Yukigassen

File:Kemijärvi Yukigassen 2011 Final.webm Yukigassen is a competitive sport that originated in Japan and involves teams engaging in a snowball fight. The name "Yukigassen" is derived from the Japanese words "yuki" (snow) and "kassen" (battle). This sport has gained popularity in various countries, including Finland, Norway, and Canada.

History

Yukigassen was first organized in 1988 in the town of Sobetsu, located on the island of Hokkaido, Japan. The sport was created to attract tourists during the winter season and to promote physical activity in the snow. Since its inception, Yukigassen has grown in popularity and is now played in several countries around the world.

Rules and Gameplay

Yukigassen is played between two teams, each consisting of seven players. The objective is to eliminate the opposing team by hitting them with snowballs or capturing their flag. The game is played on a rectangular field, which is divided into two halves. Each team has a base and a flag located at the back of their half.

Equipment

• Snowballs: Each team is provided with 90 snowballs, which are made using a special mold to ensure uniform size and shape.
• Helmets: Players are required to wear helmets for safety.
• Protective Gear: Players often wear protective clothing to shield themselves from the cold and the impact of snowballs.

Match Structure

A Yukigassen match consists of three sets, each lasting three minutes. A team wins a set by either eliminating all the players of the opposing team or capturing their flag. The team that wins the most sets is declared the winner of the match.

Tournaments

Yukigassen tournaments are held annually in various countries. The most notable tournament is the Showa Shinzan International Yukigassen, which takes place in Sobetsu, Japan. Other countries, such as Finland and Norway, also host national championships.

Popularity

Yukigassen has gained a following in countries with snowy climates. The sport is particularly popular in Scandinavia and Canada, where winter sports are a significant part of the culture. The international appeal of Yukigassen continues to grow as more countries adopt the sport.

Related Pages

• Snowball
• Winter sports
• Hokkaido
• Finland
• Norway
• Canada

See Also

• List of winter sports
• History of snowball fights
• Winter activities