Wii Fit

Sat 2007/12/15 17:39 JST
 50
 in Japan
2064 views

41.9% of Japanese people hardly ever exercise according to this survey taken earlier this year.

Out of the remaining who said that they do exercise, 22.5% walk or go for strolls, 15.5% do weight training or stretches, 7.7% ski or snowboard, 7.6% do golf, 6.7% go swimming, 6.5% do tennis, 6.0% go jogging, 5.9% do yoga and the remainder do other stuff like karate/kendo etc.

When asked where they exercise, 30% said they do their exercise on the road, 25.3% at home, 18.4% in a court and the remaining replies included "on the roof."

One of aims of the Wii Fit is to increase the amount of people doing exercise indoors. My wife does Yoga and liked the concept so we went and got the Wii Fit pack - cost about 8,000 yen. I've been on the Wii board quite a bit too as I'm finding it increasingly difficult to get out to exercise given my current work schedule orz.

I know this looks odd but I think thats what most people thought (including me) when Nintendo announced that the Wii had controllers that were waved around in the air.
The exercises in Wii Fit are actually quite fun and you can feel your body ache after each session. Especially great to play with family or when friends are round. Folks in Japan can order on #''#B000NWDXLS,Wii Fit,Amazon#''# or set up an Amazon Associates account and order through your own aStore - learn how.
How often do you exercise and what do you do?

Didn't really play with the Wii for a year but the really good gems seem to be coming out - the other game on my play list is the fantabulous No More Heroes.

Some Wii Fit ads below currently showing every evening on what seems like to be all channels.
And before I forget, todays Japanese lesson is "Undou" [運動[うんどう]] meaning "exercise."
"Undou shiteimasu ka" [運動していますか?] means "do you exercise?"

If you are interested in reading about life in Japan, seeing photos taken daily around Tokyo, like Japanese subculture (anime, manga, figures, Dollfies) then you may want to start delving into the Japan or Figure categories for a start or have a gander at all photo articles.

If you don't have much time now, maybe subscribe to the RSS Feed, Twitter Feed or join the other readers in the FaceBook Page.
Alternatively, you may want to read more about the site.
If you are a regular reader then this message will probably annoy you each time - hide it forever.

This item was posted in the Japan category. You can see more of everything else or subscribe via RSS instead.
日本語で表示する 日本語で表示する
-Japan Probe - News from Japan (Subscribe)
-Akihabara News – Gadgetry from Japan (Subscribe)

  • JapanAnime
    JapanAnime in Hilversum, Holland (Registered on 2007/08/05)
    4th Year Business Economics Student

    Since January 2005 I don't excersize anymore. However, I do walk a lot on every schoolday (from my home to the train station, the stairs on my college, etc.).

    Sat 2007/12/15 17:28:34 JST (ID #67061)
    reply to JapanAnime's comment
  • xjaymanx
    xjaymanx in Vegas, baby! (Registered on 2006/12/29)
    Technical Writer/Editor, Designer, Collector, Artist, Nice Guy
    http://www.xjaymanx.com/toyboxx

    Well, when walking didn't budge my 170 pounds, I finally decided to speed up my treadmill.

    Over the course of 5 months (since July), I've accelerated from a walking 3.0 mph (for an hour) to an insane 6.0 mph (for a half hour, same 3 miles).

    With the nightly help of a Battlestar Galactica or other anime/scifi DVD, I'm down to 150. Damn, 20 pounds in 5 months. Crazy!

    Sat 2007/12/15 17:38:36 JST (ID #67062)
    reply to xjaymanx's comment
  • reggie
    reggie in indonesia (Registered on 2007/11/10)
    uni student
    http://reggie21.wordpress.com

    i want it, but when it came to my country the price change...
    from 8000 yen to 21,868 yen
    i hate indonesia...

    Sat 2007/12/15 17:45:50 JST (ID #67063)
    reply to reggie's comment
  • MARl0
    MARl0 in United States (Registered on 2007/11/16)
    Graphic Designer

    Ever since I graduated high school, I pretty much stopped exercising. I just don't have much time anymore, so my other interests ended up taking priority. Maybe Wii Fit will help turn my slump around.

    Sat 2007/12/15 17:46:52 JST (ID #67064)
    reply to MARl0's comment
  • qingy
    qingy in front of the monitor (Registered on 2007/10/05)
    Gunpla Enthusiast

    i lift weights and regularly hit up the local YMCA for cardio.

    Sat 2007/12/15 17:53:43 JST (ID #67065)
    reply to qingy's comment
  • lazycat123
    lazycat123 in US (Registered on 2007/11/06)
    college slacker

    Play video game to get fit sound kind of odd to me. Anyway pay 70$ for gym access like me and you have to force yourself to go to the gym LOL. PS:
    not that I love to go to the gym, my housing package come with it, use it or not you still have to pay Grrrr!!!!

    Sat 2007/12/15 18:07:59 JST (ID #67068)
    reply to lazycat123's comment
  • Hachiko
    Hachiko in Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Registered on 2006/12/26)
    Student
    http://arudesu.animeblogger.net

    I never seem to grab the concept with the Wii Fit. Although I do excerise usually by walking to school back and forth several times or run around the neighbourhood at night or mornings.

    Sat 2007/12/15 18:31:19 JST (ID #67069)
    reply to Hachiko's comment
  • OMNI Strike
    OMNI Strike in Glasgow, UK (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Aero-mechanical engineering student

    every saturday i play a few games of 5-a-side football. used to play rugby and cricket during the week aswell, but now i just dnt have the time.

    Sat 2007/12/15 18:36:18 JST (ID #67071)
    reply to OMNI Strike's comment
  • Kyoji-san
    Kyoji-san in UK (Registered on 2007/12/03)
    IT Student

    Do want! I saw a video where you get to jog in a virtual park by putting the Wiimote in your pocket and then jogging on the spot. Is that working well?

    You should make a video of yourself demoing it in your trooper suit or darth vader =P

    Sat 2007/12/15 18:44:35 JST (ID #67072)
    reply to Kyoji-san's comment
  • nya-chama
    nya-chama in London, United Kingdom (Registered on 2007/10/31)
    Student/Freelance Programmer

    I used to be an exercise Nazi; go jogging every morning, pay football at school, stretches and then boxing or tennis 3 times a week...

    But now I do nothing! Life has reduced me to a guy with no time to spare... love handles are emerging...

    Sat 2007/12/15 18:46:05 JST (ID #67073)
    reply to nya-chama's comment
  • Zplus
    Zplus in N. Ireland (Registered on 2006/12/24)
    Seat warmer
    http://bitebackblog.blogspot.com/

    me and my gf would have got our mitts on it if it wasnt for those importing bastards wants to charge £110 for the board... when its only 8800 yen on amazon jp, which is like £40... dam this silly season.

    Sat 2007/12/15 19:01:22 JST (ID #67074)
    reply to Zplus's comment
  • Zer0
    Zer0 in Singapore (Registered on 2007/01/11)
    Keyboard Warrior
    http://textfiend.net/zerohero

    Fapping is exercise

    Sat 2007/12/15 19:38:25 JST (ID #67075)
    reply to Zer0's comment
  • Sotb
    Sotb in Malaysia (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Manufacturing
    http://sotbest.blogspot.com/

    I am waiting for it to land in Malaysia! Some of the ppl here are selling it at RM600++(20000yen and above) which i find it too crazy!

    Sat 2007/12/15 20:19:56 JST (ID #67077)
    reply to Sotb's comment
  • Dunatis
    Dunatis in Havoc of the Mind (Registered on 2007/09/21)
    Professional Writer

    Thats a lot of different commercials... did they release these at the same time?

    Sat 2007/12/15 20:40:26 JST (ID #67078)
    reply to Dunatis's comment
  • Benjamin Takeyo
    Benjamin Takeyo in Lieu de la batille decisive (Registered on 2007/12/04)
    ひきこもり/Hikikomori. Suits my current state more than a 大学生/University Student. ^^

    I have never exercised anymore ever since High School.

    Before that, I do football a lot, well, about 10 hours per week (that's why Im slim).

    I do want to try wii fit but pricing scheme changes a lot from 8000 yen in Japan to about 21000 yen here, that makes me thinks twice. >_

    Sat 2007/12/15 20:50:11 JST (ID #67079)
    reply to Benjamin Takeyo's comment
  • FatBastard
    FatBastard in over his head (Registered on 2007/11/04)
    Dirty Gentleman
    http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/

    Willing to try out Wii fit when it comes out here. Got nothin to lose as my Wii is unoccupied at the moment since Mario Galaxy. May give No More Heroes a go if find it. Probably will wind up giving it to my folks (they even own a Wii you devious Nintendo you) as it doesn't really match my weekly workout routine with weights. Should be fun for awhile though.

    Sat 2007/12/15 21:04:46 JST (ID #67080)
    reply to FatBastard's comment
  • gordon
    gordon in 新加坡 Singapore (Registered on 2007/06/11)
    銀河帝国五〇一軍团 TK/TD 8316 M.E.P.D. Police Sergeant
    http://gordonator.com/

    in singapore, majority of youths do exercise, not because out of free will, but because we have to as we have national service here.

    youths are conscripted into the army for 2 years and depending on the units one is posted to, the level of exercise varies.

    even after being released from the army, all physically fit males must pass an fitness test annually. if one fails the test, he can either retake as many times as he wants until he pass or go for remedial training where he will be trained by the army physical trainers.

    Sat 2007/12/15 21:36:02 JST (ID #67081)
    reply to gordon's comment
  • Barsona
    Barsona in Bay Area, California (Registered on 2007/08/03)
    NEET (no, student, AND employed min. wage)
    http://otterhangar.blogspot.com/

    Dude, this is sooo awesome... Why can't American companies think up of games like this? Honestly...

    Sat 2007/12/15 23:32:41 JST (ID #67087)
    reply to Barsona's comment
  • shippoyasha
    shippoyasha in NYC (Registered on 2007/06/10)
    NEET

    Maybe it's because the Japanese are really big for gimmicks like these? Not that Americans aren't either.

    But I think the idea is plain stupid. So do I have to plunk for $50/$60 for an exercise game where I can do the same thing without ever buying anything?

    People who resort to these measures without properly trying to exercise and have fun naturally, just makes me shake my head.

    Sun 2007/12/16 00:23:28 JST (ID #67090)
    reply to shippoyasha's comment
  • syrix
    syrix in U.S. (Registered on 2007/03/21)
    student
    http://animesugoi.animeblogger.net/

    I exercise because I want to lol, need to stay in shape. I've been going to the gym at school and walking to and from school from where I park which is 20 to and fro. I believe the exercise is helping, though I have remained the same weight but I fit into pants I used to fit into a couple of years ago. I feel better as well, so I don't think I will need to buy this but I still have to look for a Wii to buy lol.

    Sun 2007/12/16 01:22:14 JST (ID #67091)
    reply to syrix's comment
  • Stuntman
    Stuntman in London, UK (Registered on 2007/11/10)
    Student/Raving Bleach Fan

    The most exercise I ever do is walking. If its not to cold or hot I just think of any place pretty far from my house and walk there. Apart from that, nada.

    Sun 2007/12/16 01:43:55 JST (ID #67092)
    reply to Stuntman's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    Those past days I have been busy tidying the house. This is why I have been away for a bit.

    I've been sleeping normally, but my lungs and nose have been complaining recently because of an overload of removed dust (which was religiously undisturbed for decades prior to that). If you will excuse me, I will return to that in a few hours.

    Busy busy!

    Sun 2007/12/16 01:56:09 JST (ID #67093)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • chun
    chun in need to be in bed (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    part time illustrationist, doll clothing seamstress
    http://puppy52art.com/

    Wii is fun hehe need to play it more :P maybe after we settled in o_o I play badminton with friends most mondays :3

    Sun 2007/12/16 02:09:48 JST (ID #67094)
    reply to chun's comment
  • mavadotar
    mavadotar in Peterborough, Canada (Registered on 2007/12/11)
    Otaku Student

    I practice my karate a little, but I need to find a club near my college residence, getting more out of shape than I already was!

    Sun 2007/12/16 02:53:21 JST (ID #67096)
    reply to mavadotar's comment
  • Hemisphere
    Hemisphere in Ar tonelico (Registered on 2007/08/29)
    Naru Eternal
    http://mouyamete.oniichannoecchi.com/

    My exercise revolves around bowling, jogging, and rappelling if it's available. Sadly, I'm unable to do these things as often as I used to. I want to bowl so bad. ;__;

    Sun 2007/12/16 05:48:08 JST (ID #67099)
    reply to Hemisphere's comment
  • shippoyasha
    shippoyasha in NYC (Registered on 2007/06/10)
    NEET

    It's sad, because I apparently work out the hardest out of anyone I know and yet I still wouldn't say my workouts are 'intense'.

    I spend at least 5 hours of pure, hard exercise every other day. The best feeling ever afterwards. No amount of resting can do that for me.

    Sun 2007/12/16 06:39:05 JST (ID #67101)
    reply to shippoyasha's comment
  • andra
    andra in Singapore (Registered on 2007/11/06)
    中学生
    http://thezhukeeper.blogspot.com

    We have NAFA test here in primary and secondary schools that are held annually. NAFA test consists of time runnings, broad jumps, pull-ups and stuff.

    We'll have to build up our stamina and strength a little or we are likely to flunk the test.

    I usually go for a jog or light running. But I always slack and go cycling around the neighbourhood instead X3

    Sun 2007/12/16 07:57:46 JST (ID #67102)
    reply to andra's comment
  • Tempest
    Tempest in New Zealand (Registered on 2007/11/07)
    Exchange Student

    I go fencing every monday, I jog at the weekend and I do funsports like skating or mountain biking if I get bored. I feel fit and I hope that I still have time for all this in the future :O

    Sun 2007/12/16 08:37:56 JST (ID #67103)
    reply to Tempest's comment
  • XSportSeeker
    XSportSeeker in Brazil (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Dropping computers, starting all over again at Journalism
    http://xspblog.com

    I have swimming classes 3 times a week. Dunno if I'll be able to keep it after moving, but I'm putting it as top priority... lots of heart related problems on the family, and I don't want to die at a young age from heart attack, like my father did.

    Now, about the Wii Fit, first time I saw it I though it was kinda of a dumbed down version of a dance mat.

    But since so many people are saying nice things about it... maybe I'll get one to test it out.

    I wish I could do more exercising though... I'm out of shape, overweight, and gainning more weight even though my swimming classes are kinda intense.

    Main problem is probably eating too much. What can I do? I just love eating...

    Sun 2007/12/16 09:20:00 JST (ID #67104)
    reply to XSportSeeker's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    I lift weights and do a lot of pushups. I keep wanting to do lower body exercise, but my legs are already in better shape than the rest of me.

    This new Wii addition looks great! Its decided, Im getting it. I saw the trailer for that No Heros game, and it looked great. I guess Im going to have to find one now.. oh.. crap. Thats impossible.

    Sun 2007/12/16 10:33:40 JST (ID #67107)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • lin-da-kenobi
    lin-da-kenobi in Lima, Peru ^^ (Registered on 2007/08/15)
    medicine student & otaku

    i exercise 3 times a week do jogging, running & weights though i like running the most. i heard about the Yoga for Wii about 6 months ago, i'd like to try it sometime.

    Sun 2007/12/16 10:34:48 JST (ID #67108)
    reply to lin-da-kenobi's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    !!!!??!!?! I just went on Amazon.com and the cheapest I could find the Wii was $465 USD! I thought it was cheap? Is that the normal price guys?

    Sun 2007/12/16 10:35:22 JST (ID #67109)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • zie
    zie in Arlington,VA USA (Registered on 2007/01/09)
    freelance

    I try to exercise on the weekends I either run or lift weights. Depends on the time. Summer is the best to go running and jogging i guess it depends on what you eat. I see the Wii and Nintendo is trying to fight the fat lazy gamer stereotype to help kids or adults stay fit.

    Sun 2007/12/16 10:39:20 JST (ID #67112)
    reply to zie's comment
  • skankywonders
    skankywonders in California (Registered on 2007/08/09)
    Student

    You guys are fat! I'm j/k, I exercise every day at School for Physical Education.

    Wii Fit seems fun for some exercise, I'd buy it but I don't have a Wii.

    Sun 2007/12/16 11:11:38 JST (ID #67114)
    reply to skankywonders's comment
  • Mars
    Mars in Chicago, America (Registered on 2007/08/23)
    College Kid
    http://www.facebook.com/people/Alexander-Geovani-Castillo/1138650146

    In the winter I do lessrunning vs in the summer. However I do compensate with a 1000 Calorie elliptical work out. All year round I lift lots of weights, a bit of stretching and about 15 minutes of bicycle crunches. Lots of sit ups, lots of push ups and a few tricks with the yoga ball. In the last year and a half I have gone from 220lbs to 145lbs with about 13% of that as fat. The best thing is the muscle lets me pig out because about every 3lbs of muscle helps your metabolism by 7% and 135 lbs of muscle has been good to me.
    as of late I have been lazy so im working on that fixing that ^^;

    Sun 2007/12/16 11:45:03 JST (ID #67118)
    reply to Mars's comment
  • D_Blade
    D_Blade in Montreal (Registered on 2006/12/31)
    Non-profit org. volunteering work addict

    My point was that doing chores is an exercise, in a way. ^^;

    Going to class when blizzard blows is another one (No rush, that will be in two weeks, I enjoy my time until then).

    Sun 2007/12/16 13:17:10 JST (ID #67124)
    reply to D_Blade's comment
  • FatBastard
    FatBastard in over his head (Registered on 2007/11/04)
    Dirty Gentleman
    http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/

    @Dragun, its the worst time to get the Wii as they are in short supply, and ppl are jacking up prices for resell during the holiday rush. If you really want one just wait till after the holiday season. The system normally retails for $250US, games around $50. No More Heroes NTSC release is Feb 5. Wii Fit NTSC is rumored to be around $100US, and releasing at approximately that time. So there is no real rush to get it.

    Sun 2007/12/16 14:20:20 JST (ID #67125)
    reply to FatBastard's comment
  • Zyg
    Zyg in Oklahoma (Registered on 2007/04/17)
    Student
    http://reira.zuiken.net/

    i can see myself cramping up using that lol xD anyways.. let's see...
    yeah i need to hit the gym again >.>;

    Sun 2007/12/16 18:08:00 JST (ID #67126)
    reply to Zyg's comment
  • Henry
    Henry in /usr/bin/ (Registered on 2006/12/25)
    anime/cosplay events organizer
    http://www.cosplay.ph

    don't know if you'll call a long walk an exercise but that's my kind of 'workout' but if not then i hardly workout at all lolz

    Sun 2007/12/16 18:34:31 JST (ID #67127)
    reply to Henry's comment
  • Koshiko
    Koshiko in Sydney, Australia (Registered on 2007/08/03)
    website/graphic designer and karaoke amateur~
    http://www.furudango.com

    I used to play DDR at last once a week at the shopping centre near my work at lunch, though sometimes there'd be too many people waiting to play as well so I'd have to go window shopping instead for a bit before heading back. There arcade hasn't been there anymore since they renovated the centre and the machine's upstairs next to the cinema, in a kid's play centre/cafe now (kinda embarrassing to go in there, lol).
    Otherwise now I only do basic stretches and walk a few times a week.

    Sun 2007/12/16 19:02:19 JST (ID #67131)
    reply to Koshiko's comment
  • Danny Choo
    Danny Choo in Tokyo (Registered on 2006/12/11)
    CEO MIrai Inc
    http://www.dannychoo.com/profile/eng/

    Zer0,
    I knew somebody would say that ^^;

    Dunatis,
    Pretty much at the same time.

    shippoyasha,
    I'm sorry that I disappoint you.

    Dragun,
    I think thats a bit more than the normal price.

    Sun 2007/12/16 19:57:23 JST (ID #67139)
    reply to Danny Choo's comment
  • vbob
    vbob in Florida (Registered on 2007/12/06)
    Agent of Karma

    I've always been very active. I like to swim and ski and run and hike and climb and practice martial arts and train with weights and all that. My girl regularly gives me quite a workout.

    Sun 2007/12/16 21:17:37 JST (ID #67158)
    reply to vbob's comment
  • FatBastard
    FatBastard in over his head (Registered on 2007/11/04)
    Dirty Gentleman
    http://cantstanzya.wordpress.com/

    @Dragun, if you're still checkin this post, look below for my response to your Q.

    Tue 2007/12/18 00:10:25 JST (ID #67258)
    reply to FatBastard's comment
  • shippoyasha
    shippoyasha in NYC (Registered on 2007/06/10)
    NEET

    Danny, I understand if a busy blogger like you would have a harder time to find exercise time. But I just think that if you can pick up a Wiifit, you can just do any other exercise options out there that is just as good. The problem is just finding out which would fit your schedule and lifestyle the best.

    Tue 2007/12/18 00:38:08 JST (ID #67261)
    reply to shippoyasha's comment
  • jou
    jou in Zürich, Switzerland (Registered on 2007/11/01)
    PHP guy
    http://blog.orly.ch/

    Lazyness FTW :)

    Tue 2007/12/18 10:43:58 JST (ID #67278)
    reply to jou's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    @FatBastard, Thanks for the detailed info! I guess it will have to wait until they are available. Then Im sure it will be impossible to find the accessories. Now with FFXIII coming out.. Ill have to get the PS3 too.

    Tue 2007/12/18 14:29:41 JST (ID #67286)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • DRAGUN
    DRAGUN in Arizona, USA (Registered on 2007/08/22)
    Design Consultant

    @shippoyasha, I think its not a problem of time. Its a problem of priorities. People just want to be entertained, and working out isnt entertaining. I used to work out frequently and got all cut so I would look good.. I just got bored of working out all the time. So I can see why this might help some people. Everyone is different right?

    Tue 2007/12/18 14:31:30 JST (ID #67287)
    reply to DRAGUN's comment
  • lostandfound
    lostandfound in Singapore (Registered on 2007/10/21)
    Hikikomori in the making
    http://supermariabros.deviantart.com/

    I always hear cracks when I stretch... Hate exercising LOL~

    Wed 2008/01/30 09:57:38 JST (ID #71036)
    reply to lostandfound's comment
  • Mirabem
    Mirabem in Philadelphia, US (Registered on 2008/11/06)
    FREETER

    I do alot of yoga and in-home stretching/crunches. I like the idea of Wii-fit but I figure I can exercise on my own. Alot of my friends use it, though. It seems like a great "gateway" product for making people who aren't into games more gaming friendly, haha.

    on the subject of 'No More Heroes', I'd heard about that not long ago, and it looks pretty great. Although in a way it almost pales in comparisson to Sega's upcoming 'Mad World', which just looks completely rediculous on so many levels :D

    Wed 2008/12/03 19:26:57 JST (ID #397595)
    reply to Mirabem's comment
  • King Kir4
    King Kir4 in Blacksburg, SC (Registered on 2008/10/09)
    student, doujinshi manga artist

    I excercise a lil bit, and my girlfriend jogs with me, YAAAAAAA!!!!!!!!!!!!
    -_-
    1111

    Thu 2008/12/04 15:55:33 JST (ID #398662)
    reply to King Kir4's comment

Currently being read