Gateball – ゲートボール (門球)

Gateball is a sport inspired by croquet. It can be played by anyone, although in Japan it is very popular among older adults. It is usually written ゲートボール , although there is a kanji for it and it is written like this:門球.

It is often called “the golf of the poor” due to its low cost and the ease of playing in small areas. But what exactly is Gateball and how is it played?

Almost in every clearing or playing field, and depending on the place, from 8 in the morning you can find older people in the area playing this sport. Some start around 10 in the morning, but they always do it in the first part of the day. They take breaks between games and when they finish they go back home to eat lunch.

It is a very strategic game and teamwork is very important. There are two teams, three “goals” and one “center post”. The balls are numbered and each player is assigned one. Odd balls are red and even balls are white. Teams earn one point for each ball that passes through the goal and two points for hitting the center post.

Gateball is played on a rectangular artificial grass court with six gates and colored balls. The objective of the game is to pass the ball through the gates in order and finally hit the ball on a stake located in the center of the court. Each team is composed of five players, and the team with the most points at the end of the game wins.

One of the unique things about Gateball is that strategy is just as important as physical ability. Players must work together to move the balls into the correct position and make it harder for the opposing team to score. It is also important that players think about the next move and plan ahead to get the most points.

In addition to being a fun and challenging sport, Gateball is also a wonderful way to socialize and make friends. Many older people enjoy playing Gateball because it allows them to stay active and connected with other members of the community. The sport is also very popular at local festivals and community events throughout Japan.

If you are interested in trying something new and exciting during your visit to Japan, be sure to look for nearby places where Gateball is played and join a game. You will be surprised at how addictive and fun this unique sport can be! Also, if you want to learn more about Japanese culture and its sporting traditions, don’t hesitate to visit our blog on Royumi!