Japan Esports Union Announce Partnership With Japan Sports Association

The Japan Esports Union (JeSU) has officially been approved as a member of the Japan Sports Association (JSPO), marking a major step forward in the integration of esports into Japan’s broader sports landscape.

Founded in 2018, JeSU was established to help professionalize esports in Japan. One of its most significant contributions to the scene has been the issuance of professional gamer licenses. These licenses allow players to bypass Japan’s strict gambling laws, thereby enabling significantly higher prize pools in tournaments and competitions.

JeSU has consistently worked to legitimize esports in the country. Notably, it played a key role in Japan’s participation in the 2022 Asian Games held in Hangzhou (postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic), where esports made its debut as part of the official Olympic-recognized program.

Looking ahead, the first Olympic Esports Games are set to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, in 2027. JeSU’s new status within the JSPO is expected to create even broader pathways for esports in Japan to enter the mainstream.

It is speculated that this partnership will boost the recognition and momentum of esports nationwide. It could also give JeSU license holders access to training facilities, healthcare, and other government-supported resources, similar to those available to traditional athletes. This move is anticipated to strengthen grassroots development and offer more opportunities for young aspiring esports professionals to pursue viable careers in gaming.

In an official statement on its website, JeSU expressed excitement about the unique opportunities this milestone represents and its potential to further expand the union’s influence in the years ahead.