UNDOKAI WORLD CUP returns to Awaji Island Oct. 30-Nov. 1

Pasona Group will stage UNDOKAI WORLD CUP 2026 on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture from Oct. 30 to Nov. 1, with open-to-all sports day competitions, mascot performances and disaster preparedness exhibits. The free festival is part of Awaji Well-being Week 2026 and is designed to promote physical activity, community connection and wellness.

Why it matters: - UNDOKAI WORLD CUP is one of Japan’s largest open sports festivals, and the 2026 edition is built to draw people of all ages, genders, nationalities and abilities. - The event mixes competition, local food, cultural programming and disaster preparedness education in one place. - The 2025 festival drew 40,000 visitors, underscoring the scale of the event and its local tourism impact.

What happened: - Pasona Group Inc. will hold UNDOKAI WORLD CUP 2026 from Friday, Oct. 30 through Sunday, Nov. 1 on Awaji Island in Hyogo Prefecture. - Advance registration opened Sept. 11 through the official website: the official website. - The festival is part of Awaji Well-being Week 2026, a series of events on Awaji Island in October and November. - The event has been held on Awaji Island since 2016 and enters its 11th year in 2026. - The festival is free to attend and free to enter for participation in the festival and competitions. - Separate admission fees apply for entry to Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park.

The details: - Approximately 20 competitions are planned, including giant ball rolling, ball toss, obstacle relays, water carrying and a 20-meter sprint. - Some competitions will offer Kids Divisions for elementary school students, alongside General Divisions for adults. - Prizes for eligible competitions include one year’s supply of Awaji beef for first place, one year’s supply of rice for second place and one year’s supply of Awaji onions for third place. - Prize awards will apply only to designated competitions announced on the official website. - On Oct. 30, the location is listed as to be announced in Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. - On Oct. 31 and Nov. 1, the event will be held at Akashi Kaikyo National Government Park, 8-10 Yumebutai, Awaji City, Hyogo Prefecture. - The festival will also include food stalls and exhibitor booths showcasing products and services from event sponsors. - Food trucks and stalls will serve dishes featuring Awaji beef, Awaji chicken and other locally sourced ingredients, along with popular foods from across Hyogo Prefecture. - The Hajimari no Shima Awa-jikara Festival will bring together about 25 local mascot characters from across Japan to promote their regions through performances and competition appearances. - A disaster preparedness area, organized with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, will display emergency equipment and supplies and explain disaster response. - The stage program will include cheerleading and baton-twirling performances, a traditional Japanese sparkler-making workshop and an activity where participants write wishes on fireworks shells.

Between the lines: - The festival is trying to be more than a sports day. It blends physical activity with regional branding, family programming and public-safety education. - The mascot gathering and local food focus point to a broader push to showcase Awaji Island and Hyogo Prefecture as destinations, not just event venues. - The disaster-preparedness exhibit fits Japan’s earthquake risk and adds a practical layer to a public festival format. - Pasona Group said it wants the event to promote physical activity, social connection and greater awareness of physical and mental well-being.

What's next: - Further details will be announced on the official website. - The organizer says details remain subject to change. - Registration and event information will continue to be updated through the website and event contacts.