Fitness Feature
Fit and fun lifestyles of Japan's international community and the people, activities and events making them happen.
A knightly quest for combat fitness
Martial arts are one way to work out, and traditions from the East are one way to fight. But Western martial artists with medieval armor and long swords - from the SCA to fabled Avalon - are forging a new path. In Tokyo, it Read Article
Legislated lifestyles for health
So-called lifestyle diseases and Japans aging population have spurred a new program prescribing that insurers screen for "metabolic syndrome" to treat lifestyles and stave off ailments. Read Article
Aikido, the Yoshinkan way
From training Tokyo police, to the book "Angry White Pajamas," Yoshinkan is known for its practical approach to aikido. But for 8th dan Tsutomu Chida, both practical self-defense and self-improvement are embodied in aikido - Yoshinkan style. Read Article
Japans silver-label marathons
Japan marathons did not win the gold but the IAAF gave silver labels to 10 of its annual meets - the second highest number. Whats up with that? Apparently, Japan has the Midas touch for organizing races but not for luring foreign athletes and media. Read Article
Yoga gets the last laugh
Giggling your way to health and well-being may sound like a joke, but its no laughing matter - or is it? As the number of scientific studies on the benefits of a good guffaw grows, laughter yoga is on the rise - and so are Japans laughter clubs. Read Article
Diet food for thought
Be it for weight loss or extra health benefits, diet fads abound in Japan - from a buffet of miracle foods to lucrative low-calorie-cuisine campaigns. But forgoing that extra helping of hype and some common sense are the real keys to getting fit and trim. Read Article
A snowboard riders paradise
Once considered the bad boys of the slope, as its new majority snowboarders are now its saviors. A few locals may cling to the fears of yesteryear, but none can deny this winter sport has revived Japan’s resort industry. Read Article
Rugby: Japan’s best kept secret
The dust has settled from Rugby World Cup 2007, but diehards in Tokyo are still lining up for the scrum. Just as Japan’s rugby union players are one of the world’s largest cadres at 126,000, non-pros also abound - and welcome new talent. Read Article
The ultimate fun run
Beer and bipedal pursuits may seem at odds, but the wacky triathlon of Hash House Harriers mixes running, oddball orienting and drinking. For 70 years, they’ve bridged borders between fun and fitness, and child’s play and playing to win. Read Article
Convenient fitness at the combini
A gym as near as a 7-Eleven with circuit training in the time it takes to buy and eat bento may sound too convenient to be true. But "combini fitness" is all the rage. It may help you get into quick shape or fit workouts into a busy schedule. Read Article
