An activity that was first seen in America, cheerleading is now practised around the world, and most certainly in Japan.
Cheerleading conjures images of young women waving pom poms and performing acrobatics. But Cheerleading was originally an all-male activity and is now enjoyed by people of all ages. The history of cheerleading is somewhat surprising as is the nature of the famous Japan Pom Pom cheerleading group.
A brief history of cheerleading
First came the cheers and then the cheerleaders! In 1877 Princeton University developed a “Princeton Cheer”. This was a specific chant that was shouted by spectators and athletes alike. Seven years later, Princeton graduate Thomas Peebles moved to Minnesota and took with him the idea of organized crowd cheering at football games.
The practice of organised chanting began to spread and became somewhat competitive. It was thought that he who shouted loudest could help to win the day! Perhaps that is why Princeton eventually designated three male students as cheerleaders and created cheering sections in the stands. The first known example of a cheerleader actively directing a crowd to chant took place in 1898 at the University of Minnesota. Organised cheerleading had arrived!
After student Johnny Campbell began directing the Minnesota crowd, the University established a squad of six male students to lead the cheering and the practice caught on. It wasn’t until 1923 that women were permitted to participate in cheerleading at the University of Minnesota and it took a little time for other universities to follow suit. Female cheerleaders didn’t come to the fore until the 1940s when many young men were drafted into the armed services to fight in World War II, leaving opportunities for women.
In 1949, former cheerleader Lawrence Herkimer founded a cheerleading camp in Texas and patented the pom pom.
The popularity of cheerleading continued to grow and by 1975, over 500,000 students were participating in the USA. 95% of these were female. Cheerleading competitions began in 1978. By the 1980s, gymnastics and stunts were included in routines and cheerleading groups were established that were not associated with academic institutions.
Cheerleading in Japan
Long associated with American sports culture, cheerleading has found a unique and thriving expression in Japan. Over the years, it has evolved from a Western import into a discipline that combines rigorous athleticism, artistic precision, and cultural adaptation. Today, cheerleading in Japan is a competitive and highly respected activity, drawing participants from schools, universities, and independent teams.
The Emergence of Cheerleading in Japan
Cheerleading found its way to Japan in the 1980s, initially through exposure to American pop culture and international sporting events. It quickly gained traction amongst young people and particularly at universities where sports and extracurricular activities have always been important aspects of student life. The Japan Cheerleading Association (JCA) was established in 1980 to promote the sport, organize competitions, and enforce safety standards.
Structure and training
Japanese cheerleading encompasses both "cheer" and "dance" styles. The cheer style focuses on acrobatics, stunts, and tumbling. But in dance cheerleading, the emphasis is on synchronized choreography and artistic expression. Training is rigorous, with participants dedicating countless hours to perfecting their routines. Athletes must have both gymnastics skills and the emotional energy needed to inspire crowds.
Safety is a major priority in the Japanese cheerleading community. Teams are required to follow strict guidelines, including an adherence to specific stunt height regulations. The emphasis on discipline and technique reflects broader cultural values, where attention to detail and precision are valued.
Competitions and Popularity
Cheerleading competitions in Japan are highly competitive and well-organized. Events such as the All Japan Cheerleading and Dance Championship attract teams from across the country, showcasing routines that are judged on difficulty, execution, creativity, and teamwork. The events often showcase traditional Japanese elements, such as music and costume design. Cultural heritage is thus blended with the dynamics of cheerleading.
Cheerleading is also a common feature of the school sports festivals known as “undokai”. These festivals often include elaborate cheerleading performances that can be the highlights of the events. The participation of high school and middle school students has significantly contributed to the sport's growth, creating a steady pipeline of talent for competitive teams.
Cultural adaptation
While cheerleading in Japan retains many American influences, it is a sport that has also adapted to fit Japanese cultural norms. For instance, the focus on collective harmony and teamwork aligns with the Japanese concept of "wa," or group unity. Unlike the stereotypical image of cheerleading as a sideline activity, in Japan, it is seen as a sport in its own right, emphasizing athleticism and discipline over glamour.
Japanese cheerleading teams often incorporate elements of traditional arts, such as taiko drumming or kimono-inspired costumes, into their performances. This fusion creates a distinct identity for Japanese cheerleaders, ensuring that it is both a cultural and athletic spectacle.
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growing popularity, cheerleading in Japan faces challenges, including limited funding and the need for more certified coaches to meet the increasing demand. However, official organizations including the JCA and also collaborations with international cheerleading bodies are helping to address these issues by providing resources, training, and global exposure.
The International Cheer Union (ICU) World Cheerleading Championships and other international competitions have further boosted the profile of the sport in Japan. Japanese teams have consistently performed well on the global stage, earning accolades for their technical skill and creativity.
The future is bright
Cheerleading in Japan is more than just an imported sport; it is a dynamic blend of athleticism, culture, and innovation that has garnered many fans. Still growing, it offers opportunities for young people to develop teamwork, discipline, and confidence. With its unique fusion of tradition and modernity, cheerleading in Japan is poised to inspire and energize audiences both domestically and internationally for many years to come.
Pom poms and pensioners
The Japan Pom Pom is a cheerleading group for people aged 55 and over. It was founded in 1996 by Takino Fumie, who was inspired to set up the group after seeing a senior cheer squad on TV. The group's members wear bright costumes and flashy shoes. They perform at charity shows and compete around the world.
In 2019 the team had twenty-four members, with an average age of 72. But after the Covid-19 pandemic several members left, and the group now boasts 16 members. Japan is one of the world’s most rapidly aging nations. But Japan Pom Pom has struggled to gain acceptance from senior citizens in the country who often have somewhat old-fashioned views of how pensioners should conduct themselves.
But Japan Pom Pom does have many fans and is a fine example of how to remain fit and active in one’s later years.
The future is pom poms
Cheerleading continues to grow in popularity in Japan. Japanese cheerleading gives the world a special blend of athleticism, performance and cultural elements and is much-admired nationally and internationally. Cheerleading is big in Japan and is likely to remain so.
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