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{{Infobox WorldScouting
| image = Scout Association of Japan.svg
| caption = Scout Association of Japan
| name = ボーイスカウト日本連盟
| headquarters = [[Hongo|Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo]]
| country = Japan
| f-date = 1922
| members = 149,785 (2011.3.31)
| website = http://www.scout.or.jp
| affiliation = [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]]}}


The {{nihongo|'''Scout Association of Japan'''|'''ボーイスカウト日本連盟'''|Bōi Sukauto Nippon Renmei}} is the major [[Scouting]] organization of Japan. Starting as boys only, the organization was known as the '''Boy Scouts of Japan''' from 1922 until 1971, and as '''Boy Scouts of Nippon''' from 1971 to 1995, when it became [[coeducational]] in all sections, leading to neutral naming. Scouting activity endured a heavy setback during [[World War II]], but slowly recovered, and membership at the end of March 2011 was 149,785.<ref>{{cite web|title=日本連盟について|url=http://www.scout.or.jp/org/about_us.html|publisher=Scout Association of Japan|accessdate=21 February 2012|language=Japanese}}</ref>


{{Infobox WorldScouting | image = --Japanclearer.jpg | caption = Scout Association of Japan | name = ボーイスカウト日本連盟 | headquarters = [[Mitaka, Tokyo|Mitaka-shi]], Tokyo | country = Japan | f-date = 1913 | members = 165,000 }}
==History==
The {{nihongo|'''Scout Association of Japan'''|ボーイスカウト日本連盟|Bōi Sukauto Nippon Renmei}} is the major [[Scouting]] organization of Japan. Starting as boys only, the organization was known as the '''Boy Scouts of Japan''' from 1922 until 1971, and as '''Boy Scouts of Nippon''' from 1971 to 1995, when it became [[coeducational]] in all sections, leading to neutral naming. Scouting activity endured a heavy set back during World War II, but slowly recovered, and membership in 2001 was 165,544.  
===Early years===
[[File:Japanese_Boy_Scouts_1912_Yokohama.jpg|thumb|Japanese Boy Scouts - Yokohama, 1912 (from ''The Japan Gazette'', April 3, 1912]][[File:Japan drills Boy Scouts with rifles 1916.png|thumb|A 1916 photograph of Japanese Boy Scouts drilling with rifles (from January 13, 1916 [[Leslie's Illustrated Weekly Newspaper]])]]
Scouting was introduced to Japan in the autumn of 1909{{Citation needed|date=September 2011}} by ambassador [[Akizuki Satsuo]] and Japanese teacher [[Hōjō Tokiyuki (Scouting)|Hōjō Tokiyuki]], who had visited England in 1908. One organized a Boy Scout troop at his school, but this dissolved when he left the school. A Japanese translation of ''[[Scouting for Boys]]'' was published as early as 1910{{Citation needed|date=September 2011|reason=is this confused with the letter to consider Scouting movement in Japan sent by Yasusato Gamou to Japanese govt on 1910?}}, and a few sporadic troops sprang up, without any cohesion and without a proper grasp of the principles and aims of Scouting.


== History ==
In 1911, General [[Maresuke Nogi]] went to England in attendance on Prince [[Prince Higashifushimi Yorihito|Yorihito Higashifushimi]] for the [[coronation]] of [[George V of the United Kingdom|King George V]]. The general, also known as the "Defender of [[Lüshunkou|Port Arthur]]" was introduced to General [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert Baden-Powell]], the "Defender of [[Mafeking]]."
=== Early years ===
Scouting was introduced to Japan in the autumn of 1909 by a Japanese teacher, possibly [[Akizuki Satsuo]], who had visited England in 1908. He organized a Boy Scout troop at his school, but this dissolved when he left the school. A Japanese translation of ''[[Scouting for Boys]]'' was published as early as 1910, and troops sprang up. In 1911, General [[Maresuke Nogi]] went to England in attendance on Prince [[Prince Higashifushimi Yorihito|Yorihito Higashifushimi]] for the [[coronation]] of King George V. The general, also know as the "Defender of [[Lüshunkou|Port Arthur]]" was introduced to general [[Robert Baden-Powell, 1st Baron Baden-Powell|Robert Baden-Powell]], the "Defender of [[Mafeking]]."  


A Scout troop in Yokohama welcomed Baden-Powell during his visit on [[April 16]], [[1912]]. The troop consisted of British boys and was lead by a British Scouter, a merchant named Griffin. During this period homegrown Japanese troops were developed and existed alongside expatriate troops in [[Kobe]] and [[Osaka]]. The "National Scout Association of Japan" was founded in 1913, and at the time of the coronation of the [[Taisho Emperor]] in 1914, Scouts were organized in Tokyo, [[Shizuoka City|Shizuoka]], [[Kyoto]] and [[Hokkaidō]]. In 1920 three delegates attended the [[1st World Scout Jamboree]] at Olympia, London, and [[Crown Prince]] [[Hirohito]], later Emperor, visited Great Britain, experienced Scouting first hand and expressed the hope that Scouting would develop fully in Japan and join the world movement. Japan was a founding member of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]] in 1922, and the organization was reformed as the Boy Scouts of Japan in April 1922 by Count [[Futara Yoshinori]] and Viscount [[Mishima Michiharu]], who later served as [[Chief Scout]] of Japan.  
A Scout troop in [[Yokohama]] welcomed Baden-Powell during his visit on April 2, 1912. The troop consisted primarily of British, but also included a small number of American, Danish, and Norwegian boys and was led by a British Scouter, merchant Clarence Griffin. The 1st Yokohama, as it was called, was registered as a British Troop Abroad and Griffin was issued a Scoutmaster Warrant by Baden-Powell. The Scout Association of Japan recognizes Griffin as Japan's first Scoutmaster and the "1st Yokohama" as Japan's first recognized Boy Scout troop with a marker placed on his grave in the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. In 1918 the Group was registered as "international" and allowed boys of all nationalities to join. In 1923 this Group became the first directly registered Group of the newly formed World Scout Bureau.<ref>{{cite web|title=Letter of 1950 from R. T. Lund, Secretary BSIB|url=http://www.troop1.net/history/images_doc/Ltr%201950%20BSIB%20Lund.jpg|publisher=International Boy Scouts|accessdate=21 February 2012}}</ref>
The Troop remains active in Yokohama.


The [[1923 Great Kanto earthquake]] brought the work of the Scouts of Tokyo and Kobe to the notice of the general public. Count [[Gotō Shimpei]], a doctor and a statesman, was made the first Chief Scout of Japan and tasked with the rebuilding. As [[Minister of Railways]], Count Gotō travelled around the country, and was able to promote Scouting in his spare time. In 1924 Japan fielded a full contingent of 25 to the [[2nd World Scout Jamboree]] in Denmark under Rear Admiral Count [[Sano Tsuneha]], during which Count Sano attended a [[Wood Badge]] course at [[Gilwell Park]]. Count Sano returned to Japan and created Japan's own training course, called ''Jisshu-sho'', for both Cub and Scout leaders, which is still used to this day, after completion of two preliminary courses, ''Koshu-kai'' and ''Kenshu-kai''.
During his short 1912 visit to Japan Baden-Powell did, however, see something of the ''[[Kenjinsha]]'', an old time youth movement founded on the spirit of [[bushido]]. During this period homegrown Japanese troops began to develop and existed alongside [[expatriate]] troops in [[Yokohama]], [[Kobe]] and [[Osaka]]. At the time of the coronation of the [[Taisho Emperor]] in 1914{{Citation needed|date=September 2011|reason=coronation event was on 1915}}, Scouts were organized in [[Tokyo]], [[Shizuoka City|Shizuoka]], [[Kyoto]] and [[Hokkaido]].  


Count [[Hutara Yoshinori]] was the first Japanese member of the [[World Scout Committee]] of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1931 until 1939.
In 1920 three delegates, [[Toyomatsu Shimoda]], [[Hiroshi Koshiba]], and [[Richard Suzuki]], attended the [[1st World Scout Jamboree]] at [[Olympia, London]]. Shimoda and Koshiba were both adults and, when they met Richard Suzuki aboard ship and learned he was a Scout, they invited him to join. Richard was the son of a Japanese father and a British mother and was traveling to England for study. Richard was a member of the [[International Boy Scouts, Troop1|Yokohama international troop]] and, being the only Scout aged delegate, Richard carried the Japanese placard in the "Procession of the Nations" during the [[opening ceremonies]].<ref>{{cite book|title=The Jamboree Book, 1920|year=1920|publisher=The Scout Association|location=London, England|pages=10}}</ref> 


=== World War II and aftermath ===
In 1920 [[Crown Prince]] [[Hirohito]], later Emperor, also visited Great Britain, experienced Scouting first hand and expressed the hope that Scouting would develop fully in Japan and join the world movement. The forerunner of the "Boy Scouts of Japan" was founded in 1921{{Citation needed|date=September 2011|reason=Koshiba started a Tokyo based group in 1913 but not national, Shimoda began a national group in 1921 (Nihon Kenjidan)that was restructured and merged with other groups in April 1922, the incorporation date of the organization that exists today, also 1922 according to http://www.scout.or.jp/e/history.html}}. The organization was reformed as the Boy Scouts of Japan in April 1922 by Count [[Futara Yoshinori]] and Viscount [[Mishima Michiharu]], who later served as Chief Scout of Japan. Japan was a admitted as member of the [[World Organization of the Scout Movement]] in 1922.
[[Image:Johnwilsonp48.jpg|thumb|[[J. S. Wilson]] and [[Mishima Michiharu|Michiharu Mishima]], Chief Scout of Japan, at the National Training Camp at [[Fuji Five Lakes|Lake Yamanaka]], on the slopes of Mount Fuji, in December 1952]]
Scouting in Japan suffered almost complete eclipse in World War II, and took time to recover. Occupation authorities had blacklisted the ex-military officers, disregarding age or sympathies. This held Count Sano and others back from their sincere desire to restore Boy Scouts of Japan to its former correct basis. Gradually, military supervision was relaxed and the original group began to take over, with beneficial results.  


The occupation period was difficult on Scouting, just as it was on Japanese daily life. The participant patch (usually embroidered or woven) for the first National Scout Rally was printed on paper, because of the financial situation of that time. Period pieces of [[Scouting memorabilia collecting|Scouting memorabilia]] from that time are rare and highly prized. Japan was re-admitted as a full member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1950, remarkable and unique in the history of nations in which Scouting has been interrupted. Within ten years of World War II, Scout membership had grown to 80,000. In 1957 the first Wood Badge course by that name was held in Japan. In 1959 Japan held the Second Nippon Jamboree, shortly after the conclusion of the [[10th World Scout Jamboree]] in the Philippines.
The [[1923 Great Kantō earthquake]] brought the work of the Scouts of Tokyo and Kobe to the notice of the general public. Count [[Gotō Shimpei]], a doctor and a statesman, was made the first Chief Scout of Japan and tasked with the rebuilding. As [[Minister of Railways]], Count Gotō travelled around the country, and was able to promote Scouting in his spare time. In 1924, Japan fielded a full contingent of 25 to the [[2nd World Scout Jamboree]] in [[Denmark]] under Rear Admiral Count [[Sano Tsuneha]], during which Count Sano attended a [[Wood Badge]] course at [[Gilwell Park]]. Count Sano returned to Japan and created Japan's own training course, called ''Jisshu-jo'', for both Cub and Scout leaders, which is still used to this day, after completion of two preliminary courses, ''Koshu-kai'' and ''Kenshu-kai''.


=== Modern name and current years ===
Count Futara Yoshinori was the first Japanese member of the [[World Scout Committee]] of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1931 until 1939.
In 1961, Viscount Michiharu Mishima was awarded the [[Bronze Wolf]], awarded by the [[World Scout Committee]] for exceptional services to world Scouting. Other recipients from the Scout Association of Japan include [[Hidesaburo Kurushima]], chairman of the national board and international commissioner, in 1967, [[Taizo Ishizaka]] in 1971, [[Saburo Matsukata]] in 1972, [[Shintaro Negishi]] in 1975, [[Akira Watanabe]] in 1977, [[Yorihiro Matsudaira]] in 1981, [[August S. Narumi]] in 1984, and [[Ichiro Terao]] in 1985.


After the [[13th World Scout Jamboree]] in 1971, there was discussion about the national association's name. The word "Japan" is not Japanese, rather based on a southern Chinese dialect (which [[Marco Polo]] heard as "Zippang", eventually becoming "Japan" in English). The Japanese corrected the association's name to match their own language expression, as "Boy Scouts of Nippon" in 1971.  
In February 1937, [[Isamu Takeshita]] was appointed head of the Boy Scouts of Japan, the [[Sea Scouts]], and the [[YMCA]], as part of the general militarization of Japanese sports and athletics taking place at that time.<ref>Abe, Ikuo, Kiyohara,Yasuharu, and Nakajima, Ken. "Sport and physical education under fascistization in Japan," ''Bulletin of Health and Sport Sciences'', University of Tsukuba, 13, 1990, pp. 25-46.[http://ejmas.com/jalt/jaltart_abe_0600.htm]</ref>


[[Image:--Nipponoldrank.jpg|thumb|left|Membership badge of Boy Scouts of Nippon]]
===World War II and aftermath===
In 1995, Japanese Scouting became [[coeducational]], and at that point, to use "Boy Scout" would strictly be incorrect. Further it was decided that the proper national name "Nippon" was not well known worldwide. Japanese Scouting once again changed its national association's name in English to the "Scout Association of Japan". However, there is contradiction in the original charter, that Boy Scouts of Japan (or Nippon) is still used in the writing of the Japanese language Scout Constitution. Therefore, it was decided that the official name is to be in the Japanese language, and the English expression is for the convenience and benefit of overseas Scouts to connect with Japanese Scouting.
Scouting in Japan suffered almost complete eclipse in [[World War II]], and took time to recover. Occupation authorities had blacklisted the ex-military officers, disregarding age or sympathies. This held Count Sano and others back from their sincere desire to restore Boy Scouts of Japan to its former correct basis. Gradually, military supervision was relaxed and the original group began to take over, with beneficial results.


Scouting in Japan has grown steadily and established itself an eminent place for itself in social education for young people. The aim of the Scout Association of Japan is to help young people become responsible humanitarian citizens, who can appreciate and practice loyalty, courage and [[self-respect]] in an international perspective. With the support of volunteer leaders, the Scout movement in Japan provides fun filled, challenging programs, with an emphasis on developing each boy's character, health, abilities and sense of service to others.
The [[Occupation of Japan|occupation period]] was difficult on Scouting, just as it was on Japanese daily life. The participant patch (usually embroidered or woven) for the first National Scout Rally was printed on paper, because of the financial situation of that time. Period pieces of [[Scouting memorabilia collecting|Scouting memorabilia]] from that time are rare and highly prized. Japan was re-admitted as a full member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1950, remarkable and unique in the history of nations in which Scouting has been interrupted. Within ten years of World War II, Scout membership had grown to 80,000. In 1957, the first Wood Badge course by that name was held in Japan. In 1959, Japan held the Second Nippon Jamboree, shortly after the conclusion of the [[10th World Scout Jamboree]] in the [[Philippines]].


The Scout Association of Japan is a non-political, voluntary movement, with open subscription. The geographic structure of Japanese Scouting is the Council, generally conforming to [[prefecture]] boundaries. Japanese Scouting also exists abroad, in communities with large native Japanese populations, such as [[Amsterdam, Netherlands]] and Singapore.
===Modern period===
In 1961, [[Viscount]] [[Michiharu Mishima]] was awarded the [[Bronze Wolf]], awarded by the [[World Scout Committee]] for exceptional services to world Scouting. Other recipients from Japan include [[Hidesaburō Kurushima]], chairman of the national board and international commissioner, in 1967, [[Taizō Ishizaka]] in 1971, [[Saburō Matsukata]] in 1972, [[Shintarō Negishi]] in 1975, [[Akira Watanabe (Scouting)|Akira Watanabe]] in 1977, Yorihiro Matsudaira in 1981, August S. Narumi in 1984, and [[Ichiro Terao]] in 1985.


=== Chief Scouts of Japan ===
In 1971, BSJ hosted three major World Scouting events, the [[13th World Scout Jamboree]] and the 1st World Scout Forum in [[Shizuoka, Shizuoka|Shizuoka]], and the 23rd World Scout Conference in Tokyo.
*[[Shimoda Toyomatsu]], first Chief Scout, in 1920
*[[Gotō Shimpei]], first (?) Chief Scout, in 1924
*[[Mishima Michiharu]], in 1952


[[Image:Japanrank.jpg|thumb|left]]
After the 13th World Scout Jamboree in 1971, there was discussion about the national association's name. [[Names of Japan|The word "Japan" is not Japanese]], rather based on a southern Chinese dialect, which [[Marco Polo]] heard as "Zippang", eventually becoming "Japan" in English. The Japanese corrected the association's name to match their own language, as "Boy Scouts of Nippon" in 1971.
== Scouting programs, motto and law ==
<div class="notice metadata" id="cleanup" style="text-align: center; background: #efefff; margin: 1em 10%; border: #9F9FFF 1px solid;">'''This section needs transliteration into Japanese'''. </div>


The [[Scout Motto]] is ''Sonae-yo Tsuneni'', translating as ''Be Prepared'' in Japanese.
Since 1974, SAJ has every year invited some 45 Scouts from Scout associations in the [[Asia-Pacific Scout Region (World Organization of the Scout Movement)|Asia-Pacific Region]] to take part in major international events such as Jamborees, Ventures, Agoonorees and Rover Scouting events.


The Japanese Scout [[uniform]] consists of a khaki short-sleeved shirt and shorts, and Japanese Scouts favor the Smokey Bear style hats.{{Fact|date=March 2007}}
[[File:Tenderfoot Scout (Boy Scouts of Japan).svg|thumb|right|Membership badge of the Boy Scouts of Nippon]]
In 1995, Japanese Scouting became [[coeducational]] and, after that point, to use "Boy Scout" would strictly be incorrect. Further it was decided that the proper national name "Nippon" was not well known worldwide. Japanese Scouting once again changed its national association's name in English to the "Scout Association of Japan" (SAJ). However, there is contradiction in the original charter, that Boy Scouts of Japan (or Nippon) is still used in the writing of the Japanese language Scout Constitution. Therefore, it was decided that the official name is to be in the Japanese language, and the English expression is for the convenience and benefit of overseas Scouts to connect with Japanese Scouting.


The program section are:
SAJ celebrated its 75th Anniversary of founding of the National Scout Association in 1997 and hosted the second Asia-Pacific Regional Top Leaders' Summit Conference in [[Gotemba]] and Tokyo.
*[[Beavers (Scouting)|Beaver Scouts]], age 6 to 8
*[[Cub Scout]]s, age 8 to 11
*[[Boy Scout]]s, age 11 to 14
*[[Venture Scout]]s, age 14 to 20
*[[Rover Scout]]s, age 18 to 24


The Scout Oath is "On my honor, I promise to do my best, to do my duty to god/Buddha and the country, And to obey the Scout laws, to help other people at all times and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."
Scouting in Japan has grown steadily and established an eminent place for itself in social education for young people. The aim of the Scout Association of Japan is to help young people become responsible humanitarian citizens, who can appreciate and practice loyalty, courage and self-respect in an international perspective. With the support of volunteer leaders, the Scout movement in Japan provides fun-filled, challenging programs, with an emphasis on developing each young person's character, health, abilities and sense of service to others.


The [[Scout Law]] is (translated):
The Scout Association of Japan is a non-political, voluntary movement, with open subscription. The geographic structure of Japanese Scouting is the Council, generally conforming to [[Prefectures of Japan|prefecture]] boundaries. Japanese Scouting also exists abroad, in communities with large native Japanese populations, such as [[Amsterdam, Netherlands]] and [[Singapore]].
*A Scout is faithful.
*A Scout is friendly.
*A Scout is courteous.
*A Scout is kind.
*A Scout is thrifty.
*A Scout is courageous.
*A Scout is thankful.


The highest rank of the Boy Scouts is the ''Kiku Scout''. "Kiku" is the Japanese word  for chrysanthemum.
In recent years, SAJ held several international events, which include the sixth Nippon Agoonoree in [[Ehime]] in August 1999, the 5th Nippon Venture in [[Ōita, Ōita|Oita]] in August 2000, the National Rover Moot 2001 in [[Aichi]] in August 2001, and the 23rd Asia-Pacific/13th Nippon Jamboree in Osaka in August 2002.


The highest rank of the Venture Scouts is the ''Fuji Scout''.
Japanese Scouts are actively involved in international understanding and cooperation programs, such as the ORT twinning project by Rovers with the [[Bangladesh Scouts]], and nationwide fundraising activities for refugees in [[UNHCR]] camps.


The [[23rd World Scout Jamboree]] will take place at [[Kirara Beach, Yamaguchi]] in 2015. The theme will be "和 Wa: A Spirit of Unity". The [[kanji]] "和" is also a part of the theme.{{Clarify|date=May 2011}}


== Notable Scouts ==
===Chief Scouts===
*[[Ryutaro Hashimoto]], the 82nd and 83rd Prime Minister of Japan
* 1st [[Shimoda Toyomatsu]], 1924-1929
*[[Yukio Hattori]], the fifth president of the Hattori Nutrition College, commentator on the Japanese cooking competition program Iron Chef
* 2nd [[Gotō Shimpei]], 1935-1936
*Soichi Noguchi, Japanese astronaut
* 3rd [[Isamu Takeshita]], 1937-1945
*[[Makoto Raiku]], mangaka (Zatch Bell!)
* 4th [[Mishima Michiharu]], 1951-1965<ref>McKinney, W. Arthur. [http://books.google.com/books?id=qnY1AZYFqREC&pg=PA75&lpg=PA75&dq=chief+scout+of+japan&source=bl&ots=DpPnaMLTW7&sig=MSXoFnC6abpA48XEJ7bbSGnDGwY&hl=en&ei=fZlWTrK1Ns3TgAfdyOyEDA&sa=X&oi=book_result&ct=result&resnum=4&ved=0CC0Q6AEwAzgK#v=onepage&q=chief%20scout%20of%20japan&f=false  "About stamps,"] ''Boys' Life'' (US). December 1956, p. 75; retrieved 2011-08-25</ref>
* 5th  [[Hidesaburo Kurushima]], 1966-1970
* 6th  [[Saburo Matsukata]], 1971-1973<ref name="sakashita">Sakashita's Scouting Collection, [http://www.linkclub.or.jp/~scouting/watanabe-e.html  About late Former Chief Scout Akira Watanabe"]; retrieved 2011-08-25</ref>
* 7th  [[Akira Watanabe (Scouting)|Akira Watanabe]], 1974-2003<ref name="sakashita"/>
* 8th  [[Shoichi Saba]] (Acting Chief Scout), 2003-<ref>[http://scout.org/en/content/download/4135/44054/file/inbox%20June%2003.htm "Japan, Leadership Changes and long-term planning for SAJ,"] ''inbox@apr'' (e-Newsletter of World Scout Bureau, Asia Pacific Region), June 2003; retrieved 2011-08-25</ref>


== International Scouting ==
==Scouting program and ideals==
The Scout Association of Japan hosted the [[13th World Scout Jamboree]] on the Asagiri Plateau, [[Shizuoka Prefecture]],  in 1971, and the nearly simultaneous 23rd [[World Scout Conference]]. Since, it hosted numerous other international activities, including the Asia Pacific Top Leaders Summit in 1997, the Asia-Pacific Multi-Purpose Workshop in 2000, and the 23rd Asia-Pacific/13th [[Nippon Jamboree]] in 2002.
[[File:Scouts of Japan - Funabashi - 2011.jpg|thumb|Scouts asking for donations after the [[2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami]]]]
{{see also|Ranks in the Scout Association of Japan}}
The [[Scout Motto]] is {{Nihongo|''Sonaeyo Tsuneni''|そなえよつねに}}, translating as "Be Prepared" in Japanese.


There are two organizations focused on serving children of American military families living in Japan and elsewhere in Asia, namely the [[Girl Scouts of the USA|USA Girl Scouts Overseas]], serviced by the [[American Scouting overseas|West Pacific Girl Scout Council]] and the [[Boy Scouts of America]], serviced by the Japan District and Great Okinawa District of the [[Far East Council]] at [[Camp Zama]]. These councils serve BSA and GSUSA units comprised of children of diplomatic, business and military personnel, and international units run under their auspices.
The Scout emblem incorporates the sacred [[mirror]] [[Yata no Kagami]], which represents [[wisdom]] and [[honesty]].


Scouts in [[Chiba, Japan]] have an international relationship with Boy Scouts in [[Scouting in Texas#Sam Houston Area Council|Houston, Texas]].
The Japanese Scout uniform consists of a brown vest, brown pants with light blue pocket, and light blue cap for Beaver Scouts; a blue shirt, pants, and cap for Cub Scouts; khaki with green line edge shirt and pants, and a green beret for Boy Scouts; and a khaki shirt and pants, and green beret for Venture, Rover, and adult Scouts.


== See also ==
The ranks are:
* Tenderfoot (Sho-kyu)
* 2nd Class (Ni-kyu)
* 1st Class (Ikkyu)
* Chrysanthemum (Kiku)


The program sections are:
* [[Beavers (Scouting)|Beaver Scouts]] ({{lang-ja|ビーバースカウト}}), age 6 to 8
* [[Cub Scout]]s ({{lang-ja|カブスカウト}}), age 8 to 11
* [[Boy Scout]]s ({{lang-ja|ボーイスカウト}}), age 11 to 14
* [[Venture Scout]]s ({{lang-ja|ベンチャースカウト}}), age 14 to 20
* [[Rover Scout]]s ({{lang-ja|ローバースカウト}}), age 18 to 24
The [[Scout Oath]]:
{|cellpadding="5" style="border: 1px solid darkgray;"
|-
! scope="col" | [[Japanese language|Japanese]]:
! scope="col" | [[Romanization of Japanese|Roman characters:]]
! scope="col" | English translation:
|-
|{{lang-ja|私は、名誉にかけて、次の3条の実行をちかいます。<br />1.神(仏)と国とに誠を尽くしおきてを守ります。<br />1.いつも、他の人々をたすけます。<br />1.からだを強くし、心をすこやかに、徳を養います。}}
|Watashi wa, meiyo nikakete, tsugi no 3(san)-jō no jikkō o chikaimasu.<Br/> 1. Kami (Butsu) to kuni to ni makoto o tsukushi okite o mamorimasu.<Br/> 1. Itsumo, ta no hitobito o tasukemasu.<Br/> 1. Karada o tsuyoku shi, kokoro o sukoyaka ni, toku o yashinaimasu.
|"On my honor, I promise to do my best, to do my duty to god/Buddha and the country, And to obey the Scout Laws, to help other people at all times and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."
|}
The [[Scout Law]]:
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is faithful.|スカウトは誠実である。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is friendly.|スカウトは友情にあつい。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is courteous.|スカウトは礼儀正しい。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is kind.|スカウトは親切である。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is cheerful.|スカウトは快活である。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is thrifty.|スカウトは質素である。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is courageous.|スカウトは勇敢である。}}
* {{Nihongo|A Scout is thankful.|スカウトは感謝の心をもつ。}}
The highest rank of the Boy Scouts is the {{Nihongo|''Kiku Scout''|菊スカウト}}. "Kiku" is the Japanese word for chrysanthemum.
The highest rank of the Venture Scouts is the {{Nihongo|''Fuji Scout''|富士スカウト}}. It is named after [[Mount Fuji]].
==Notable Scouts==
* [[Ryutaro Hashimoto]], the 82nd and 83rd [[Prime Minister of Japan]]
* [[Yukio Hattori]], the fifth president of the [[Hattori Nutrition College]], commentator on the Japanese cooking competition program [[Iron Chef]]
* [[Soichi Noguchi]], Japanese [[astronaut]]
* [[Makoto Raiku]], [[Mangaka|manga artist]] ([[Zatch Bell!]])
==International Scouting==
The Scout Association of Japan hosted the [[13th World Scout Jamboree]] on the [[Asagiri Plateau]], [[Shizuoka Prefecture]], in 1971, and the nearly simultaneous 23rd [[World Scout Conference]]. Since then, it has hosted numerous other international activities, including the Asia Pacific Top Leaders Summit in 1997, the Asia-Pacific Multi-Purpose Workshop in 2000, and the 23rd Asia-Pacific/13th [[Nippon Jamboree]] in 2002.
An exchange program between Japanese Scouts and the [[Boy Scouts of America]] was started in 1998, at the suggestion of then-Prime Minister [[Ryutaro Hashimoto]] in a 1996 meeting with U.S. President [[Bill Clinton]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Boy Scout leader urges knife safety|date=March 9, 1998|work=[[Japan Times]]|url=http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn19980309b2.html |accessdate=2010-04-24}}</ref>
==See also==
* [[Kurushima Takehiko]]
* [[Kurushima Takehiko]]
* [[Koshiba Hiroshi]]
* [[Koshiba Hiroshi]]
* [[Hōjō Tokiyuki (Scouting)|Hōjō Tokiyuki]]
* [[Hōjō Tokiyuki (Scouting)|Hōjō Tokiyuki]]
* [[Isamu Takeshita]]
* [[Girl Scouts of Japan]]
* [[Girl Scouts of Japan]]
* [[Baden-Powell Scouts|Baden-Powell Scouts Association-Japan]]
* [[Baden-Powell Scouts|Baden-Powell Scouts Association-Japan]]
* [[World Buddhist Scout Brotherhood]]
==References==
{{Refbegin}}
<references />


== References ==
<references/>
* Information by [[Junji Tomizawa]], president of the [[Scouting Memorabilia Club of Japan]]
* ''Scouting 'Round the World'', [[J. S. Wilson]], first edition, Blandford Press 1959
* ''Scouting 'Round the World'', [[J. S. Wilson]], first edition, Blandford Press 1959
* ''Facts on World Scouting'', Boy Scouts International Bureau, Ottawa, Canada, 1961
* ''Facts on World Scouting'', Boy Scouts International Bureau, Ottawa, Canada, 1961
{{Refend}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
*[http://www.scout.or.jp Official website of Scout Association of Japan, in Japanese]
* [http://www.scout.or.jp Official website of Scout Association of Japan] {{jp icon}}
*[http://www.scout.or.jp/e/index.html Official website of Scout Association of Japan, in English]
* [http://www.scout.or.jp/e/index.html Official website of Scout Association of Japan]
*[http://www.girlscout.or.jp/index.html Official website of Girl Scouting in Japan]
*[http://www.youth-scout.org/ Youth-Channel, in Japanese language]
 
{{Asia-PacificScout}}


{{-}}
{{WOSM|asia}}
[[ja:ボーイスカウト日本連盟]]
[[ja:ボーイスカウト日本連盟]]


[[Category:Scouting and Guiding in Japan]]
[[Category:Scouting and Guiding in Japan]]
[[Category:WOSM member organizations]]
[[Category:WOSM member organizations]]
[[Category:1913 establishments in Japan]]
[[it:Bōi Sukauto Nippon Renmei]]

Latest revision as of 23:15, 31 December 2023

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ボーイスカウト日本連盟
ボーイスカウト日本連盟
Scout Association of Japan
Headquarters Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
Country Japan
Founded 1922
Membership 149,785 (2011.3.31)
Affiliation World Organization of the Scout Movement
Website
http://www.scout.or.jp

Scouting portal

The Scout Association of Japan (ボーイスカウト日本連盟 Bōi Sukauto Nippon Renmei?) is the major Scouting organization of Japan. Starting as boys only, the organization was known as the Boy Scouts of Japan from 1922 until 1971, and as Boy Scouts of Nippon from 1971 to 1995, when it became coeducational in all sections, leading to neutral naming. Scouting activity endured a heavy setback during World War II, but slowly recovered, and membership at the end of March 2011 was 149,785.[1]

History

Early years

File:Japanese Boy Scouts 1912 Yokohama.jpg
Japanese Boy Scouts - Yokohama, 1912 (from The Japan Gazette, April 3, 1912
A 1916 photograph of Japanese Boy Scouts drilling with rifles (from January 13, 1916 Leslie's Illustrated Weekly Newspaper)

Scouting was introduced to Japan in the autumn of 1909[citation needed] by ambassador Akizuki Satsuo and Japanese teacher Hōjō Tokiyuki, who had visited England in 1908. One organized a Boy Scout troop at his school, but this dissolved when he left the school. A Japanese translation of Scouting for Boys was published as early as 1910[citation needed], and a few sporadic troops sprang up, without any cohesion and without a proper grasp of the principles and aims of Scouting.

In 1911, General Maresuke Nogi went to England in attendance on Prince Yorihito Higashifushimi for the coronation of King George V. The general, also known as the "Defender of Port Arthur" was introduced to General Robert Baden-Powell, the "Defender of Mafeking."

A Scout troop in Yokohama welcomed Baden-Powell during his visit on April 2, 1912. The troop consisted primarily of British, but also included a small number of American, Danish, and Norwegian boys and was led by a British Scouter, merchant Clarence Griffin. The 1st Yokohama, as it was called, was registered as a British Troop Abroad and Griffin was issued a Scoutmaster Warrant by Baden-Powell. The Scout Association of Japan recognizes Griffin as Japan's first Scoutmaster and the "1st Yokohama" as Japan's first recognized Boy Scout troop with a marker placed on his grave in the Yokohama Foreign General Cemetery. In 1918 the Group was registered as "international" and allowed boys of all nationalities to join. In 1923 this Group became the first directly registered Group of the newly formed World Scout Bureau.[2] The Troop remains active in Yokohama.

During his short 1912 visit to Japan Baden-Powell did, however, see something of the Kenjinsha, an old time youth movement founded on the spirit of bushido. During this period homegrown Japanese troops began to develop and existed alongside expatriate troops in Yokohama, Kobe and Osaka. At the time of the coronation of the Taisho Emperor in 1914[citation needed], Scouts were organized in Tokyo, Shizuoka, Kyoto and Hokkaido.

In 1920 three delegates, Toyomatsu Shimoda, Hiroshi Koshiba, and Richard Suzuki, attended the 1st World Scout Jamboree at Olympia, London. Shimoda and Koshiba were both adults and, when they met Richard Suzuki aboard ship and learned he was a Scout, they invited him to join. Richard was the son of a Japanese father and a British mother and was traveling to England for study. Richard was a member of the Yokohama international troop and, being the only Scout aged delegate, Richard carried the Japanese placard in the "Procession of the Nations" during the opening ceremonies.[3]

In 1920 Crown Prince Hirohito, later Emperor, also visited Great Britain, experienced Scouting first hand and expressed the hope that Scouting would develop fully in Japan and join the world movement. The forerunner of the "Boy Scouts of Japan" was founded in 1921[citation needed]. The organization was reformed as the Boy Scouts of Japan in April 1922 by Count Futara Yoshinori and Viscount Mishima Michiharu, who later served as Chief Scout of Japan. Japan was a admitted as member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1922.

The 1923 Great Kantō earthquake brought the work of the Scouts of Tokyo and Kobe to the notice of the general public. Count Gotō Shimpei, a doctor and a statesman, was made the first Chief Scout of Japan and tasked with the rebuilding. As Minister of Railways, Count Gotō travelled around the country, and was able to promote Scouting in his spare time. In 1924, Japan fielded a full contingent of 25 to the 2nd World Scout Jamboree in Denmark under Rear Admiral Count Sano Tsuneha, during which Count Sano attended a Wood Badge course at Gilwell Park. Count Sano returned to Japan and created Japan's own training course, called Jisshu-jo, for both Cub and Scout leaders, which is still used to this day, after completion of two preliminary courses, Koshu-kai and Kenshu-kai.

Count Futara Yoshinori was the first Japanese member of the World Scout Committee of the World Organization of the Scout Movement from 1931 until 1939.

In February 1937, Isamu Takeshita was appointed head of the Boy Scouts of Japan, the Sea Scouts, and the YMCA, as part of the general militarization of Japanese sports and athletics taking place at that time.[4]

World War II and aftermath

Scouting in Japan suffered almost complete eclipse in World War II, and took time to recover. Occupation authorities had blacklisted the ex-military officers, disregarding age or sympathies. This held Count Sano and others back from their sincere desire to restore Boy Scouts of Japan to its former correct basis. Gradually, military supervision was relaxed and the original group began to take over, with beneficial results.

The occupation period was difficult on Scouting, just as it was on Japanese daily life. The participant patch (usually embroidered or woven) for the first National Scout Rally was printed on paper, because of the financial situation of that time. Period pieces of Scouting memorabilia from that time are rare and highly prized. Japan was re-admitted as a full member of the World Organization of the Scout Movement in 1950, remarkable and unique in the history of nations in which Scouting has been interrupted. Within ten years of World War II, Scout membership had grown to 80,000. In 1957, the first Wood Badge course by that name was held in Japan. In 1959, Japan held the Second Nippon Jamboree, shortly after the conclusion of the 10th World Scout Jamboree in the Philippines.

Modern period

In 1961, Viscount Michiharu Mishima was awarded the Bronze Wolf, awarded by the World Scout Committee for exceptional services to world Scouting. Other recipients from Japan include Hidesaburō Kurushima, chairman of the national board and international commissioner, in 1967, Taizō Ishizaka in 1971, Saburō Matsukata in 1972, Shintarō Negishi in 1975, Akira Watanabe in 1977, Yorihiro Matsudaira in 1981, August S. Narumi in 1984, and Ichiro Terao in 1985.

In 1971, BSJ hosted three major World Scouting events, the 13th World Scout Jamboree and the 1st World Scout Forum in Shizuoka, and the 23rd World Scout Conference in Tokyo.

After the 13th World Scout Jamboree in 1971, there was discussion about the national association's name. The word "Japan" is not Japanese, rather based on a southern Chinese dialect, which Marco Polo heard as "Zippang", eventually becoming "Japan" in English. The Japanese corrected the association's name to match their own language, as "Boy Scouts of Nippon" in 1971.

Since 1974, SAJ has every year invited some 45 Scouts from Scout associations in the Asia-Pacific Region to take part in major international events such as Jamborees, Ventures, Agoonorees and Rover Scouting events.

Membership badge of the Boy Scouts of Nippon

In 1995, Japanese Scouting became coeducational and, after that point, to use "Boy Scout" would strictly be incorrect. Further it was decided that the proper national name "Nippon" was not well known worldwide. Japanese Scouting once again changed its national association's name in English to the "Scout Association of Japan" (SAJ). However, there is contradiction in the original charter, that Boy Scouts of Japan (or Nippon) is still used in the writing of the Japanese language Scout Constitution. Therefore, it was decided that the official name is to be in the Japanese language, and the English expression is for the convenience and benefit of overseas Scouts to connect with Japanese Scouting.

SAJ celebrated its 75th Anniversary of founding of the National Scout Association in 1997 and hosted the second Asia-Pacific Regional Top Leaders' Summit Conference in Gotemba and Tokyo.

Scouting in Japan has grown steadily and established an eminent place for itself in social education for young people. The aim of the Scout Association of Japan is to help young people become responsible humanitarian citizens, who can appreciate and practice loyalty, courage and self-respect in an international perspective. With the support of volunteer leaders, the Scout movement in Japan provides fun-filled, challenging programs, with an emphasis on developing each young person's character, health, abilities and sense of service to others.

The Scout Association of Japan is a non-political, voluntary movement, with open subscription. The geographic structure of Japanese Scouting is the Council, generally conforming to prefecture boundaries. Japanese Scouting also exists abroad, in communities with large native Japanese populations, such as Amsterdam, Netherlands and Singapore.

In recent years, SAJ held several international events, which include the sixth Nippon Agoonoree in Ehime in August 1999, the 5th Nippon Venture in Oita in August 2000, the National Rover Moot 2001 in Aichi in August 2001, and the 23rd Asia-Pacific/13th Nippon Jamboree in Osaka in August 2002.

Japanese Scouts are actively involved in international understanding and cooperation programs, such as the ORT twinning project by Rovers with the Bangladesh Scouts, and nationwide fundraising activities for refugees in UNHCR camps.

The 23rd World Scout Jamboree will take place at Kirara Beach, Yamaguchi in 2015. The theme will be "和 Wa: A Spirit of Unity". The kanji "和" is also a part of the theme.Template:Clarify

Chief Scouts

Scouting program and ideals

Scouts asking for donations after the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami

Template:See also The Scout Motto is Sonaeyo Tsuneni (そなえよつねに?), translating as "Be Prepared" in Japanese.

The Scout emblem incorporates the sacred mirror Yata no Kagami, which represents wisdom and honesty.

The Japanese Scout uniform consists of a brown vest, brown pants with light blue pocket, and light blue cap for Beaver Scouts; a blue shirt, pants, and cap for Cub Scouts; khaki with green line edge shirt and pants, and a green beret for Boy Scouts; and a khaki shirt and pants, and green beret for Venture, Rover, and adult Scouts.

The ranks are:

  • Tenderfoot (Sho-kyu)
  • 2nd Class (Ni-kyu)
  • 1st Class (Ikkyu)
  • Chrysanthemum (Kiku)

The program sections are:

The Scout Oath:

Japanese: Roman characters: English translation:
Template:Lang-ja Watashi wa, meiyo nikakete, tsugi no 3(san)-jō no jikkō o chikaimasu.
1. Kami (Butsu) to kuni to ni makoto o tsukushi okite o mamorimasu.
1. Itsumo, ta no hitobito o tasukemasu.
1. Karada o tsuyoku shi, kokoro o sukoyaka ni, toku o yashinaimasu. 		"On my honor, I promise to do my best, to do my duty to god/Buddha and the country, And to obey the Scout Laws, to help other people at all times and to keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight."

The Scout Law:

  • A Scout is faithful. (スカウトは誠実である。?)
  • A Scout is friendly. (スカウトは友情にあつい。?)
  • A Scout is courteous. (スカウトは礼儀正しい。?)
  • A Scout is kind. (スカウトは親切である。?)
  • A Scout is cheerful. (スカウトは快活である。?)
  • A Scout is thrifty. (スカウトは質素である。?)
  • A Scout is courageous. (スカウトは勇敢である。?)
  • A Scout is thankful. (スカウトは感謝の心をもつ。?)

The highest rank of the Boy Scouts is the Kiku Scout (菊スカウト?). "Kiku" is the Japanese word for chrysanthemum.

The highest rank of the Venture Scouts is the Fuji Scout (富士スカウト?). It is named after Mount Fuji.

Notable Scouts

International Scouting

The Scout Association of Japan hosted the 13th World Scout Jamboree on the Asagiri Plateau, Shizuoka Prefecture, in 1971, and the nearly simultaneous 23rd World Scout Conference. Since then, it has hosted numerous other international activities, including the Asia Pacific Top Leaders Summit in 1997, the Asia-Pacific Multi-Purpose Workshop in 2000, and the 23rd Asia-Pacific/13th Nippon Jamboree in 2002.

An exchange program between Japanese Scouts and the Boy Scouts of America was started in 1998, at the suggestion of then-Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto in a 1996 meeting with U.S. President Bill Clinton.[8]

See also

References

Template:Refbegin

  1. ↑ "日本連盟について" (in Japanese). Scout Association of Japan. http://www.scout.or.jp/org/about_us.html. Retrieved 21 February 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Letter of 1950 from R. T. Lund, Secretary BSIB". International Boy Scouts. http://www.troop1.net/history/images_doc/Ltr%201950%20BSIB%20Lund.jpg. Retrieved 21 February 2012. 
  3. ↑ The Jamboree Book, 1920. London, England: The Scout Association. 1920. pp. 10. 
  4. ↑ Abe, Ikuo, Kiyohara,Yasuharu, and Nakajima, Ken. "Sport and physical education under fascistization in Japan," Bulletin of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 13, 1990, pp. 25-46.[1]
  5. ↑ McKinney, W. Arthur. "About stamps," Boys' Life (US). December 1956, p. 75; retrieved 2011-08-25
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Sakashita's Scouting Collection, About late Former Chief Scout Akira Watanabe"; retrieved 2011-08-25
  7. ↑ "Japan, Leadership Changes and long-term planning for SAJ," inbox@apr (e-Newsletter of World Scout Bureau, Asia Pacific Region), June 2003; retrieved 2011-08-25
  8. ↑ "Boy Scout leader urges knife safety". Japan Times. March 9, 1998. http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn19980309b2.html. Retrieved 2010-04-24. 
  • Scouting 'Round the World, J. S. Wilson, first edition, Blandford Press 1959
  • Facts on World Scouting, Boy Scouts International Bureau, Ottawa, Canada, 1961

External links


Full members
Associate members
Potential members
Without Scouting
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