Health and Sports Day, Many Events Took Place all over Japan

Health and Sports Day is a national holiday in Japan held on the second Monday in October. It commemorates the opening of the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics and exists to promote sports and an active lifestyle. On October 12, many events were held all over Japan to promote the healthy lifestyle and it seems that many people enjoyed the day.

In Hokkaido, people climbed up the stairs of landmark Goryokaku Tower. Observatory is set as a goal for participants and located 90 meters with 451 steps in total from the ground level. Many people including families took part in this event. While many adults were out of breath after 5 minutes, many kids run up to the top with roughly 10 minutes of time to receive a certification. A kid told NHK "It was a little tiring, but I had a lot of fun with this event! I am happy to receive a certificate for the achievement."

In Tochigi Prefecture, around 340 people from kindergarten kids to adult gathered to enjoy playing football together. Participants competed in many activities such as the number of kick ups and speed of dribbling with cones disturbing the way. A 6 years old girl who came to the event said to NHK "I am a very good dribbler, football is very fun!" The locally based amateur club were supporting this event together with local football association.

The record shows that the athletic ability of Japanese children has been decreasing since 1985. However, this year's record has been improved in many areas such as the speed of sprinting for 50 meters. This is a result of sports promoting day events as well as improving education given in schools. Sports authority of Japan is wishing it will keep rising for the next years. "Proper lifestyle with good sleep and diet can also affect the health so please try to have a healthy lifestyle." said the authority.