Japanese athletes are grappling with significant travel costs associated with participation in international tournaments, as the prices can reach up to JPY 700,000 per person. This steep financial burden is creating a dilemma for many sportsmen and sportswomen who wish to represent their country but struggle with expenses. While some are seeking funds through sponsorship arrangements or crowdfunding, others have been forced to reconsider their participation due to lack of financial resources.

In Japan, representing one's country in sports is a matter of pride, contributing to the society's respect for dedication and perseverance. However, the hefty travel costs involved potentially limit opportunities for underprivileged athletes, challenging the societal values of fairness and equality. The issue has sparked discussions around various solutions, including more state funding for athletes and changes in tournament structures.

In contrast, countries like the U.S. and some in the EU have more established structures for supporting athletes' travel to global tournaments. Federal and state funding, along with corporate sponsorship and individual athlete endorsements, can significantly help with covering such costs. However, even in these regions, disparities exist especially across different sports and levels of competition.