Development of the Movement to Boycott the 10^th Far Eastern Championship Games (FECG) in Japan*

Abstract

The purposes of this study were to focus on the campaign against participation in the 10^th Far Eastern Championship Games (FECG) in Japan and examine the historical meaning thereof. The FECG was canceled because of the conflict between Japan and China over the “Manchukuo” problem in 1934. The Japan Amateur Athletic Association (JAAA) negotiated with China and the Philippines regarding the problem, but China did not recognize it. Consequently, Manchukuo was unable to participate in the 10^th FECG. At that time, those involved in Manchukuo and a right-wing political party criticized and protested against the JAAA, demanding that the Japanese national team not participate in the games. However, the JAAA declared that the team would participate. Those involved in Manchukuo and the right-wing political party attacked the Japanese national team to prevent their participation in the games. Manchukuo, founded as a result of the Manchurian Incident, was supported by many Japanese citizens, and its impact spread to sports. The present study clarifies the tension between politics and sport resulting from Japan's enthusiastic support for Manchukuo.