What is the most popular sport in Japan?

Baseball is the best attended and most popular sport in Japan. There are also a number of more traditional Japanese sports that are still popular, but they do not approach professional baseball when it comes to events attended.

Baseball was first introduced to Japan in the 19th century. Japanese interest in baseball is arguably second only to the interest it attracts in the sport's birthplace, the United States. Sumo wrestling and martial arts are also still popular in Japan but have die-hard fans at lower attendance levels than baseball. Soccer is gaining popularity as well, and golf has become a popular social sport for the Japanese.