The Deep Appeal of Lacrosse and Key Highlights of the 2026 Women's World Championship
From Friday, July 24 to Sunday, August 2, 2026, the "NISSIN FOODS 2026 WORLD LACROSSE Women's World Championship" will be held in Tokyo. Remarkably, this marks the first time in about 30 years that a lacrosse world championship is taking place in Japan. With the Men's World Championship scheduled for the following year in 2027, and lacrosse making its historic return as an official Olympic sport at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics for the first time in 120 years, the sport is currently enjoying a massive surge in attention. Serving as a stepping stone for this momentum, this Women's World Championship will feature pool play (preliminary rounds) and playoffs (bracket tournament) at the Oi Hockey Stadium. The semifinals and finals will take place at the Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium in Minato City. To cover everything from basic lacrosse knowledge to tournament highlights, Haruyoshi Motegi, Secretary General of the Minato City Tourism Association, spoke with Taro Endo and Taichi Furuya, Co-Chairs of the Organizing Committee and representatives of the Japan Lacrosse Association.
A Sport with Roots in Indigenous Culture
From left: Mr. Haruyoshi Motegi, Mr. Taro Endo, and Mr. Taichi Furuya
"Mr. Haruyoshi Motegi (hereafter Motegi): ""Thank you very much for taking time out of your busy schedule today. Lacrosse took root in Japan back in 1986 when students from Keio University consulted with the U.S. Embassy. Since both the Keio University campus and the U.S. Embassy are located in Minato City, we consider Minato City to be the birthplace of lacrosse in Japan. To begin, I would love to hear about the appeal of lacrosse, which shares such deep ties with Minato City.""
Mr. Taro Endo (hereafter Endo): ""The most significant feature of lacrosse is that it is a sport derived from Native Americans in North America. It is said that French missionaries who settled on the American continent discovered what had long been played as a sacred ritual to resolve tribal conflicts, and later codified it into a sport. Compared to other sports, a discipline with roots in indigenous culture is exceptionally rare. Furthermore, its history of development differs between men and women. The men's game developed primarily in North America in a style close to American football or ice hockey, whereas the women's game grew mainly in Europe, such as Scotland, as a sport played by young ladies at boarding schools, taking a form closer to field hockey. Consequently, even though it is the same sport, the rules for men and women are clearly distinct, making each unique and fascinating to watch."""
Mr. Taro Endo (hereafter Endo): ""The most significant feature of lacrosse is that it is a sport derived from Native Americans in North America. It is said that French missionaries who settled on the American continent discovered what had long been played as a sacred ritual to resolve tribal conflicts, and later codified it into a sport. Compared to other sports, a discipline with roots in indigenous culture is exceptionally rare. Furthermore, its history of development differs between men and women. The men's game developed primarily in North America in a style close to American football or ice hockey, whereas the women's game grew mainly in Europe, such as Scotland, as a sport played by young ladies at boarding schools, taking a form closer to field hockey. Consequently, even though it is the same sport, the rules for men and women are clearly distinct, making each unique and fascinating to watch."""
Photo credit: Japan Lacrosse Association
"Mr. Taichi Furuya (hereafter Furuya): ""In the men's game, players wear full protective gear such as helmets and shoulder pads, and heavy body contact is permitted. In contrast, women wear only eye guards, and excessive contact is penalized as a foul. Additionally, while the length of the stick (crosse) varies by position in the men's game, women essentially all use the same length. It might be best to think of them as two completely different sports.""
Endo: ""The shared appeal of the sport lies in how it fully utilizes athletic abilities—running, throwing, and scooping. Furthermore, because players can use the space behind the goal just like in ice hockey, it is a highly tactical and strategic sport. Roles vary significantly depending on the position, meaning there is always a scenario where an individual's athletic strengths or specific expertise can shine. I think it is wonderful that a diverse range of players can thrive."""
Endo: ""The shared appeal of the sport lies in how it fully utilizes athletic abilities—running, throwing, and scooping. Furthermore, because players can use the space behind the goal just like in ice hockey, it is a highly tactical and strategic sport. Roles vary significantly depending on the position, meaning there is always a scenario where an individual's athletic strengths or specific expertise can shine. I think it is wonderful that a diverse range of players can thrive."""
"Motegi: ""Having watched lacrosse myself, I agree that while the sheer speed and skill of the play are captivating, the high level of strategy involved is also deeply impressive. It is wonderful to see the entire team unite to prepare for matches through scouting and tactical planning. I get the sense that non-playing staff are also deeply involved in the team.""
Endo: ""Exactly. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in team staff specializing in analytics, such as gathering data statistics and tagging video footage. With the advancement of digital tools, more university students are joining lacrosse clubs out of an interest in analytics, even if they do not intend to play. Alongside managers and trainers, analytics has opened up a new avenue for contribution, creating an environment where every single member can find their own place to shine.""
Furuya: ""Lacrosse has long held a vital culture of 'building our own playground.' Setting up match venues, drawing field lines, and officiating are basically done collaboratively by the players and team staff. Because this culture of self-governance—arranging our own environment without excessive outside interference—is so deeply rooted, there are countless people across the country who continue to volunteer as coaches or organizers long after entering the workforce. In fact, almost all the current board members of the Japan Lacrosse Association spent their student days contributing as players, staff, or referees while also being involved in the administrative side of the sport."""
Endo: ""Exactly. In recent years, there has been a rapid increase in team staff specializing in analytics, such as gathering data statistics and tagging video footage. With the advancement of digital tools, more university students are joining lacrosse clubs out of an interest in analytics, even if they do not intend to play. Alongside managers and trainers, analytics has opened up a new avenue for contribution, creating an environment where every single member can find their own place to shine.""
Furuya: ""Lacrosse has long held a vital culture of 'building our own playground.' Setting up match venues, drawing field lines, and officiating are basically done collaboratively by the players and team staff. Because this culture of self-governance—arranging our own environment without excessive outside interference—is so deeply rooted, there are countless people across the country who continue to volunteer as coaches or organizers long after entering the workforce. In fact, almost all the current board members of the Japan Lacrosse Association spent their student days contributing as players, staff, or referees while also being involved in the administrative side of the sport."""
The First World Championship in Japan in About 30 Years
"Motegi: ""With passionate individuals like yourselves leading the way, the Women's World Championship is being held in Tokyo for the first time in about 30 years. Could you share the background behind bidding for the event and how you feel about it now?""
Furuya: ""Actually, following the women's tournament in 2026, we are also aiming to host the Men's World Championship in Tokyo in 2027. Hosting the World Championship in Japan has been our cherished dream for over a decade. While Japan did host the women's tournament in 1997 at the Edogawa Stadium, I hear the scale was quite small back then and had a very idyllic atmosphere. Since then, the number of teams globally expanded significantly, at one point ballooning into a massive tournament with 46 men's teams, which made it extremely difficult for Japan to take on. However, with the introduction of continental qualifiers from this tournament onwards, the final pool has been narrowed down to 16 teams, opening the path for Japan to host once again. Japan joined World Lacrosse at an early stage and has grown over many years thanks to tremendous support from overseas teams and lacrosse officials. Out of a strong desire to give back by showing the world how much Japanese lacrosse has matured, we have been working at a rapid pace to prepare our bid."""
Furuya: ""Actually, following the women's tournament in 2026, we are also aiming to host the Men's World Championship in Tokyo in 2027. Hosting the World Championship in Japan has been our cherished dream for over a decade. While Japan did host the women's tournament in 1997 at the Edogawa Stadium, I hear the scale was quite small back then and had a very idyllic atmosphere. Since then, the number of teams globally expanded significantly, at one point ballooning into a massive tournament with 46 men's teams, which made it extremely difficult for Japan to take on. However, with the introduction of continental qualifiers from this tournament onwards, the final pool has been narrowed down to 16 teams, opening the path for Japan to host once again. Japan joined World Lacrosse at an early stage and has grown over many years thanks to tremendous support from overseas teams and lacrosse officials. Out of a strong desire to give back by showing the world how much Japanese lacrosse has matured, we have been working at a rapid pace to prepare our bid."""
Photo credit: Japan Lacrosse Association
Endo: "Even the generation now nearing 60, who spearheaded lacrosse 30 years ago, are reaching out to volunteer, saying, 'Let me know how I can help.' To live up to their expectations, we feel a deep sense of responsibility to ensure the tournament's success. That said, World Lacrosse is still in the process of shaping the tournament format, so there are no rigid operational manuals like you would find in other major sports. Rules and requirements frequently change along the way, so while it is challenging and requires a lot of trial and error, we are actively making counter-proposals and building this tournament together with them."
"Motegi: ""I understand that 16 teams will participate in this tournament, playing from the preliminary rounds through to the placement matches. For first-time spectators, what are some of the key highlights of the tournament?""
Endo: ""First, as a unique benefit of a single-city event, if you visit the primary venue at Oi Hockey Stadium and purchase a single-day pass (a full-day ticket), you can watch up to 12 teams from various countries and regions around the world all in one day, depending on the schedule. In terms of gameplay, women's lacrosse is exceptionally fast-paced. Passes connect more fluidly compared to the men's game, leading to a dynamic flow where many players touch the ball, so you cannot take your eyes off it. It is elegant yet intense, as world-class athletes clash with national pride on the line. Spectators will undoubtedly be amazed by the overwhelming speed and power."""
Endo: ""First, as a unique benefit of a single-city event, if you visit the primary venue at Oi Hockey Stadium and purchase a single-day pass (a full-day ticket), you can watch up to 12 teams from various countries and regions around the world all in one day, depending on the schedule. In terms of gameplay, women's lacrosse is exceptionally fast-paced. Passes connect more fluidly compared to the men's game, leading to a dynamic flow where many players touch the ball, so you cannot take your eyes off it. It is elegant yet intense, as world-class athletes clash with national pride on the line. Spectators will undoubtedly be amazed by the overwhelming speed and power."""
Photo credit: Japan Lacrosse Association
Furuya: "Opportunities to directly witness top global teams like the USA, Canada, and Australia play in Japan are rare and highly valuable. Furthermore, the Haudenosaunee nationals, representing the Native American roots of lacrosse, are confirmed to participate. The Haudenosaunee players handle their traditional sticks with artistic flair, delivering plays that truly electrify the crowd. Comparing the style of the USA or Canada, who strictly pursue victory, with the playstyle of the Haudenosaunee, who deeply cherish their roots, will be an incredibly fascinating experience."
Expectations for the Japan National Team and the Outlook for the LA Olympics
"Motegi: ""We are also eagerly anticipating the performance of the Japan National Team. Following the men's bronze medal at the 2023 World Games, what are the key points to watch for Japan in this tournament?""
Endo: ""Japan is in Pool D for the preliminary round, facing the Czech Republic, Israel, and the Philippines. The biggest hurdle—our critical showdown—will undoubtedly be the match against the powerhouse Israel on Monday, July 27. Additionally, the Philippines is expected to bring in many strong players holding U.S. citizenship, and the Czech Republic is a formidable opponent having made it through the European qualifiers. There are absolutely no easy matches. For Japan, the immediate priority is to advance past this pool stage. Above all, the quarterfinal on Wednesday, July 29, will be the ultimate turning point that determines the excitement of the entire tournament. If Japan advances to and wins the quarterfinal, they secure a spot in the top 4, guaranteeing that they will play their semifinal and final-day medal games (either the bronze medal match or the final) at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium."""
Endo: ""Japan is in Pool D for the preliminary round, facing the Czech Republic, Israel, and the Philippines. The biggest hurdle—our critical showdown—will undoubtedly be the match against the powerhouse Israel on Monday, July 27. Additionally, the Philippines is expected to bring in many strong players holding U.S. citizenship, and the Czech Republic is a formidable opponent having made it through the European qualifiers. There are absolutely no easy matches. For Japan, the immediate priority is to advance past this pool stage. Above all, the quarterfinal on Wednesday, July 29, will be the ultimate turning point that determines the excitement of the entire tournament. If Japan advances to and wins the quarterfinal, they secure a spot in the top 4, guaranteeing that they will play their semifinal and final-day medal games (either the bronze medal match or the final) at Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium."""
"Motegi: ""Since Chichibunomiya Rugby Stadium is located in Minato City, we at the Minato City Tourism Association sincerely hope the Japan National Team advances to showcase their heroic efforts right here in our district. I understand there was a special background behind Chichibunomiya being selected as the venue for the finals?""
Endo: ""Yes. In hosting the World Championship in Tokyo, we received tremendous cooperation from the Japan Sport Council (JSC) and the Japan Rugby Football Union. They fully understood the significance of a world championship event and graciously allowed us to secure the venue much earlier than the standard application timeline permits. We are truly grateful for their exceptional support."""
Endo: ""Yes. In hosting the World Championship in Tokyo, we received tremendous cooperation from the Japan Sport Council (JSC) and the Japan Rugby Football Union. They fully understood the significance of a world championship event and graciously allowed us to secure the venue much earlier than the standard application timeline permits. We are truly grateful for their exceptional support."""
Photo credit: Japan Lacrosse Association
"Motegi: ""Looking further ahead, lacrosse will make its return at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. What are your expectations moving toward that milestone?""
Endo: ""While the return to the Olympics is wonderful news, Japan's participation is actually not yet guaranteed, and it is a very narrow gate. The 6-person format World Championship in the fall of 2027 will double as the Olympic qualifier. To even secure a spot there, we must first win the Asia-Pacific qualifiers this October. Australia is a formidable rival in that qualifier, and beating them will be crucial, otherwise the road to the Olympics becomes incredibly tough. Nevertheless, becoming an official Olympic sport will undoubtedly increase media exposure. Hosting the World Championship in Japan at this perfect juncture serves as the ultimate narrative to introduce the appeal of lacrosse to the general public."""
Endo: ""While the return to the Olympics is wonderful news, Japan's participation is actually not yet guaranteed, and it is a very narrow gate. The 6-person format World Championship in the fall of 2027 will double as the Olympic qualifier. To even secure a spot there, we must first win the Asia-Pacific qualifiers this October. Australia is a formidable rival in that qualifier, and beating them will be crucial, otherwise the road to the Olympics becomes incredibly tough. Nevertheless, becoming an official Olympic sport will undoubtedly increase media exposure. Hosting the World Championship in Japan at this perfect juncture serves as the ultimate narrative to introduce the appeal of lacrosse to the general public."""
Photo credit: Japan Lacrosse Association
"Motegi: ""Lastly, do you have a message for those who have become interested in lacrosse, and what are your thoughts on collaborating with organizations like the Minato City Tourism Association, local governments, and business operators?""
Furuya: ""Lacrosse is a sport packed with the pure joy of using a tool to throw and catch a ball. There is a position where anyone can shine regardless of their build, and it is never too late to start—whether you are a middle, high school, or university student, or even an adult in the workforce. Above all, there is a wonderful culture where 'anyone who has ever touched a crosse is a teammate.' For instance, if you are traveling abroad and simply mention, 'I used to play lacrosse,' the distance between fellow lacrosse players closes instantly. It is a sport that connects you to the entire world, so I highly encourage everyone to give it a try."""
Furuya: ""Lacrosse is a sport packed with the pure joy of using a tool to throw and catch a ball. There is a position where anyone can shine regardless of their build, and it is never too late to start—whether you are a middle, high school, or university student, or even an adult in the workforce. Above all, there is a wonderful culture where 'anyone who has ever touched a crosse is a teammate.' For instance, if you are traveling abroad and simply mention, 'I used to play lacrosse,' the distance between fellow lacrosse players closes instantly. It is a sport that connects you to the entire world, so I highly encourage everyone to give it a try."""
"Endo: ""Regarding collaboration for tournament operations, while we take pride in having done everything ourselves so far, we still lack experience and expertise in cooperating with external organizations, local governments, and enterprises. We frequently receive kind offers like, 'Let us know if you need anything,' but to be honest, it is difficult for us to generate concrete ideas without a specific menu of options.""
Furuya: ""Therefore, it would be incredibly helpful if people came to us from the opposite direction, suggesting, 'We have these resources, so why don't we try this kind of initiative together?' We strongly desire to showcase Tokyo's charm and hospitality to players and fans worldwide through this tournament. We would love to borrow your wisdom and work together to build a truly spectacular event.""
Motegi: ""We would love to collaborate with local businesses to propose initiatives that blend lacrosse and tourism, providing a warm, host-town style welcome unique to the host city. Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights today."""
Furuya: ""Therefore, it would be incredibly helpful if people came to us from the opposite direction, suggesting, 'We have these resources, so why don't we try this kind of initiative together?' We strongly desire to showcase Tokyo's charm and hospitality to players and fans worldwide through this tournament. We would love to borrow your wisdom and work together to build a truly spectacular event.""
Motegi: ""We would love to collaborate with local businesses to propose initiatives that blend lacrosse and tourism, providing a warm, host-town style welcome unique to the host city. Thank you so much for sharing your valuable insights today."""
[NISSIN FOODS 2026 WORLD LACROSSE Women's World Championship]
https://www.lacrosse.gr.jp/worlds/tokyo2026/
https://www.lacrosse.gr.jp/worlds/tokyo2026/