News On Japan

Physical fitness of middle-aged women in Japan declines: survey

TOKYO, Oct 09 (News On Japan) - A survey conducted by Japan Sports Agency has revealed a trend of declining physical fitness and exercise performance among women in their 40s.

The Sports Agency's "Physical Fitness and Exercise Ability Survey" targets individuals aged 6 to 79 nationwide, conducting physical tests such as grip strength and sit-ups, as well as surveys on exercise habits.

According to the survey for the fiscal year 2022, which was released on October 8, it was found that the performance of women in their 40s has declined over the past decade in almost all categories, including sit-ups and standing long jumps, as well as the total score.

Furthermore, the percentage of those who answered, "I don't engage in any sports activities for even one day a week," exceeded 50 percent.

Experts who participated in the survey suggested, "One of the reasons could be the burden of housework and childcare, but another factor is the lack of interest in sports or insufficient places to engage in physical activity within their daily lives."

The Sports Agency is promoting programs on its website that encourage women to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives, and it is also working on improving the environment based on research results regarding women's sports environments.

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A heavy rain emergency warning is in place for the cities of Wajima, Suzu and the town of Noto in Ishikawa Prefecture, central Japan. This is the highest alert level on the agency's scale of one to five. The area was severely hit by an earthquake on New Year's Day. (NHK)

Shohei Ohtani returned to Dodger Stadium in spectacular fashion, hitting a home run and stealing a base in his first game back, raising his season total to 52 home runs and 52 stolen bases.

Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Fumio says Japan and China have reached an agreement that will lead to the resumption of China's imports of Japanese seafood. (NHK)

The Tohoku Shinkansen came to a halt for five hours on Thursday due to an unexpected mid-journey separation of the linked Hayabusa and Komachi trains, 30 minutes after passing Furukawa Station with a total of 320 passengers on board.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued an eruption alert for Sumisu Island in the Izu Islands, following the detection of discolored water in July.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Education NEWS

Princess Kako, the second daughter of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, is currently visiting Tottori Prefecture, where she met with high school students participating in the national sign language performance contest.

In this video, I demonstrate how to safely relocate a paper wasp nest instead of exterminating it. Paper wasps are common in rural areas and play a crucial role in controlling pests like caterpillars and moths. (Japanese natural beekeeping)

In Osaka's bustling Minami district, a place exists where young people can seek advice on sensitive issues that they cannot discuss with their parents or at school. This location has become a haven for those facing concerns related to sexual health.

In many parts of the world, the Japanese education system is held up as a model of discipline, industry, and the cultivation of the whole person.

A school nutritionist in Fukushima embezzled Y7.98 million by using cheaper ingredients, such as replacing chicken thighs with breasts, to cut costs.

In this video I am honored to be joined once again by author and professor Thomas Conlan of Princeton University. It is here we will discuss his new samurai sourcebook which dives deep into many translated texts across the eras of premodern Japan! (The Shogunate)

The number of junior high schools in Osaka is set to decrease. According to the city, while the number of junior high schools has increased compared to 45 years ago, the number of students has halved.

University of Tokyo President Teruo Fujii revealed that the university is finalizing plans to raise undergraduate tuition fees by 20%, starting with students entering next academic year.