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The sport of lacrosse began in Japan in April of 1986, when a few students of Keio University, spurred by an interest in the sport of lacrosse, visited the American Embassy. American and Japanese businessmen were introduced to these students to help them establish contacts and provide financial aid. “Through lacrosse, the interaction of the younger generation in the world will foster friendship which will lead to mutual understanding,” the senior volunteer members voiced in a statement. To cultivate the sport, 10 sticks were donated by the vice president and secretary of Johns Hopkins University, Ross Jones and director of athletics of Johns Hopkins University, Bob Scott to Keio University.
In June 1987, The Japan Lacrosse Association was founded. Initially “Volunteerism” “Amateurism” and “International Friendship” were the three main principles that were emphasized.
In July 1987, Don Zimmerman, head men’s lacrosse coach at Johns Hopkins University held a lacrosse camp for the first time in Japan. In December of that year, the first recorded lacrosse game was played in Japan. Yokota base team defeated. Keio University 12-2.
Zimmerman has recently visited Japan with his UMBC team. He was commended for his contribution to the progress of the program in Japan. (photo to be sent soon)
In April 1988, the Japan Lacrosse Student League, which included seven member Japanese universities, was founded and the first Student League season was held. In the following year, Johns Hopkins University and the Australian National Team were invited to Japan to hold the first International Lacrosse Friendship Games at the Komazawa Olympic Stadium, which presented world-class lacrosse games to the students of the JLSL for the first time. The Japan Lacrosse Club Team Association was founded in 1990 and it was composed of recent college graduates who wanted to continue playing the sport.
In 1990, Eastern-Western regional student teams and club teams participated in the first national tournament, which showed much the sport had expanded beyond the Tokyo (Kanto) region.
Japan was represented in the World Cup for the first time in 1992, when the men’s Under-19 team competed. In 1993, Japan’s National Women’s team competed in the World Cup for the first time. The Men’s National Team first competed in the World Cup in 1994. JLA believes participation in these several World Cups had resulted in the recognition of Japanese Lacrosse programs throughout the world.
Since then, Japan has been the host of two World Cups - Under-19 (Men) in August 1996 and World Cup (Women) in May 1997.
A Q&A with Yoshie Miura, President of JLA Women's Club Association.
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How popular is women's lacrosse compared to other sports? |
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Women's lacrosse is more popular than field hockey, but much less than tennis or volleyball. But the players don't mind it because lacrosse is a relatively new sport and also they enjoy playing it anyway. As a team sport, its player numbers are increasing. |
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How many players are there in women's club? |
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In the East Japan Association, the number of players is about 350 in 2004 and nearly 400 in 2005 (with additional 3 teams). At the national level, there are about 800 players. |
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What is the structure of the players belonging to the club? |
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Working people account for 90%, students for 15% and high school pupils for 5%. |
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What is the difference between the Champion League and the Fun League? |
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The Champion League is eligible to compete for the national club title while the Fun League is just for fun. |
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Is there any restriction on how to register for the two leagues? |
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There is no restriction. The players select which league to join when they apply for participation in the league games. |
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Does the club conduct tryouts? |
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No. |
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What is the purpose or principle for the activity of the club? |
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The purpose of the club is to expand the lacrosse with the club team at the center and improve its tournament level and also to spread it as lifelong sports and enhance its appeal as competitive sports. |
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To submit something for publication, please contact our co-editors, Judy Fong at jfong00@yahoo.com and Dana Czapnik at danaczapnik@yahoo.com.
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