Fantasy sports is a simulation game where you select your favorite players from your favorite sports and create a fictitious team. It doesn't seem to be very widespread in Japan, but what is it actually like?
History of fantasy sports
In fantasy sports, the results of actual players and the scores of fictitious teams created by themselves are linked. It has long been a popular game among overseas sports fans.
In Japan, Fantasy Sports Co., Ltd. was established in 1995 and provides fantasy sports services via the Internet. In 2001, Yahoo! Sports Navi in Japan has started a fantasy baseball service. Fantasy sports have sometimes appeared in mobile services, but most of those services, regardless of device, have not become widespread in Japan and have only some fans.
Fantasy sports with many enthusiastic fans overseas
Overseas, fantasy sports have become enthusiastic in recent years, especially in the United States. American sports fans tended to enjoy watching games while compiling and analyzing the results of athletes. It can be said that its national character is suitable for fantasy sports.
In addition, many overseas fantasy sports have introduced a prize system, and the fact that they can make full use of their knowledge of sports to aim for a lot of money is also a factor that has become widespread.
Why isn't it popular?
One of the reasons why fantasy sports are not popular in Japan is that it is difficult to introduce a prize system. This is a legal issue, and at this point the only solution would be to modify the law.
Also, Japanese sports fans tend to enjoy cheering for their favorite players, such as local teams, rather than collecting huge amounts of data and enjoying watching games. For this reason, fantasy sports seem to be difficult to spread
Why isn't it popular in world?
One of the reasons why fantasy sports are not popular in Japan is that it is difficult to introduce a prize system. This is a legal issue, and at this point the only solution would be to modify the law.
Also, Japanese sports fans tend to enjoy cheering for their favorite players, such as local teams, rather than collecting huge amounts of data and enjoying watching games. For this reason, fantasy sports seem to be difficult to spread
What is your future outlook?
Many people may be expecting the introduction of fantasy sports with a prize system in Japan. In fact, it seems fun just to hear the system that you can use your knowledge to create a fictitious team and get a prize if you make a good result.
So far, most major overseas fantasy sports sites regulate the use from Japan, but if it is stated that it is legal under Japanese law, it will of course be possible to use overseas sites, and even in Japan It may build a big industry. However, there will be a lot of controversy before the introduction of the prize system.
Summary
I introduced Japanese fantasy sports. There are many parts where the future development cannot be predicted, but if the prize system is introduced in earnest, I think there will be another way to enjoy watching sports.