<< English entry below >>
ココハマへようこそ！
下記はデイブ・ココのホッケー好き仲間の一人、ステファネーリ・ベアトリチェさんの卒論となったもの。
何とテンプル大学日本キャンパスの生徒だったころに執筆したものです。
彼女の目から見た「日本のホッケー」は、どんな特色があり、世界とどう違うのか？
是非一読あれ！
「日本におけるアイスホッケーの普及」ステファネーリ・ベアトリチェ
冬のスポーツは、ほかの国に比べ日本であまり人気ではない。
その中でもアイスホッケーは特に知名度が低いスポーツの一つだ。
もちろん日本にアイスホッケーは存在するが、日本人はその競技についてあまり知らないのが現状である。
日本アイスホッケー連盟 (JIHF) によると、この国のアイスホッケーの歴史は長野県で１９１５年から始まった記録がある。
そのきっかけは、アイスホッケーの防具が輸入されたことで、その際に日本で初めての試合が行われたのであった。
それからさらに8年後、北海道大学の学生が初めての大学対抗の試合を行い、翌年、国内学生によるインターカレッジ の大会も実施される。
1936年には、日本代表がアイスホッケーの冬季競技大会に参加し、1966年には日本アイスホッケーリーグが発足した。
その後2011年に、公益財団法人 日本アイスホッケー連盟 (JIHF) に統合された。
ホッケーの認知度調査
日本でアイスホッケーはまだあまり人気ではないが、今後普及していく可能性がある。
ホッケーはスピードや迫力あるのプレー、戦略性とチームワーク、そして多文化交流の場などの魅力がある。
しかしその一方、設備とコスト、認知度の低さ、コーチや指導者不足のため、プロになることが難しいという現実も並行している。
そこで本稿は日本人とアメリカ人に対してインタビューを行い、アイスホッケーに対する認識、及び今後の普及の可能性について調査することにした。
本稿の目的は多くの人々がアイスホッケーについてあまり知らない一方で、その魅力や可能性を認識している点の有無を明らかにするというものである。
具体的な認知度の調査方法
調査協力者は東京にあるT大学のアイスホッケー選手の男性５人とアメリカ人プロアイスホッケーの選手一人。
大学生選手の年齢層は18歳から20歳であり、アメリカ人の選手の男性は28歳である。
大学生選手を選んだ理由は、長く日本でアイスホッケーの活動をしている点と、日本におけるアイスホッケーの経験や現状の理解に長けているから。
一方アメリカ人選手を選んだ理由は、アメリカと日本の両方でプロとしての経験があるため、日米の違いを比較できると考えた。
協力者の大学生はそれぞれAさん（18歳、男性）、Kさん（18歳、男性）、Tさん（19歳、男性)、Mさん（19歳、男性)、Pさん（20歳、男性）と、アメリカ人選手のロックウェル氏（26歳）である。
令和７（2025年）の10月中旬にZOOMを介しアメリカ人の選手に約１時間に及ぶインタビューを実施しており、アイスホッケー選手5人はグループインタビューを行った。
それぞれの回答を比較し、アイスホッケーの普及の可能性を分析したものが下記になる。
調査結果
まず、協力者の経歴についての質問から開始した。
大学生選手達に「子供の時、アイスホッケーに関してどんな問題があったか」と質問したところ、Tさんは、「故郷には、子供用のチームがなかった。そして、アイスホッケーの用具が高額すぎた。」と説明した。
この質問にはほとんどの選手が賛成の意を見せた。
アメリカ人のアイスホッケー選手のロックウェル氏は、「ほとんどのスポーツではユニフォーム だけで始められるが、アイスホッケーではユニフォームの他に、スティックやグローブ、様々な用具が必要だから、もし経済的に余裕がない家庭ならば、始めるのは難しい。」と解説。
このことから、子供たちがアイスホッケーを始めるのは非常に難しくて、経済的負担の大きいスポーツだということが分かった。
次に、「アイスホッケーは日本で人気だと思いますか？」、「そうでなければ、なぜ日本でアイスホッケーはあまり人気ではないでしょうか」という質問を投げかけた。
いずれの協力者も「アイスホッケーは人気ではない」と回答。
その理由について、大学生のKさんは選手の立場から、「日本人の選手はアイスホッケーに強くなく、オリンピックでもメダルを取れないため、ニュースで注目されにくい。」と考えている。
このことから、日本のチームはあまり強くないのでメディアに出ないため、人々はアイスホッケーを知る機会が少ないということが分かった。
次に、アジア人と他の国籍の選手の比較について質問した。
「日本人やアジアの選手も、ぶつかり合いのプレーで十分に戦えると思いますか？」という質問に対し、大
学生選手は「はい」と答えた選手と「いいえ」と答えた選手に別れた。
「いいえ」と答えた選手は、「NHL(National Hockey League)に出るポテンシャルはない」という理由からだった。
つまりアジア人選手は、アイスホッケーの一番リーグに参加できないと考えている選手もいる。
しかしその一方で「はい」と答えた選手は、「柔道やラグビーなどぶつかり合いのあるスポーツで、日本人選手がメダルを取ったり、日本代表チームがいいところまで行ったりしている。同じように、ホッケーも世界で戦う力はあると思う」と説明した。
アメリカ人選手は、「無理じゃないかな。日本人の体格が小さくて、日本人は”Culture of Politeness（訳：礼儀正しさを尊ぶ文化）の精神があるから、ぶつかり合いはむずかしいかも。」と答えた。
この結果から、日本人の選手の意見は分かれた。
彼らによると他のぶつかり合いのあるスポーツでは活躍できるが、アイスホッケーで成功できるかどうかは個人の能力次第という意見だった。
アメリカ人選手は、日本人の選手は小ささとCulture of Politenessから、ぶつかり合いは難しいと考えた。
さらにアメリカ人選手に、「日本のアイスホッケーの魅力は何でしょうか？」という質問をした。
すると「日本のアイスホッケーリーグはやっぱりスケート技術によるものが大きい。日本人のアイスホッケー選手の皆は上手なスケーターだ。」という答えが返ってきた。
この結果から、日本人の選手はスケートは得意ということがわかる。
最後に、「アイスホッケーの普及のため、どうすればいいと思いますか？」と質問したところ、大学選手達は「日本人選手がもっと強くなることが大切だと思います。レベルが上がれば、注目される機会も増え、アイスホッケー全体の人気向上につながるのではないでしょうか。」と答えた。
アメリカ人のアイスホッケー選手は「大きな都にリンクやチームがあって、実際に試合を見れれば、ファンになりたくなるかもしれない。その上、子供向けのチームとかイベントがあれば、選手になりたい子供が増えて、アイスホッケーの人気が増えると思う。」と説明した。
その上で、アイスホッケーのイベントが増えることは、地域にとってもいいことで、子どもに体験させてあげることで地域全体の関心が高まると述べた。
【まとめ】日本でアイスホッケーは普及するか？
本稿では日本におけるアイスホッケーの普及について調査してきた。
日本ではアイスホッケーは他のスポーツに比べてあまり人気が高くなく、ニュースや、SNSで話題になることも少ない。
学校教育でもホッケーをする機会はほとんどないため、大多数の人々はそもそもこのスポーツついてよく知らない。
日本のチームは世界的に競争力を持たず、メディアで取り上げられることが大変少ないことが明らかになった。
またアイスホッケーを始めたいと思う人にも、様々な課題がある。
チーム数が滅少なく、高価な用具が必要なため、始めるのは非常に難しい。
その上選手は日本でプロとして活動していても、生活のために他の仕事をしなければいけない場合が多く、アイスホッケーだけでキャリアを築くことは難しい。
このような理由から、日本でアイスホッケーはあまり人気ではないといえる。
さらなる普及のためには、イベントや交流活動を通して、関心を高めるといいだろう。
日本人の選手のレベルが上がり国内チームが強くなれば、ニュースやSNSで取り上げられるだろう。
これらの取り組みを通して、日本におけるアイスホッケーの発展の可能性があるということが分かった。
今後日本のチームが強くなり、ニュースやSNSで注目されるようになれば、日本のプロ野球のように人気を得ることが日が来ると信じている。
English ————————————————————————————-
Welcome to Kocohama, fellow reader! We have a hockey friend of Dave Koco, who wrote a thesis on popularity and recognition of ice hockey in Japan. Her name is Beatrice Stefanelli, a student of the Temple University, Japan Campus.
Interesting analogy of how ice hockey is portrayed in this country, so fans, check it out!
The Propagation of Ice Hockey in Japan by Beatrice Stefanelli
Compared to other countries, winter sports are not as popular in Japan; among them, ice hockey is one of the least popular.
Although ice hockey exists in Japan, the reality is that most Japanese people know very little about the sport.
According to the Japan Ice Hockey Federation (JIHF), the history of ice hockey in Japan began in Nagano Prefecture in 1915. The catalyst was the import of ice hockey equipment, which led to the first game ever played in Japan.
Eight years later, students from Hokkaido University held the first intercollegiate match; the following year, the first intercollegiate tournament involving domestic students was also held. In 1936, the Japanese national team participated in the Winter Games ice hockey competition. In 1966, the Japan Ice Hockey League was established. Subsequently, in 2011, it was integrated into the Japan Ice Hockey Federation (JIHF).
Popularity of Ice Hockey in Japan
While ice hockey is not yet popular in Japan, it has enormous potential to grow.
On one hand, ice hockey offers the appeal of speed, powerful plays, strategic teamwork, and opportunities for multicultural exchange. On the other hand, Japanese ice hockey struggles with issues of low recognition, and the many difficulties associated with being a Japanese ice hockey player, such as high equipment costs and a lack of coaches or instructors.
As such, this paper conducts interviews with Japanese and American ice hockey players to investigate their perceptions of ice hockey and its potential for future growth.
The paper aims to reveal that while many people know little about ice hockey, it has great appeal and potential.
Interviewing hockey players
Six people total participated in interviews. This included five male ice hockey players from Toyo University in Tokyo, and one American professional ice hockey player on the Yokohama Grits of Asia League Ice Hockey. The university players ranged in age from 18 to 20 years old, while the American player was 28 years old.
University players were selected because they have been actively involved in ice hockey in Japan for most of their lives, and possess a deep understanding of the sport’s experience and current state in Japan.
The American player was selected because his professional ice hockey experience in both the United States and Japan allows for comparison of differences between the two countries.
The university student participants are identified as: Mr. A (18 years old, male), Mr. K (18 years old, male), Mr. T (19 years old, male), Mr. M (19 years old, male), and Mr. P (20 years old, male).
The American player is identified as Mr. Tyler Rockwell.
The interviews were conducted in mid- to late-October 2025.
Mr. Rockwell was interviewed via Zoom; the five Japanese ice hockey players participated in a group interview via Zoom. The responses from each group will be compared to analyze the potential for ice hockey’s growth.
First, I asked about the players’ backgrounds.
When I asked the college athletes, “What problems did you face regarding ice hockey as a child?,” Mr. T explained, “There were no youth teams in my hometown, and ice hockey equipment was prohibitively expensive.” Most of the college players agreed with this statement.
Mr. Rockwell explained, “In most sports, you can start just with a uniform, but in ice hockey, besides the uniform, you need a stick, gloves, and various other equipment. So, if a family doesn’t have the financial means, it can be incredibly difficult to start.”
From this, it can be understood that starting ice hockey can be very difficult for children, due to it being a sport with a significant financial burden.
Next, I asked, “Do you think ice hockey is popular in Japan? If not, why do you think ice hockey isn’t very popular in Japan?”
All respondents answered that ice hockey is not popular.
Regarding the reasons, university student K, speaking from a Japanese player’s perspective, explained, “Japanese players aren’t strong in ice hockey and can’t win medals at the Olympics, so it doesn’t get much attention in the news.” In other words, since Japanese teams have a lower skill level and acquire less Olympic recognition, information about the sport does not appear in the media, giving people few opportunities to learn about ice hockey.
Next, I asked about comparing Asian players to those of other nationalities.
When asked, “Do you think Japanese (or Asian) players can compete effectively when it comes to fighting and checking?,” the student athletes split between those who answered “Yes” and those who answered “No.” The reason given for ‘No’ was, “They don’t have the potential to play in the NHL (National Hockey League).” Some players believe Asian athletes cannot compete physically in the top league of ice hockey.
Conversely, those who answered “yes” explained, “Japanese athletes win medals and national teams perform well in collision-heavy sports like judo and rugby. Similarly, I believe hockey has the potential to compete globally.”
Mr. Rockwell responded, “No. Japanese players are smaller in stature, so things like checking and fighting do not come as easy to Japanese players when compared to American players.”
The jury is still out on whether or not Japanese players can compete physically on an international level. While some players believe they can compete physically on the level of Western players, others believe that Japanese players do not yet have the potential to fight or get physical on the same level of those players in the NHL.
Additionally, I asked Mr. Rockwell, “What do you find appealing about Japanese ice hockey?”
His response was, “The AIHL is definitely a ‘Skater’s League’ All of the players are incredibly skilled skaters.”
As such, an underutilized appeal of Japanese ice hockey is the level of skating skills.
Finally, when asked, “What do you think should be done to promote ice hockey?,” the university players answered, “I think it’s important for Japanese players to become stronger. If the level improves, opportunities to gain attention will increase, and that should lead to greater popularity for ice hockey overall.”
Mr. Rockwell explained, “If major cities had rinks and teams where people could actually watch games, they might become fans. Furthermore, if there were teams and events for children, more kids would want to become players, increasing ice hockey’s popularity.”
They also stated that more ice hockey events would benefit the community, as letting children experience the sport would heighten interest throughout the area.
Therefore, it is not only important for Japanese players to work hard and improve their skill, but it is also important for teams to do outreach to their communities to improve ice hockey’s popularity.
This paper has investigated the popularity of ice hockey in Japan. Compared to other sports, ice hockey is not very popular in Japan and rarely makes headlines in the news or becomes a topic on social media. Opportunities to play ice hockey in school education are also scarce, meaning most people know little about the sport. It has become clear that Japanese teams lack global competitiveness and receive very little media coverage.
Furthermore, aspiring players face various challenges. With very few teams and the need for expensive equipment, getting started is extremely difficult. For these reasons, ice hockey is not very popular in Japan.
To increase its popularity, promoting interest through events and exchange activities would be beneficial. If the level of Japanese players improves and domestic teams become stronger, they will likely receive coverage in the news and on social media.
Through these efforts, it has become clear that there is potential for the development of ice hockey in Japan. I believe that as Japanese teams grow stronger and gain attention in the news and on social media, the day will come when ice hockey achieves popularity comparable to Japan’s professional baseball.
日本におけるアイスホッケーの普及 The Propagation of Ice Hockey in Japan
是非一読あれ！
「日本におけるアイスホッケーの普及」ステファネーリ・ベアトリチェ
ホッケーの認知度調査
具体的な認知度の調査方法
調査結果
【まとめ】日本でアイスホッケーは普及するか？
The Propagation of Ice Hockey in Japan by Beatrice Stefanelli
Compared to other countries, winter sports are not as popular in Japan; among them, ice hockey is one of the least popular.
Although ice hockey exists in Japan, the reality is that most Japanese people know very little about the sport.
According to the Japan Ice Hockey Federation (JIHF), the history of ice hockey in Japan began in Nagano Prefecture in 1915. The catalyst was the import of ice hockey equipment, which led to the first game ever played in Japan.
Eight years later, students from Hokkaido University held the first intercollegiate match; the following year, the first intercollegiate tournament involving domestic students was also held. In 1936, the Japanese national team participated in the Winter Games ice hockey competition. In 1966, the Japan Ice Hockey League was established. Subsequently, in 2011, it was integrated into the Japan Ice Hockey Federation (JIHF).
Popularity of Ice Hockey in Japan
While ice hockey is not yet popular in Japan, it has enormous potential to grow.
On one hand, ice hockey offers the appeal of speed, powerful plays, strategic teamwork, and opportunities for multicultural exchange. On the other hand, Japanese ice hockey struggles with issues of low recognition, and the many difficulties associated with being a Japanese ice hockey player, such as high equipment costs and a lack of coaches or instructors.
As such, this paper conducts interviews with Japanese and American ice hockey players to investigate their perceptions of ice hockey and its potential for future growth.
The paper aims to reveal that while many people know little about ice hockey, it has great appeal and potential.
Interviewing hockey players
Six people total participated in interviews. This included five male ice hockey players from Toyo University in Tokyo, and one American professional ice hockey player on the Yokohama Grits of Asia League Ice Hockey. The university players ranged in age from 18 to 20 years old, while the American player was 28 years old.
University players were selected because they have been actively involved in ice hockey in Japan for most of their lives, and possess a deep understanding of the sport’s experience and current state in Japan.
The American player was selected because his professional ice hockey experience in both the United States and Japan allows for comparison of differences between the two countries.
The university student participants are identified as: Mr. A (18 years old, male), Mr. K (18 years old, male), Mr. T (19 years old, male), Mr. M (19 years old, male), and Mr. P (20 years old, male).
The American player is identified as Mr. Tyler Rockwell.
The interviews were conducted in mid- to late-October 2025.
Mr. Rockwell was interviewed via Zoom; the five Japanese ice hockey players participated in a group interview via Zoom. The responses from each group will be compared to analyze the potential for ice hockey’s growth.
First, I asked about the players’ backgrounds.
When I asked the college athletes, “What problems did you face regarding ice hockey as a child?,” Mr. T explained, “There were no youth teams in my hometown, and ice hockey equipment was prohibitively expensive.” Most of the college players agreed with this statement.
Mr. Rockwell explained, “In most sports, you can start just with a uniform, but in ice hockey, besides the uniform, you need a stick, gloves, and various other equipment. So, if a family doesn’t have the financial means, it can be incredibly difficult to start.”
From this, it can be understood that starting ice hockey can be very difficult for children, due to it being a sport with a significant financial burden.
Next, I asked, “Do you think ice hockey is popular in Japan? If not, why do you think ice hockey isn’t very popular in Japan?”
All respondents answered that ice hockey is not popular.
Regarding the reasons, university student K, speaking from a Japanese player’s perspective, explained, “Japanese players aren’t strong in ice hockey and can’t win medals at the Olympics, so it doesn’t get much attention in the news.” In other words, since Japanese teams have a lower skill level and acquire less Olympic recognition, information about the sport does not appear in the media, giving people few opportunities to learn about ice hockey.
Next, I asked about comparing Asian players to those of other nationalities.
When asked, “Do you think Japanese (or Asian) players can compete effectively when it comes to fighting and checking?,” the student athletes split between those who answered “Yes” and those who answered “No.” The reason given for ‘No’ was, “They don’t have the potential to play in the NHL (National Hockey League).” Some players believe Asian athletes cannot compete physically in the top league of ice hockey.
Conversely, those who answered “yes” explained, “Japanese athletes win medals and national teams perform well in collision-heavy sports like judo and rugby. Similarly, I believe hockey has the potential to compete globally.”
Mr. Rockwell responded, “No. Japanese players are smaller in stature, so things like checking and fighting do not come as easy to Japanese players when compared to American players.”
The jury is still out on whether or not Japanese players can compete physically on an international level. While some players believe they can compete physically on the level of Western players, others believe that Japanese players do not yet have the potential to fight or get physical on the same level of those players in the NHL.
Additionally, I asked Mr. Rockwell, “What do you find appealing about Japanese ice hockey?”
His response was, “The AIHL is definitely a ‘Skater’s League’ All of the players are incredibly skilled skaters.”
As such, an underutilized appeal of Japanese ice hockey is the level of skating skills.
Finally, when asked, “What do you think should be done to promote ice hockey?,” the university players answered, “I think it’s important for Japanese players to become stronger. If the level improves, opportunities to gain attention will increase, and that should lead to greater popularity for ice hockey overall.”
Mr. Rockwell explained, “If major cities had rinks and teams where people could actually watch games, they might become fans. Furthermore, if there were teams and events for children, more kids would want to become players, increasing ice hockey’s popularity.”
They also stated that more ice hockey events would benefit the community, as letting children experience the sport would heighten interest throughout the area.
Therefore, it is not only important for Japanese players to work hard and improve their skill, but it is also important for teams to do outreach to their communities to improve ice hockey’s popularity.
This paper has investigated the popularity of ice hockey in Japan. Compared to other sports, ice hockey is not very popular in Japan and rarely makes headlines in the news or becomes a topic on social media. Opportunities to play ice hockey in school education are also scarce, meaning most people know little about the sport. It has become clear that Japanese teams lack global competitiveness and receive very little media coverage.
Furthermore, aspiring players face various challenges. With very few teams and the need for expensive equipment, getting started is extremely difficult. For these reasons, ice hockey is not very popular in Japan.
To increase its popularity, promoting interest through events and exchange activities would be beneficial. If the level of Japanese players improves and domestic teams become stronger, they will likely receive coverage in the news and on social media.
Through these efforts, it has become clear that there is potential for the development of ice hockey in Japan. I believe that as Japanese teams grow stronger and gain attention in the news and on social media, the day will come when ice hockey achieves popularity comparable to Japan’s professional baseball.
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日本におけるアイスホッケーの普及 The Propagation of Ice Hockey in Japan
<< English entry below >> ココハマへようこそ！ 下記はデイブ・ココのホッケー好き仲間の一人、ステファネーリ・ベアトリチェさんの卒論となったもの。 何とテンプル大学日本キャンパスの生徒だったころに執筆したものです。 彼女の目から見た「日本のホッケー」は、どんな特色があり、世界とどう違うのか？ 是非一読あれ！ 「日本におけるアイスホッケーの普及」ステファネーリ・ベアトリチェ 冬のスポーツは、ほかの国に比べ日本であまり人気ではない。 その中でもアイスホッケーは特に知名度が低いスポーツの一つだ。 もちろん日本にアイスホッケーは存在するが、日本人はその競技についてあまり知らないのが現状である。 日本アイスホッケー連盟 (JIHF) によると、この国のアイスホッケーの歴史は長野県で１９１５年から始まった記録がある。 そのきっかけは、アイスホッケーの防具が輸入されたことで、その際に日本で初めての試合が行われたのであった。 それからさらに8年後、北海道大学の学生が初めての大学対抗の試合を行い、翌年、国内学生によるインターカレッジ の大会も実施される。 1936年には、日本代表がアイスホッケーの冬季競技大会に参加し、1966年には日本アイスホッケーリーグが発足した。 その後2011年に、公益財団法人 日本アイスホッケー連盟 (JIHF) に統合された。 ホッケーの認知度調査 日本でアイスホッケーはまだあまり人気ではないが、今後普及していく可能性がある。 ホッケーはスピードや迫力あるのプレー、戦略性とチームワーク、そして多文化交流の場などの魅力がある。 しかしその一方、設備とコスト、認知度の低さ、コーチや指導者不足のため、プロになることが難しいという現実も並行している。 そこで本稿は日本人とアメリカ人に対してインタビューを行い、アイスホッケーに対する認識、及び今後の普及の可能性について調査することにした。 本稿の目的は多くの人々がアイスホッケーについてあまり知らない一方で、その魅力や可能性を認識している点の有無を明らかにするというものである。 具体的な認知度の調査方法 調査協力者は東京にあるT大学のアイスホッケー選手の男性５人とアメリカ人プロアイスホッケーの選手一人。 大学生選手の年齢層は18歳から20歳であり、アメリカ人の選手の男性は28歳である。 大学生選手を選んだ理由は、長く日本でアイスホッケーの活動をしている点と、日本におけるアイスホッケーの経験や現状の理解に長けているから。
誰も知らない最近の重要な科学的発見 Greatest unknown science discovery of our lifetime
一鶏横浜西口店の骨付き鶏肉が絶品！Ikkei has the juiciest chicken