ÅŒendan

Ōendan (Japanese応 援 団) is the Japanese variant of a cheerleading team. Smaller groups or clubs are called Ōembu (応 援 部).

Under Ōendan also cheerleaders will be taken according to the American pattern. However, there is also a Japanese version of Ōendan. These are groups of guys that are organized as in all other sports in a club at school or university. The uniform of the male Ōendan is inspired by the Japanese Boys School Uniform, or on the shirt of the respective teams. As with the female cheerleaders is their task to cheer on the home team and keep the fans happy.

Ōendan have a strict code of ethics in many schools and universities. This may include, for example, always run instead of going to always sit in the front row, always be reported when the teacher needs someone for helping out, etc. Because of the rigorous training and their physical fitness provide police and fire like a graduate who were in Ōendan club. But some clubs are said by the rather close to the Yakuza.

The Agricultural University of Tokyo has one of the oldest and most famous Ōendan troops.

Ōendan in pop culture

In the Nintendo DS game Osu! Tatakae! Ōendan the player controls a Ōendan. Also the manga Sakigake! Otokojuku is about Ōendan.

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