Japan is known for its rich culture, unique cuisine, and rugby, a full-contact sport popular in many western countries. Though baseball is the most popular sport, rugby has gained traction over the years.
Now Japan has the 4th largest Rugby population with over 125,000 players divided into 3,631 official clubs. With fans, fantasy bookings, and online casino watching rugby with its increasing popularity. It also attracted many top players from prestigious international teams.
With more opportunities for a greener pasture, many athletes from NZ and South Africa have made Japan their second home. So let us look at the five reasons they are “Turning Japanese.”
Shorter Season
Rugby leagues in Japan are much shorter compared to Europe. Having fewer clubs means fewer matches for teams to compete. With a short season, athletes avoid injuries by being overworked at the plays and practice. It also gives them time to rest and study the best strategy or recover from injuries they might have received in the season.
A shorter season also gives them time for family and other activities. An easy schedule helps improve their professional and personal life and makes them happier.
Less Physical Competition
Japanese play rugby with much less intensity than how it is played in the international leagues. The less intense pace of the play makes it more of a mind game and less of brute strength. Though injuries are unavoidable in rugby, they are not as frequent compared to European leagues.
Some players are worried that this way of playing might impact their performance if they return to the big leagues. But some coaches say it is not the case. The participation of pro players influences Japanese rugby significantly. Japan’s involvement in the World Rugby Cup has shown they have the skills to keep up with the West.
The League Is Fresh
The popularity of rugby in Japan has risen since it was established in 1923. Though almost a century of existence, it is still the fifth most popular sport among the Japanese people. Having pro players from abroad boosts their advertising and appeal to the younger generations.
As pro players, they can compete together and against local athletes, sharing their play style and improving the game on par with the West.
New Cultural Experience
Japan has a unique culture, and being a foreigner is difficult at first. For some, the language and cultural differences are some concerns when entering the country. When you learn the language, it is easy to embrace the culture. Western players dive into a culture that is both amazing and enjoyable.
With the lesser stress schedule and other factors, it is like a vacation every off-season for the pro players. Japan is an excellent country to play rugby, with exotic places and food that captivated foreigners for years.
Higher Pay
Pro athletes are going to Japan primarily for a higher salary. An average pro player can earn $180,000 per year in Japan, more than what players make in the lower leagues in Europe. Many pro players are even being offered more, especially top-tier athletes. As many pro players have families to support, having a bigger pay also makes them save for retirement.
Younger athletes can earn more than playing in their country with a lighter schedule. At the same time, veteran players are tempted to get a big payday at the latter end of their careers. Better pay in a foreign land became a concern to the Rugby clubs. Most high potential players from lower clubs will go to Japan rather than straight to the big leagues.
Talent Drain and Greener Pasture
Pro athletes from the West are a big deal in the land of the rising sun. A shorter season and bigger pay are offers that are hard to ignore. But the concern of having new athletes and current players going to Japan to compete will impact the clubs themselves. Whether they get sponsors to support the teams or better compensation to pro players would make the athletes reconsider staying.
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