Surveys conducted annually by the Prime Minister's Office have noted that a majority of Japan's adults are basically satisfied with their current level of free time. Females accounted for a slight majority in all of these. Buoyed by increased and greater competition, the number of fitness clubs operating as businesses grew from 473, in 1989, to 848, in 1992. Almost every city in Japan has at least 1 stadium. A 1994 poll by the Sasakawa Sports Foundation queried interviewees on the sports events most regularly attended in the course of a year.
Baseball is one of the most popular spectator sports in Japan.
During the season, night games of professional baseball are broadcast almost daily and gain high audience rating. After Nomo Hideo became a player for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the United States, many people have become interested in the Major Leagues. The All-Japan High School Baseball championship Tournament is held each summer, and these games are watched by millions. With the establishment of the J. League in 1991, soccer became more popular. Soccer has now become the second most widely practiced sport among boys in elementary school, after baseball.