This article reviews Japan`s elite sport capabilities and analyses Japan`s recent elite sport policy changes. The policy analysis is underpinned by Kingdon`s (1984, 1995) multiple streams framework. Data were gathered from both official performance-related databases and websites, and official and semi-official documents in Japanese and English. The main findings are that (1) Japan`s `30-gold` target is not unattainable, although the narrow source of Olympic gold medals is a potential constraint; (2) the Japan Sports Agency (JSA) and the Suzuki Plan resonate with the government`s values and are largely supported by the public; and (3) policy changes were prompted/accelerated by both the political event and problem-based policy windows created by the 2011 Earthquake and other economic and social problems, Tokyo`s successful Olympic bid in 2013 and Japan`s performance at the 2016 Olympics. The study highlights the utility of the multiple streams framework and some opportunities for further advancement.
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