Society

After 92 years, Japan’s ‘rajio taiso’ stretching exercises still a hit daily routine for millions

Jul 05 (South China Morning Post) - A Japanese broadcast tradition known as rajio taiso started in 1928, when the Postal Life Insurance Bureau of Japan’s Ministry of Communications established a national exercise programme to improve people’s health.

The state-run insurance firm took a cue from US insurance companies which sponsored fitness programmes on American radio during the 1920s. The broadcasts became wildly popular as they aired on Japan’s public broadcaster NHK. Nearly a century later the stretching exercises are still performed by millions every day. Many tuned in during the coronavirus pandemic while remote working, to stretching routines featured several times a day on radio as well as television and YouTube.

Over 300 New Geoglyphs Discovered by Yamagata University in Nazca

Yamagata University, which has been conducting research on the Nazca geoglyphs in Peru, announced the discovery of over 300 new geoglyphs, depicting a variety of subjects, including humans and animals.

University of Tokyo Raises Tuition Fees for First Time in 20 Years

The University of Tokyo has officially decided to increase tuition by approximately 110,000 yen for incoming undergraduate students starting next academic year, bringing the total to 642,960 yen.

Flooding Hits Temporary Housing in Quake-Stricken Wajima

Flooding has reached the temporary housing in Wajima City, built for earthquake victims, and volunteers have begun clearing the mud starting on September 24.

Russian military plane intrudes into Japanese airspace, Tokyo lodges protest

A Japanese government spokesperson says a Russian military airplane entered Japanese airspace three times on Monday. (NHK)

Kishida vows in meeting with Zelenskyy continued support for Ukraine

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has conveyed his country's intention to maintain support for Ukraine to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. (NHK)

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