The sports industry evolves as many people compete earnestly.

Because many adults are seriously "competing"
Through "watching" and "supporting,"
spreading throughout the entire sports industry

The World Masters Games (WMG) will be held in Kansai in 2021. We asked Makoto Nagahara, Chairman of the WMG Legacy Creation Committee, what impact this event will have on Japan's "lifelong sports" movement.

Gaining momentum globally
The Third Lifelong Sport

In Japan, Masters sports often conjure images of "seniors" or "elite" athletes chasing personal bests. However, its essence extends beyond that, encompassing participation open to any middle-aged or older adult. 2021 presents an opportunity to shift this skewed perception. While "health sports" like fitness and "sports tourism" with its travel elements have been the mainstays of lifelong sports, the "Masters" movement is poised to emerge as the third pillar.

The defining feature of Masters sports is serious "competition." In Japan, competitive sports often end with student athletics, yet many people want to continue afterward. The marathon boom proved this. Events and participants increased, with everyone aiming for personal records. This demand likely exists in other sports too.

Globally, Masters sports are also gaining momentum. The Winter WMG started in 2010, and regional competitions in Europe, Asia, and elsewhere have emerged. The number of events has also increased by about 200 over the past decade.

Masters sports are for all adults aged 30 and over to "compete." To establish this, it's crucial to show the image of diverse adults participating (photo: 2017 Auckland Games).

Form teams with alumni or colleagues
Communicating participation images

For Masters sports to gain traction after 2021, we need to show people how they can participate. Forming teams through alumni associations, fitness club members, or workplace organizations makes it easy to join. Alumni groups are also excellent. With an aging population, alumni networks are undoubtedly a growing area. We want people to think, "It's easy to join," without needing to recruit members from scratch. That's precisely why we launched the "Team Do Sports" website.

Because Masters competitions involve serious competition, activities like "watching matches to study" and "buying equipment" – essentially "watching" and "supporting" – ripple out to benefit the entire sports industry. Naturally, this should also positively impact professional and youth sports. That too will be part of the legacy beyond 2021.

Participants in the "Dragon Boat" event (a type of canoeing competition) at the previous Games (2017 Auckland Games)

Rugby, held at the 2017 Auckland Games, will also be featured at the 2021 Kansai Games

World Masters Games 2021 Kansai
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