3 Kinds of Rajio Taiso to Try at Home – Japan’s Radio Calisthenics Make for Fun Home Workouts
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CONTENTS
Rajio taiso (ラジオ体操) are light exercise routines played daily on Japanese radio, and they’re a fun way to add a little movement to your day.
① Classic Rajio Taiso
This isn't the first time we've talked about rajio taiso (ラジオ体操, radio calisthenics) on Japankuru (more here), but with people spending a little more time at home than usual these days, it's the perfect time to once again return to this beloved Japanese tradition.
Rajio taiso is a daily radio broadcast that guides listeners through a set of basic stretches and exercises, broadcasting to the general public since 1928. Rajio taiso exercises are made to be simple, accessible, and easy enough for all of Japan to join in, which is why you'll see people of all kinds joining in every morning: students at schools listening over the loudspeaker, elderly people gathered around a radio in the park, even occasionally office workers stretching together between their desks. Following along to rajio taiso can be a fun way to get just a little bit of exercise in, and add a little movement to your day, even if you're cooped up at home. These days, with just about everything uploaded to YouTube, all it takes to join in on this Japanese tradition is to find a rajio taiso video that fits you.
The original rajio taiso is broadcast on NHK, Japan's public broadcasting station, so it follows that NHK's official radio calisthenics YouTube videos are about as basic as it gets. Plus, thanks to the simple production, they all have that great public television feeling to them. Rajio taiso lovers say that following along every morning leaves them feeling refreshed and ready to start the day, but if nothing else, it's fun to take a look at this Japanese tradition. You'll see that most NHK video broadcasts of rajio taiso include one participant sitting in a chair, to give the elderly, wheelchair users, and others who aren't so steady on their feet an easy way to follow along and still get their heart rates up.
If the red leotards aren't quite your style, there are plenty of classic rajio taiso videos to choose from.
② Rajio Taiso with Japanese Mascots
Of course, as a fun tradition that promotes good health among children, it's no wonder local Japanese mascots have gotten in on rajio taiso. In Japan, just about every city, prefecture, region, facility, organization, etc. etc. has its own "yurukyara" mascot (ゆるキャラ), so plenty of them have their own calisthenics videos.
One of the most popular local mascots in Japan is Funassyi, which actually isn't an official mascot, but is so well known that Funassyi merchandise can be found all over Japan, even far from the character's home town of Funabashi, Chiba. Part of the character's popularity undeniably stems from the costume's floppy nature and the expressive enthusiasm of anyone who steps inside, making Funassyi a clear choice when looking for rajio taiso companions.
Gachapin, a green dinosaur character who hails from Japanese children's show Hirake! Ponkikki, is a little better at clearly demonstrating the calisthenics movements. He and his friend Mukku, a red yeti, invitingly show off their moves on a bright sunny roof.
If one or two mascots just won't do, there's always this video from the prefectural government of Tokyo, featuring dozens of Tokyo mascots representing facilities, organizations, groups, projects, and other things around the city. Which one is your favorite?
③ Beloved Anime Character Rajio Taiso
Want an old friend to guide you through these simple exercises? Well, local mascots aren't the only friendly faces to get in on the fun. Some of Japan's most famous characters and shows have their own rajio taiso videos online.
(Click here to watch this one directly on YouTube.)
Of course everyone's favorite roly-poly electric mouse pokemon is here to join in, and with his strong arms, there's no doubt geodude does radio calisthenics every day! The checkerboard legs, though, are a little disconcerting.
Younger generations will appreciate this animated rajio taiso video featuring an extra-enthusiastic cast of animated Yo-Kai Watch characters. You don't have to be a kid to get enticed into following along, though.
Last but not least is this extra-pink, extra-frilly, and extra-silly Hello Kitty rajio taiso featuring Ms. Kitty herself and two colorful backup dancers. A short 3-minute calisthenics video, if you're still debating whether rajio taiso is worth the bother, this cute clip might just draw you right in.
If we've convinced you and you've started your own tradition of daily rajio taiso, or you have any questions about Japanese culture, send the Japankuru team a message at twitter, instagram, and facebook!
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NAME:Rajio Taiso
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HIROSHIMA
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Hiroshima Prefecture has everything, from world heritage sites to beautiful nature and delicious local cuisine, and it's either an hour and a half from Tokyo by plane, or four hours by train. Itsukushima Shrine on Miyajima Island and the Atomic Bomb Dome, two Hiroshima UNESCO sites, are famous around the world, but in Japan it's also famous for food. Seafood from the Seto Inland Sea, especially oysters, Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, and Setouchi lemons are all popular, and the natural scenery alone is worth seeing.
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SHIKOKU
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On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea opposite Japan’s main island, Shikoku (四国) is a region made up of four prefectures: Ehime, Kagawa, Kochi, and Tokushima. The area is famous for its udon (in Kagawa), and the beautiful Dogo Onsen hot springs (in Ehime).
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KAGAWA
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Kagawa Prefecture is on the northern part of the island of Shikoku, facing Japan's main island and the Seto Inland Sea. It's known for being the smallest prefecture in Japan, by area, but at the same time Kagawa is called the "Udon Prefecture" thanks to its famous sanuki udon. Aside from Kotohiragu Shrine and Ritsurin Garden, the prefecture's small islands are popular, and Kagawa is full of unique destinations, like Angel Road. They say that if you lay eyes on Zenigata Sunae, a huge Kagawa sand painting, you'll never have money troubles ever again.
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KYUSHU
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Located in the most southwestern part of Japan, Kyushu (九州) is an island of 7 prefectures: Fukuoka, Saga, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Oita, Miyazaki, and Kagoshima. The island's unique culture has been influenced by Chinese and Dutch trade, along with missionaries coming in through Nagasaki's port. Modern-day travelers love the lush natural scenery and fresh food, plus the natural hot springs found all throughout the area (thanks to volcanic activity)!
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FUKUOKA
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Fukuoka Prefecture has the highest population on the southern island of Kyushu, with two major cities: Fukuoka and Kitakyushu. Thanks to growing transportation networks, Fukuoka is more accessible than ever, and so are the many local attractions. On top of historical spots like Dazaifu Tenmangu Shrine, travelers shouldn't miss Fukuoka's food scene, with motsu nabe (offal hotpot), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), and famous Hakata ramen―best eaten from a food stall in the Nakasu area of Hakata. Plus, it's full of all sorts of destinations for travelers, like trendy shopping centers, and the beautiful nature of Itoshima and Yanagawa.
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KAGOSHIMA
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Kagoshima Prefecture played a major role in Japan's modernization as a backdrop for famous historical figures like samurais Saigo Takamori and Okubo Toshimichi, who pushed Japan out of the Edo era and into the Meiji. Because of that, Sengan-en Garden is just one of many historical destinations, and when it comes to attractions Kagoshima has plenty: the active volcano of Sakurajima, popular hot springs Ibusuki Onsen and Kirishima Onsen, World Heritage Site Yakushima Island, even what Japan calls the "island closest to heaven," Amami Oshima. Kagoshima might be found on the very southernmost tip of the southern island of Kyushu, but there's plenty to see.
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OKINAWA
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The island chain of Okinawa (沖縄) makes up the southernmost tip of Japan, which is why it's also the most tropical area in the country. Thanks to a history of independence and totally distinct political and cultural events, Okinawa has a unique culture, and remnants of the Ryukyu Kingdom are still visible all over the islands. Food, language, traditional dress, it's all a little different! It's also said to be the birthplace of karate.
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