By Claytonian
I seem to remember dimly (very dimly) stories of the mysterious Japanese from my childhood. Being a kid in the 80s, I heard vague rumors about the Japanese, who were our unofficial enemies, because they were rich and we weren't. Among the rumors of workaholism, geishas, and baseball prowess, I think I heard that they did calisthenic exercises at work. Four years into my time in Japan in the present day, and I'm still not sure whether or not that one is true or not; I just don't make it into the office that often I'm afraid.
But I do know that at least one form of peculiar exercise does happen, and for many people it happens via morning radio. I experienced it first hand when I went camping with my junior highers. Wait, really? You do this? Together? Without laughing? And it is a humorous affair, because besides synchronized silly movements, we have that radio exercise music. It is without fail a lilting piano piece. Apparently, our own beloved NHK broadcasts the song for the public each day.
I often spy older people around my neighborhood doing the radio exercises sans radio. But the other day, an obaachan (granny) did it on the train, using the bar that holds up the seat to assist with her killer workout (this went on for a few minutes). Shamelessly, I snapped a couple pics and made an animated GIF for your enjoyment. Here she goes:
I seem to remember dimly (very dimly) stories of the mysterious Japanese from my childhood. Being a kid in the 80s, I heard vague rumors about the Japanese, who were our unofficial enemies, because they were rich and we weren't. Among the rumors of workaholism, geishas, and baseball prowess, I think I heard that they did calisthenic exercises at work. Four years into my time in Japan in the present day, and I'm still not sure whether or not that one is true or not; I just don't make it into the office that often I'm afraid.
But I do know that at least one form of peculiar exercise does happen, and for many people it happens via morning radio. I experienced it first hand when I went camping with my junior highers. Wait, really? You do this? Together? Without laughing? And it is a humorous affair, because besides synchronized silly movements, we have that radio exercise music. It is without fail a lilting piano piece. Apparently, our own beloved NHK broadcasts the song for the public each day.
I often spy older people around my neighborhood doing the radio exercises sans radio. But the other day, an obaachan (granny) did it on the train, using the bar that holds up the seat to assist with her killer workout (this went on for a few minutes). Shamelessly, I snapped a couple pics and made an animated GIF for your enjoyment. Here she goes:
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