earticle

영어

Since 2018, widely referred to as the “First Year of eSports” in Japan, the country has witnessed rapid growth in the eSports industry, fueled by increased media coverage and public interest. However, this expansion has also exposed significant ethical challenges, including the legal ambiguity surrounding prize money, misconduct among professional players, and a lack of comprehensive education regarding sportsmanship and fair play. This paper explores these ethical transformations by examining Japan’s unique legal and cultural context, the establishment of professional licensing through JeSU, and a series of high-profile misconduct cases that have prompted stricter compliance efforts. It also considers the role of education and institutional support in fostering a more sustainable and ethically grounded eSports environment. Through an analysis of recent developments and ongoing challenges, the paper outlines a forward- looking framework for the ethical advancement of Japanese eSports.