Abstract
In this article we try to clarify the special features of Japanese Marxism studies on sport. To do so we compare Japanese Marxism studies with those in English-speaking countries, by analyzing a recent publication on Marxism sport studies edited by Carrington and McDonald. We will also provide a brief historical summary of Japanese Marxism Sport studies.
We came to the following conclusions: First, Japanese Marxism studies seem to be more focused on sport topics themselves than on the need to tackle everyday issues in Japanese capitalist society from a practical viewpoint. Second, there have been a few social movements connected with sport which have had links with left-wing political parties like the Japanese Communist Party. In fact some of these social movements began as proletarian sport movements. These movements have affected Japanese Marxism studies and have even had a significant part to play in academic studies. That is to say, the social movements have helped to make academic studies more issue-oriented. This has led to improved co-operation between those involved with Marxism sport studies and others involved in sport, as well as with other academics.
We suggest that there are some difficult obstacles, both theoretical and practical, facing Marxism sport studies.
