The purpose of this study was to obtain suggestions on how to promote bidding and hosting of World Championships in Japan by analyzing the changes in the number of World Championships, and the policy characteristics of the countries that the number of World Championships has been increased and decreased. The number of World Championships held between 2001-2010 and 2011-2020 was compared across geographical regions, event category (Olympic and Paralympic (Oly/Para) sport, non-Olympic and Paralympic (non-Oly/Para) sport), and age group (Senior, non-Senior). The results showed an increase in the total number of all World Championships in West Europe, East Europe and West Asia, and all Oly/Para sport World Championships held in South Europe. The findings also showed an increase in the total number of all World Championships, and all and senior Oly/Para sport World Championships held in Central Asia. On the other hand, there was a decrease in the number of senior non-Oly/Para sport World Championships in Western Europe, all non-Oly/Para sport World Championships, and all, all Oly/Para sport and all non-Oly/Para sport World Championships in Australia and New Zealand. The findings indicate that some countries have significant influence on the number of World Championships hosted on each continent. The countries increasing the number of World Championships utilize the major sporting events as an opportunity to revitalize economic and special activities, science and technology policies, and establish and improve their international status and image. Among the countries where the number of World Championships has decreased, it might be due to changes in the government's policies regarding the hosting major sporting events, as the bidding for the rights to host the events has become more increasingly competitive. And strong positive correlations were found between the number of host cities and the number of World Championships and sports held in each country for both the 2001-2010 and 2011-2020. In countries that host many World Championships, it is possible that they are implementing various strategic initiatives as a country with understanding the characteristics and the needs of cities that could host the major sporting events. Furthermore, in developing strategies for bidding and hosting major sporting events for countries and cities, it would be useful to introduce the event portfolio theory and the concept of leverage.
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