In the following passage, some of the words have been left out. Read the passage carefully and select the correct answer for the given blanks out of the given alternatives.

Japan is not often associated with having a rich sports ___(1)____ by other countries around the world. This is probably due to many other ___(2)___ of the country that outweigh this culture, and possibly rightfully so.

Whether that be technological ___(3)___, a unique history dating back thousands of years, or even video games and anime. It’s sports culture is often an after-thought. That being said, Japan without a doubt, has an affinity for athletics that rivals any other country. 

Walking around in Japan you can often spot the ubiquitous sports culture. Whether that be the baseball bars that can be found wondering around or that soccer team that you get stuck with on the same train car in the afternoon. You can see students often carrying Kendo or Kyudo, a sports ___(4)___coming home from school, something quite unique to Japan. Outrageously large driving range nets are scattered all over Tokyo prefecture and it’s very hard to walk around for fifteen minutes in a town without passing at least one baseball diamond or soccer field. In order to ____(5)___ the basis for the sports culture in Japan, one must first look to the religious and historical development of the country.