The Japanese Government is reportedly set to expand its domestic esports industry ©Getty Images

The Japanese Government is reportedly set to expand its domestic esports industry in collaboration with the country's private sector.

Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry will work together with gaming companies and legal experts to draw up guidelines for promoting the esports industry, as reported by Kyodo News. 

It is hoped that ticket sales, online viewing fees and advertising revenue would give at least a ¥285 billion (£2.1billion/$2.6billion/€2.4billion) benefit to the Japanese economy by 2025.

Indeed, the size of Japan's esports market is expected to grow from ¥6.1 billion (£46million/$56million/€51million) in 2019 to ¥15.3 billion (£114million/$142million/€129milllion) in 2023. 

The Intel World Open was due to take place in Tokyo between July 22 and 24, offering a $500,000 (£380,000/€436,000) prize pool for participants. 

The Intel World Open is due to take place in Tokyo this year, despite the postponement of the Olympic Games ©Intel
The Intel World Open is due to take place in Tokyo this year, despite the postponement of the Olympic Games ©Intel

It was scheduled to take place just before the Olympic Games, which have now been postponed to July 2021 due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The Intel World Open is still set to take place at Zepp DiverCity as planned.

At a local level, Japan has also used esports for health and social benefits. 

Saitama City Citizens Social Network has established an association to organise esports events for retired residents to improve their cognitive health. 

An esports event for people with disabilities was also organised in Takasaki.