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.
A look at cricket's history 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.
My experience at Suginami Festa
If you found yourself at Momoiharappa Park near Ogikubo Station back in 2020, you would have stumbled upon the lively Suginami Festa. This family-friendly community event was bustling 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 "Cricket Have a Go Dome"
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.
From baseball swings to cricket drives
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 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 the day
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
Final thoughts
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 in 2021. You can see my first photos for it, which were taken under cherry blossoms!
Rohan Gillett
Rohan has photographed Tokyo since 2011. He shoots it with his Canon EOS R5 these days. The project will take more than one lifetime to complete.
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External related websites
- Japan Cricket Association (official website)