Sports and Exchange Events

Sakai City sponsors a range of events to encourage international exchange and revitalize local communities.

Each year the Sakai City citizens Marathon challenges runners to explore history, culture, and natural beauty as they trace a route through Nintoku-ryo Tumulus and Daisen Park. With a variety of courses ranging from a family marathon (2.5 kilometers) to a 10-kilometer race, there's an event that's right for everyone.

This full marathon starts at Hamadera Park in Sakai City. Following the opening of Kansai International Airport, nine cities and four towns in the area banded together to hold the event with the goal of revitalizing and internationalizing the Senshu region.

The Tour of Japan is the country's only-and Asia's largest-national stage race and is officially recognized by the Union Cycliste International. The race in Osaka (Sakai) is the first of six stages of race and is followed by another five carried out throughout Japan.

Summer in Sakai wouldn't be the same without the Sakai Grand Evening Fish Market, held on July 31. Featuring auctions conducted in traditional Japanese style and plenty of fresh fish for sale, this colorful event is characterized by spirited shouts from merchants and a lively atmosphere.

Held in Ohama, the birthplace by student sumo, the World Sumo (wrestling) Championships are dedicated to increasing the international appeal of the sport of sumo wrestling as well as encouraging friendship and exchange among participating nations and regions.