Current Status of Physical Literacy in Japan: A Narrative Review of Research and Practical Applications

In recent years, physical literacy has attracted increasing attention globally. Interventional studies have been conducted in several countries. However, there is still no established Japanese definition of "physical literacy." In 2022, the Japan Sports Agency became the first government agency in Japan to discuss physical literacy from the perspective of improving children's physical fitness and establishing exercise habits. Consequently, conference presentations centered on physical literacy began to appear gradually. However, the extent of physical literacy research and utilization in Japan remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigates the progress of research on physical literacy in Japan to the present day. After assessing the current situation, we identified issues and considered how physical literacy could be utilized in Japan's physical education and sports settings in the future. Once the final version of the Japanese physical literacy assessment scale is completed, various studies, including intervention studies, can be conducted across a wide range of fields. It is hoped that physical literacy research will be implemented in society and will contribute to the maintenance and promotion of the health of the Japanese.