In the dynamic landscape of international lacrosse, Japan has emerged as a trailblazer, particularly in the Asian region. With its men’s team securing a fifth-place ranking globally, Japan’s success story in lacrosse is deeply rooted in its strategic development at the university and club levels. This approach has positioned Japan as Asia’s top performer at the World Championships, reflecting a well-orchestrated effort to nurture and elevate the sport domestically.
The upcoming World Lacrosse Super Sixes in Hong Kong is set to witness the prowess of Japan, among six participating teams. Grouped with China and Germany in Group A, Japan will showcase its refined skills and disciplined gameplay. Hong Kong, meanwhile, will compete in Group B alongside the Philippines and Great Britain, striving to uphold its reputation for hosting outstanding tournaments in the region.
Chris Jinno, the general manager of Fogo Japan and an influential figure in the lacrosse world, acknowledges Hong Kong’s progress in the sport. Jinno’s experience as a former national team player and his involvement in the Asia Pacific Lacrosse Union provide him with a unique perspective on the development of lacrosse in Asia. He has witnessed firsthand the growth of the sport in Hong Kong and neighboring regions, including mainland China and Southeast Asia. Jinno credits Hong Kong for its effective promotion of lacrosse and its capacity to organize high-caliber tournaments that attract international participation.
However, Jinno believes that for Hong Kong to continue its upward trajectory in lacrosse, it should take cues from Japan’s model. He highlights the extensive participation at the university level in Japan, with over 15,000 players engaging in the sport across the country. This deep pool of players fosters a competitive environment and feeds into a national team that has shown impressive results, including a fifth-place finish at the men’s World Championship in San Diego and a bronze medal at the World Games in Birmingham, Alabama.
One of the key factors behind Japan’s success, as per Jinno, is the discipline instilled in top players and the expansive domestic championships that involve over 200 teams annually. This structure not only enhances the skill level of the players but also ensures a continuous supply of talented athletes for the national team.
Jinno’s advice for Hong Kong revolves around emulating Japan’s emphasis on developing the sport from the grassroots level upwards. He suggests that senior players should remain actively involved in the sport even after graduation, contributing to its growth and sustainability. The importance of hosting large-scale tournaments like the Hong Kong Open and the Super Sixes is also underscored, as these events play a crucial role in attracting teams from across Asia and the world, thereby elevating the sport’s profile.
Fogo Japan and Hong Kong have developed a competitive rivalry in recent years, with Japan securing narrow victories in the Hong Kong Open finals of 2019 and 2023. These encounters have not only intensified the competitive spirit between the two but also highlighted the potential for Hong Kong to learn from Japan’s strategic approach to lacrosse development.
As the Super Sixes approach, set to be held in Aberdeen and Wong Chuk Hang, Jinno is determined to bring a formidable team to the tournament. This event, showcasing top-tier lacrosse talent, will be a platform for Hong Kong to gauge its progress against international standards and to draw inspiration from Japan’s successful blueprint in nurturing the sport.
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