Beyond the "Black Clubs"

Based on a unique blending of sociology, history, anthropology, and philosophy, this book seeks to reinvigorate youth-centered sports along a path of inclusivity, play, and enjoyment. Beyond the Black Clubs represents a groundbreaking collaboration between leading global researchers as they unravel the intricate tapestry of youth sports in Japan. From Japan’s opening to the West in the nineteenth century, the state-driven fusion of sports and education has given rise to a powerful apparatus of moral education, which has helped sustain social stability, order, and hierarchy. And yet, the current state of youth sports is unfortunately pockmarked by so-called "black clubs"—school sports clubs that allow practices such as hazing and corporal punishment, and which lead to many injuries and accidents. This meticulously researched book unveils the global undercurrents that have shaped youth sports in Japan and created the conditions for these black clubs to emerge and, by demanding the attention and action of fellow adults, lays the intellectual foundation for a brighter sports future for all Japanese youth as well as all youth athletes abroad.