Abstract
This study analyzed the image of esports by nationality through a questionnaire survey of 81 Japanese and Chinese university students on the pros and cons of esports being adopted as an Olympic sport. The results showed that 77.8% of the university students were in favor. As reasons for being in favour, they expect the games to improve in terms of recognition, technology and strategy, as well as attract new participants. In particular, Japanese university students expect
games to be recognised as more than just a pastime. On the other hand, Chinese university students are distinctive in that they expect innovative ICT technological advances and improved operating techniques. As reasons for their opposition, it was suggested that they oppose video games because of their potential negative impact on health and the fact that video games do not move the entire body, whereas sports are about physical exercise. In particular, it was suggested that Japanese university students consider it questionable whether esports is a sports competition that makes full use of physical capabilities, while Chinese university students are distinctive in that they consider that there are game addiction and health problems.
