights of men’s lacrosse is its intense play, including body checking.”
“Basically, it’s a field sport played with 10 players per team, and games consist of four 15-minute quarters. However, similar to rugby sevens, there’s also a six-player version called ‘SIXES,’ and it’s the SIXES format that was adopted for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Additionally, the rules and equipment differ between men’s and women’s lacrosse. In men’s lacrosse, ‘body checking’—where players are allowed to collide with an opponent who has the ball—is permitted. To knock the ball out of an opponent’s possession, players can hit them with their sticks or push them. Consequently, players wear protective gear such as helmets and gloves. It might help to think of ice hockey or American football. On the other hand, physical contact is not permitted in women’s lacrosse, so players do not wear protective gear. The appeal of women’s lacrosse lies in its diverse stickwork, teamwork, and speed, while one of the highlights of men’s lacrosse is its intense play, including body checking.”
――I hear that lacrosse originated in North America.
“Yes. Lacrosse originated from the ceremonial practices of Native Americans in North America. It was used to resolve conflicts and issues between tribes, and it’s said that French immigrants discovered it and turned it into a sport around the 17th century—that’s considered the beginning of modern lacrosse. So, ‘lacrosse’ is actually a French word. The word ‘crosse’ refers to the stick used in those ceremonies, and when the definite article ‘La’ is added, it becomes ‘LaCrosse.’ Like the soccer World Cup, a global tournament called the WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP is held every four years. The U.S. and Canadian national teams—representing the sport’s birthplace—as well as the Ho-den-sho-ni Native American team, which isn’t a country but represents the roots of lacrosse, are very strong and consistently finish at the top. Incidentally, the women’s and men’s tournaments were held in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and the Japanese national team finished in fifth place in both.”
“Yes. Lacrosse originated from the ceremonial practices of Native Americans in North America. It was used to resolve conflicts and issues between tribes, and it’s said that French immigrants discovered it and turned it into a sport around the 17th century—that’s considered the beginning of modern lacrosse. So, ‘lacrosse’ is actually a French word. The word ‘crosse’ refers to the stick used in those ceremonies, and when the definite article ‘La’ is added, it becomes ‘LaCrosse.’ Like the soccer World Cup, a global tournament called the WORLD LACROSSE CHAMPIONSHIP is held every four years. The U.S. and Canadian national teams—representing the sport’s birthplace—as well as the Ho-den-sho-ni Native American team, which isn’t a country but represents the roots of lacrosse, are very strong and consistently finish at the top. Incidentally, the women’s and men’s tournaments were held in 2022 and 2023, respectively, and the Japanese national team finished in fifth place in both.”
Did it originate at Keio University in Japan?
――I think lacrosse is gaining more international attention, as evidenced by Japan’s bronze medal at the World Games. In light of that, could you tell us about the origins of lacrosse in Japan? I’ve heard it all started with students at Keio University.
“That’s right. It all began in 1986 when 15 first-year students at Keio University became interested in lacrosse and formed a team. Most of them were graduates of Keio High School, and as they were about to enter college, they decided to try something new. By chance, two of them came across lacrosse in a fashion magazine called ‘Men’s Club,’ and that’s what sparked it—they started recruiting friends to give the sport a try. They called the Canadian Embassy—the home of lacrosse—to express their desire to play lacrosse in Japan. Through the U.S. Embassy, they had a fateful encounter with Mr. Norio Endo (the first chairman of the JLA), who was the Asia regional manager for Grumman Corporation (now Northrop Corporation) in the U.S. “He, along with Johns Hopkins University in the U.S.—which was the strongest college lacrosse champion at the time—provided tremendous support for the spread of lacrosse in Japan.”
“That’s right. It all began in 1986 when 15 first-year students at Keio University became interested in lacrosse and formed a team. Most of them were graduates of Keio High School, and as they were about to enter college, they decided to try something new. By chance, two of them came across lacrosse in a fashion magazine called ‘Men’s Club,’ and that’s what sparked it—they started recruiting friends to give the sport a try. They called the Canadian Embassy—the home of lacrosse—to express their desire to play lacrosse in Japan. Through the U.S. Embassy, they had a fateful encounter with Mr. Norio Endo (the first chairman of the JLA), who was the Asia regional manager for Grumman Corporation (now Northrop Corporation) in the U.S. “He, along with Johns Hopkins University in the U.S.—which was the strongest college lacrosse champion at the time—provided tremendous support for the spread of lacrosse in Japan.”
――That’s quite a story.
“It seems those 15 people simply wanted to do something that no one else in Japan had ever done. I think it was their drive and passion that convinced the embassy to take action. I’ve heard that starting in 1987, Johns Hopkins University sent its head coach and top players to Japan to learn top-level lacrosse from the Keio University team. At that time, practices were held almost exclusively on the banks of the Tama River.
Incidentally, Yusuke Sasaki, the current chairman of the Japan Lacrosse Association, was one of those 15 people, and there are still several others involved in lacrosse today, such as those running the JLA Academy, which certifies lacrosse coaching credentials in Japan.”
“It seems those 15 people simply wanted to do something that no one else in Japan had ever done. I think it was their drive and passion that convinced the embassy to take action. I’ve heard that starting in 1987, Johns Hopkins University sent its head coach and top players to Japan to learn top-level lacrosse from the Keio University team. At that time, practices were held almost exclusively on the banks of the Tama River.
Incidentally, Yusuke Sasaki, the current chairman of the Japan Lacrosse Association, was one of those 15 people, and there are still several others involved in lacrosse today, such as those running the JLA Academy, which certifies lacrosse coaching credentials in Japan.”
――Since Keio University’s main campus is located in Mita, Minato Ward, in that sense, Minato Ward and the banks of the Tama River can be considered the birthplace of lacrosse in Japan.
“Yes. Lacrosse, which began at Keio University in Minato Ward, has now spread throughout the country. Currently, there are about 13,000 active lacrosse players. Although the numbers dropped at one point due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now gradually rebounding. Most people start playing lacrosse in college. Of the current player base, more than 90 percent—combining both men and women—began playing in college. However, while lacrosse is strongly associated with college sports, we at the association hope to maintain that image while also promoting the sport among younger age groups, including high school students and younger. In fact, the number of young players is increasing. For example, in the Kanto region, there are about 30 girls’ high school teams, and the sport is gaining momentum. We’re also seeing children start playing lacrosse through junior teams and schools for elementary school students and younger.”
“Yes. Lacrosse, which began at Keio University in Minato Ward, has now spread throughout the country. Currently, there are about 13,000 active lacrosse players. Although the numbers dropped at one point due to the COVID-19 pandemic, they are now gradually rebounding. Most people start playing lacrosse in college. Of the current player base, more than 90 percent—combining both men and women—began playing in college. However, while lacrosse is strongly associated with college sports, we at the association hope to maintain that image while also promoting the sport among younger age groups, including high school students and younger. In fact, the number of young players is increasing. For example, in the Kanto region, there are about 30 girls’ high school teams, and the sport is gaining momentum. We’re also seeing children start playing lacrosse through junior teams and schools for elementary school students and younger.”
A culture that values the players' autonomy
――As the number of players grows, it becomes easier to organize games, and I feel that actually playing a game helps people better understand the appeal of lacrosse.
“I believe that’s exactly what those first 15 people thought. With the cooperation of the U.S. Embassy and Johns Hopkins University, we managed to establish a lacrosse club at Keio University—but it’s no fun if you don’t have anyone to play against. It’s only natural to hold recruitment events—the so-called ‘new student welcome activities’—at your own university to attract freshmen to clubs and societies. But they went out to other universities—such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Aoyama Gakuin University, and Teikyo University—to recruit students, and established lacrosse clubs at each of those universities. By 1990, five years after they started, the number of players had already reached about 2,000.”
“I believe that’s exactly what those first 15 people thought. With the cooperation of the U.S. Embassy and Johns Hopkins University, we managed to establish a lacrosse club at Keio University—but it’s no fun if you don’t have anyone to play against. It’s only natural to hold recruitment events—the so-called ‘new student welcome activities’—at your own university to attract freshmen to clubs and societies. But they went out to other universities—such as the University of Tokyo, Waseda University, Aoyama Gakuin University, and Teikyo University—to recruit students, and established lacrosse clubs at each of those universities. By 1990, five years after they started, the number of players had already reached about 2,000.”
――So you recruited students from other universities and started lacrosse clubs at those schools, right? I’m really impressed by your drive.
“That hands-on spirit—the determination to create our own playing field with our own hands—may be at the very core of Japanese lacrosse. Lacrosse is fundamentally a culture where the players on the field think for themselves about what they want to do and then put it into action. I think coaches and alumni generally respect the players’ decisions, watch over them—even through their failures—and offer advice and support that helps them learn from those experiences.”
“That hands-on spirit—the determination to create our own playing field with our own hands—may be at the very core of Japanese lacrosse. Lacrosse is fundamentally a culture where the players on the field think for themselves about what they want to do and then put it into action. I think coaches and alumni generally respect the players’ decisions, watch over them—even through their failures—and offer advice and support that helps them learn from those experiences.”
――So it’s completely player-led, isn’t it?
“Even at the university level, the student-athletes are the ones who secure practice facilities and put together the practice schedules. What’s interesting is that the students even decide who the coaches will be. Every year, the captain and the team leaders get together to discuss who they’ll ask to be this year’s coach. As a result, it’s not uncommon for coaches who didn’t perform well the previous year or who lacked communication to be passed over and dismissed. That’s how much responsibility is entrusted to the students. Even within the JLA Academy’s coaching certification program, inquiry-based and guiding coaching methods are recommended, rather than coaches simply giving orders like ‘Do this’ or ‘Do that.’”
“Even at the university level, the student-athletes are the ones who secure practice facilities and put together the practice schedules. What’s interesting is that the students even decide who the coaches will be. Every year, the captain and the team leaders get together to discuss who they’ll ask to be this year’s coach. As a result, it’s not uncommon for coaches who didn’t perform well the previous year or who lacked communication to be passed over and dismissed. That’s how much responsibility is entrusted to the students. Even within the JLA Academy’s coaching certification program, inquiry-based and guiding coaching methods are recommended, rather than coaches simply giving orders like ‘Do this’ or ‘Do that.’”
――It’s a far cry from the image typically associated with so-called “athletic club-style” sports.
“I think of lacrosse as ‘neo-athletic.’ Of course, there’s value in taking on difficult challenges and going through a rigorous process—and the players all understand that’s precisely why it’s fun—so in that sense, it is ‘athletic.’ But when it comes to interpersonal relationships and the nature of the sport itself, it’s very modern.”
“I think of lacrosse as ‘neo-athletic.’ Of course, there’s value in taking on difficult challenges and going through a rigorous process—and the players all understand that’s precisely why it’s fun—so in that sense, it is ‘athletic.’ But when it comes to interpersonal relationships and the nature of the sport itself, it’s very modern.”
Activities of the Japan Lacrosse Association in Support of the Sport
――What kinds of activities is the Japan Lacrosse Association undertaking to further promote lacrosse?
“Most recently, with the support of Nissin Foods and the Minato City Tourism Association, we held a major tournament on January 14, 2024, titled ‘Nissin Foods Presents: The 33rd All-Japan Lacrosse Championship A1 @ Yokohama Stadium.’ Up until now, lacrosse tournaments have tended to be rather austere affairs, where fans would watch intently as the players competed. However, the tournament on January 14 was the most spectator-friendly event in the history of Japanese lacrosse. “Partly because it was held at Yokohama Stadium, the scale was several times larger than ever before, and thanks to that, we were able to welcome a huge crowd.”
“Most recently, with the support of Nissin Foods and the Minato City Tourism Association, we held a major tournament on January 14, 2024, titled ‘Nissin Foods Presents: The 33rd All-Japan Lacrosse Championship A1 @ Yokohama Stadium.’ Up until now, lacrosse tournaments have tended to be rather austere affairs, where fans would watch intently as the players competed. However, the tournament on January 14 was the most spectator-friendly event in the history of Japanese lacrosse. “Partly because it was held at Yokohama Stadium, the scale was several times larger than ever before, and thanks to that, we were able to welcome a huge crowd.”
――Does that mean securing sponsorships has made the tournament more open?
“Yes. Lacrosse has always valued its independent nature, and since it’s a sport that began with people creating their own playing fields with their own hands, it’s unusual for a sports organization—but we’ve historically received almost no sponsorship funds or grants. However, that also presented a challenge: we couldn’t expect the sport to develop significantly under those circumstances. The Japan Lacrosse Association was originally a voluntary organization; it became a general incorporated association in 2018 and a public interest incorporated association in 2022. When we became a general incorporated association, we established the policy of ‘connecting properly with society and developing the sport of lacrosse,’ and we are now in the process of gradually expanding our sponsorship base.”
“Yes. Lacrosse has always valued its independent nature, and since it’s a sport that began with people creating their own playing fields with their own hands, it’s unusual for a sports organization—but we’ve historically received almost no sponsorship funds or grants. However, that also presented a challenge: we couldn’t expect the sport to develop significantly under those circumstances. The Japan Lacrosse Association was originally a voluntary organization; it became a general incorporated association in 2018 and a public interest incorporated association in 2022. When we became a general incorporated association, we established the policy of ‘connecting properly with society and developing the sport of lacrosse,’ and we are now in the process of gradually expanding our sponsorship base.”
――So the January tournament served as a turning point, then.
“That’s right. I think it was great that we were able to hold the All-Japan Championship—where the top university team and the top club team in Japan face off—on the grand stage of Yokohama Stadium. It took over a year to prepare for the event, and we put a lot of effort into PR, such as putting up advertisements at eight major train stations across Japan. Thanks to those efforts, we received media coverage. For example, in addition to the All-Japan Championship, we held exhibition matches featuring the National Student All-Stars and the National Corporate All-Stars—four games per day for both men’s and women’s teams—and those matches were broadcast on BS Nippon TV. In addition, on the evening of the tournament, NHK’s sports program “Sunday Sports” featured the event. Furthermore, we invited Yuji Nakazawa, a former member of the Japanese national soccer team, to serve as the tournament’s official navigator, helping to energize the event and providing guest commentary. For about three years now, Mr. Nakazawa has been hosting a lacrosse-focused program called “Yuji Nakazawa’s La La La Lacrosse” on TV Kanagawa, helping to boost the popularity of lacrosse in Japan. ”
“That’s right. I think it was great that we were able to hold the All-Japan Championship—where the top university team and the top club team in Japan face off—on the grand stage of Yokohama Stadium. It took over a year to prepare for the event, and we put a lot of effort into PR, such as putting up advertisements at eight major train stations across Japan. Thanks to those efforts, we received media coverage. For example, in addition to the All-Japan Championship, we held exhibition matches featuring the National Student All-Stars and the National Corporate All-Stars—four games per day for both men’s and women’s teams—and those matches were broadcast on BS Nippon TV. In addition, on the evening of the tournament, NHK’s sports program “Sunday Sports” featured the event. Furthermore, we invited Yuji Nakazawa, a former member of the Japanese national soccer team, to serve as the tournament’s official navigator, helping to energize the event and providing guest commentary. For about three years now, Mr. Nakazawa has been hosting a lacrosse-focused program called “Yuji Nakazawa’s La La La Lacrosse” on TV Kanagawa, helping to boost the popularity of lacrosse in Japan. ”
――Finally, I’d like to ask you about the association’s future goals.
“As an association, we believe the most important thing is to raise awareness of lacrosse among the general public. Once people watch a game, I think they’ll realize how strategic it is and that it incorporates a variety of elements. It combines the spatial awareness of soccer and basketball, the ball-handling skills of tennis and baseball, and the physical contact of rugby and American football—so I’m sure sports fans in particular will really get hooked on it. In that sense, I believe our job is to figure out how to popularize lacrosse and raise awareness among people who know absolutely nothing about it. I hope we can spread the sport while cherishing the unique culture of lacrosse, where players make their own decisions.”
“As an association, we believe the most important thing is to raise awareness of lacrosse among the general public. Once people watch a game, I think they’ll realize how strategic it is and that it incorporates a variety of elements. It combines the spatial awareness of soccer and basketball, the ball-handling skills of tennis and baseball, and the physical contact of rugby and American football—so I’m sure sports fans in particular will really get hooked on it. In that sense, I believe our job is to figure out how to popularize lacrosse and raise awareness among people who know absolutely nothing about it. I hope we can spread the sport while cherishing the unique culture of lacrosse, where players make their own decisions.”
<Message from the President of the Minato City Tourism Association>
Japanese lacrosse holds limitless potential.
With this sport—which originated in Minato City—as the stage, the Minato City Tourism Association supports Japanese lacrosse in the hope of seeing the emergence of new Olympians and new medalists!
~From Minato Ward to the World!~
Hitoshi Watanabe, President, Minato Ward Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)
Japanese lacrosse holds limitless potential.
With this sport—which originated in Minato City—as the stage, the Minato City Tourism Association supports Japanese lacrosse in the hope of seeing the emergence of new Olympians and new medalists!
~From Minato Ward to the World!~
Hitoshi Watanabe, President, Minato Ward Tourism Association (General Incorporated Association)
[Japan Lacrosse Association Official Website]
https://www.lacrosse.gr.jp/
https://www.lacrosse.gr.jp/