Abstract
The purpose of this study is to point out some problems pertaining to the viewpoint of "Japanese sports ideology" through this baseball controversy and to grasp the new viewpoint. The first point is that Japanese sports ideology tends to be described as a tradition-bound way of thinking. We discuss an aspect of baseball ideology that has been created while adjusting to some situations. The second point is that "play element" is said to be lacking in Japanese sports ideology. We discuss how it has been an important factor in the spread of baseball in Japan.
