Edited from The Mind Body Moderate Archives, March 10, 2010
Every morning in Japan before heading off to school, sparse piano music would play on the radio. Over the thin piano music, a bold voice would count: "Ich! Ni! San! Shi!" It was odd sounding, as though this program had existed for a hundred years. In fact, it almost has. This is Radio Taiso. The 6:30 am national exercise program of Japan. Radio Taiso is an integral, if not widely known, part of Japanese culture.
The first American cultural reference to Radio Taiso, that I am aware of, is the 1986 Michael Keaton movie "Gung Ho." The cringe-worthy title is indicative of another era in American culture, as "Gung Ho" is a Chinese derived phrase and yet, the movie centers on Japanese/American culture clashes at a Midwestern auto plant in the 1980s, but I digress. To express the different work cultures, at one point in the film, we see the Japanese auto executives attempting to lead the American employees in the collective morning exercises. As expected, it doesn't go over so well.
The irony is, like the automobile industry, the morning radio exercises began in the United States. In the 1920's Met Life Insurance would sponsor a 15-minute radio exercise broadcast in major cities throughout the country, helping people stay fit while promoting health and life insurance. Across the world, during this same time, Japan was struggling with a health crisis. The average lifespan of a Japanese man during the 1920s hovered around 40 years old. The Japanese government decided they had to find ways to help people be healthier and live longer. One thing they determined would help is exercise. Japan took the 15-minute exercise plan from Met Life and made it their own. In 1928 the first Radio Taiso exercise broadcast aired.
After World War II the Allies banned public taiso. The large exercise gatherings appeared militaristic to the Allies, but by the 1950s, after the reverberation of war began its retreat, the exercises reemerged. Seventy years later, they are still going strong. Children and older people alike go to local parks in the summer, office workers gather outside the office, and others turn on the radio at home and go along as they have for decades, starting their day with these exercises, building strength, work ethic, and unity within the community. The average lifespan has jumped from 40 in the 1920s to almost 86 today. Japan, in fact, now has one of the highest populations of seniors in the world. There are two sets of exercises, the second being geared more towards young people. The simple calisthenics promotes increased energy, circulation, and improved flexibility. Here they are, complete with the same piano music. Being stuck at home is the perfect time to try this short little energizing workout.
Maybe now’s a good time for a Radio Taiso revival. A new collective exercise program, helping to build health, well-being, and community across diverse backgrounds and ages. It might be time for a music change though, and perhaps some new leotards. And let's all definitely say “Ganbatte!” rather than “Gung Ho”.
がんばって!!!