Radio taiso

Radio taisō (also known as rajio taisō, radio physical exercises; Japanese: ラジオ体操 ) refers to the warm-up exercises popular in Japan, along with the music broadcast on public NHKradio early in the morning. It became popular in Japan just after World War II and are still used among students and workers in companies to help raise morale and form group unity. The exercises reflect the general role of exercise in Japanese culture--to serve as a symbol of unity and cooperation among the Japanese, as well as to raise energy levels and encourage good health. The purpose of the exercises is not to encourage students to become athletes but to push themselves and develop unity with their classmates.

Export

While the Imperial Japan attempted colonization upon its peripheral countries in the early nineteenth century, the Japanese introduced the policy to its occupying regions, such as Taiwan and Hong Kong.

After World War II

This used to be one of the Japanese Government's health policies towards Japanese primary and junior high school students. Radio taiso was once banned by the US Occupation after World War II, along with "shogi", all martial arts and many other things that were considered militaristic.

Current status

Radio taiso is considered calisthenics comparatively suitable for the Japanese citizens, and the key to health.

Places that practise "radio taisō"

Current

*Japan
*Taiwan
*Indonesia

Cessation

*Hong Kong (after the Japanese Occupation in World War II)