Japan’s Favorite Athletes: Female Fans Boost Hanyū Yuzuru to Top the Ranking

A survey found that Japanese people’s favorite athlete was Hanyū Yuzuru (figure skating), chosen by 7.8% of respondents, followed by Suzuki Ichirō (baseball) at 7.5%, Ohtani Shōhei (baseball) at 5.1%, Ōsaka Naomi (tennis) at 4.9%, and Asada Mao (figure skating) at 4.2%. Ōsaka appeared in the top 20 for the first time.

The Sports Life Survey, conducted by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation between August and September 2020, asked respondents about their favorite athletes. A total of 2,246 responses, from 74.9% of those surveyed, were received.

By sport, in the top 20, there were five baseball players; three representatives each for golf and soccer; two each for figure skating, tennis, and basketball; and one each for swimming, boxing, volleyball, and badminton.

Created by Nippon.com based on a survey by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation. There are 21 athletes listed because three were tied for nineteenth place.

Hanyū Yuzuru was the overwhelming favorite among women, at 15.3%, more than 7.3 points higher than Asada Mao and Ōsaka Naomi, who were both at 8.0%. Four athletes in the female fans’ top 20 were figure skaters. 

Meanwhile, among male fans, Suzuki Ichirō was the most popular athlete, at 10.1%, maintaining the first-place position he has held since the ranking was first conducted in 2002. Even after his retirement, Ichirō continues to be loved by sports fans. In second place was Ohtani Shōhei, at 6.2%, followed by Nishikori Kei at 3.1%, while Nagashima Shigeo and Lionel Messi were tied for fourth place at 2.4%. Among the top 20 for male fans, seven athletes were baseball players, and apart from Ichirō and Ohtani, they were current or former players of the Yomiuri Giants.

Created by Nippon.com based on a survey by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation. There are 21 athletes listed for female fans because three were tied for nineteenth place.

(Translated from Japanese. Banner photo: Yuzuru Hanyū performing at the Japan Figure Skating Championships in December 2020, and Suzuki Ichirō throwing pitches for batters at the Seattle Mariners training camp in February 2021. © Jiji.)