A 'leadership cheerleader' screams a traditonal Japanese chant on stage

Watch: Japan's macho cheerleaders fight to save a tradition

Japan's macho cheerleaders are part of a century-old tradition that some fear faces an existential crisis, with fewer students showing an interest in the hardcore art form.

Japan's macho cheerleaders are part of a century-old tradition that some fear faces an existential crisis, with fewer students showing an interest in the hardcore art form.

Now there is a push for the squads and their counterparts in Japan's traditional "oendan" cheering groups to be registered as part of the country's "intangible" cultural heritage.

The "leadership section" cheerleaders are a formidable sight. Dressed in old-fashioned black school-style uniforms, they assemble at college baseball games as they belch out chants, bang taiko drums and thrust their fists in rigid, martial moves.

Latest video

Sorry, this content is not available in your country