The Japan Association of Athletics Federations (JAAF) has taken a significant step forward in safeguarding athletes by issuing a Human Rights Policy and an Integrity Code of Conduct on August 26, 2025. This initiative comes just ahead of the highly anticipated 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, which is set to begin on September 13.
For years, instances of abuse against athletes—encompassing men, women, and children—have been alarmingly prevalent in Japanese sports. The release of the new policy and code of conduct follows closely on the heels of Japan’s parliament passing a groundbreaking amendment to the Basic Act on Sport. This amendment mandates sports organizations to actively work to prevent abuse against athletes, marking a vital shift in the country’s approach to athlete welfare.
While the introduction of human rights policies is a welcome development, they remain a rarity among Japanese sports organizations. Notably, major bodies such as the Japan Football Association and the Japan Rugby Football Union have only implemented limited protections for vulnerable groups, particularly children and women.
The JAAF’s Human Rights Policy explicitly commits to preventing and prohibiting human rights violations, which includes physical abuse and harassment. It emphasizes the necessity for all individuals involved in sports to uphold human rights, referencing not only domestic laws but also international standards such as the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
In tandem with this policy, the Integrity Code of Conduct urges everyone engaged in athletics to foster an environment devoid of harassment and abuse. It places particular emphasis on preventing sexual harassment of athletes, especially by coaches and other authority figures within the sport.
However, despite these positive strides, the new policies have notable shortcomings. They lack specific measures to be enacted in response to violations and do not establish an independent and effective complaint mechanism. Such a mechanism is essential to alleviate fears of retaliation for those who report abuse, ensuring that athletes can speak out without fear of repercussions.
To bridge this gap, it is crucial for Japanese organizations to look toward the growing international Safe Sport movement. This movement has seen the establishment of independent entities in various countries, such as the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, which are dedicated to addressing athlete abuse and ensuring safe sporting environments.
The amended Basic Act on Sport now requires both national and local governments to implement measures aimed at combatting abuse in sports. It is imperative that the Japanese government takes this mandate seriously and establishes an independent body dedicated to tackling child abuse in sports. Such a body would provide a safe avenue for athletes to seek support if they experience abuse and would encourage sports organizations to enhance their human rights policies, prioritizing the protection and promotion of athletes’ rights.
This pivotal moment in Japan’s sports landscape reflects a growing recognition of the need for systemic change and accountability. As the country prepares to host the World Athletics Championships, it is crucial that all stakeholders commit to fostering a culture of safety and respect within sports, ensuring that the rights of athletes are not just acknowledged but actively upheld.
