Dream of studying in Japan and joining a competitive school sports team? At Kashima Gakuen High School, students combine academics with strong soccer and baseball programs. With DEOW Japan, this dream is closer than you think. It is well known that sports is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of Japan. Whether you’re a fan of precision teamwork or high-energy matches, you’ll find that baseball and soccer are two of the most celebrated sports across the country. From legendary athletes like Shohei Ohtani to passionate student “Bukatsu” clubs, Japan offers a vibrant world of sports—both professional and educational.
For international students passionate about sports, schools like Kashima Gakuen High School offer unique programs that combine academics with high-level athletics. Let’s dive in!
High School Baseball in Japan: More Than Just a Game
Baseball is arguably Japan’s most beloved sport. Introduced in the 1870s, it quickly grew into a national pastime. High school tournaments like Koshien are followed religiously, and the Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB) league garners huge crowds.
One of the most inspiring figures in modern baseball is Shohei Ohtani. Known globally as a “two-way player” (both pitcher and hitter), Ohtani’s rise from Hanamaki Higashi High School to the MLB’s Los Angeles Dodgers has made him a symbol of Japanese sports excellence. His dedication, humility, and skill have made him a role model for young athletes not just in Japan, but worldwide.
High School Soccer in Japan: Fast, Strategic, and Growing
Soccer has surged in popularity since Japan co-hosted the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The J.League (Japan Professional Football League) has nurtured home-grown talent and drawn international players to Japan.
Players like Keisuke Honda and Takefusa Kubo have made names for themselves in both domestic and international leagues. Japan’s national teams consistently qualify for World Cup tournaments and Olympic competitions, showing their technical skill and strategic gameplay on the global stage.
At the youth level, soccer is one of the most popular sports in Japanese schools, with many institutions offering strong training and competitive opportunities.
Kashima Gakuen: Where Sports and Study Go Hand-in-Hand
If you’re a student passionate about sports, Kashima Gakuen is a school worth exploring. Located in Ibaraki Prefecture, this private school offers a well-rounded academic curriculum and a variety of extracurricular activities designed to develop character, discipline, and teamwork.
What is “Bukatsu” (部活)?
“Bukatsu” refers to after-school club activities in Japanese schools. These clubs are a vital part of student life, offering structured environments where students can practice their interests—especially sports—on a regular basis. These aren’t just hobby clubs; Bukatsu is taken very seriously in Japan, often involving daily practice, competitions, and lifelong friendships.
Bukatsu at Kashima Gakuen
Kashima Gakuen is well-known for its strong Bukatsu programs, including:
- Soccer Club for both boys and girls: With experienced coaches and competitive teams, this club offers top-level training and opportunities to grow within the Japanese school sports system.
- Girls’s Softball Club: For aspiring athletes, Kashima Gakuen provides structured training programs that follow the Japanese tradition of excellence in softball.
- Other options include basketball, volleyball, kendo, and more.
These clubs help students grow not only in skill but in character—fostering resilience, teamwork, and leadership.
How DEOW Japan Can Help You Join Kashima Gakuen
At DEOW Japan, we specialize in helping international students find the right fit for their educational and personal growth in Japan. If you’re passionate about sports and want to study in a Japanese high school like Kashima Gakuen, we can guide you through:
- School selection and application support
- Visa and document preparation
- Life and academic counseling after arrival
- Language and cultural orientation
Whether you dream of becoming the next Shohei Ohtani or just want to be part of a team while experiencing Japanese culture, Kashima Gakuen is a fantastic choice for combining academics with high-level sports.
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