Cheerleading is a recognized sport in Japan that requires physical strength and athletic ability.[1] Cheerleading is available at the junior high school, high school, collegiate, club, and all-star level. Teams can either be all female or coed featuring males and females.
In Japan the situation is complex with at least 3 cheerleading organizations.
- Japan Federation for Sport Cheer & Dance (Cheer Japan, 2010).[2] Cheer Japan has recognition from the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and SportAccord through the official governing body of cheer the International Cheer Union (ICU[3][4])
- United Spirit Association Japan (USA Japan, 1988)[5]
- Universal Cheerleaders Association (UCA Japan, 1987),[6] renamed to Japan Cheerleading Association (JCA) in 1994 and renamed later Foundation of Japan Cheerleading Association (FJCA) is recognized by the JOC and IFC (As of 2019 the IFC no longer has IOC, Sportaccord recognition through the WDSF)
- ^ "About Cheerleading". Foundation of Japan Cheerleading Association. Retrieved 30 November 2015.
- ^ "English | 一般社団法人 日本スポーツチア＆ダンス連盟 "Cheer Japan"".
- ^ "The Recognized World Governing Body of Cheerleading: Asia".
- ^ http://jfscheer.org/download/letter20151007.pdf [bare URL PDF]
- ^ "USAとは". 27 October 2015.
- ^ "協会について｜チアリーディング協会".