Staying healthy is a big deal for lots of people. Whether it’s hitting the pavement for a morning run or squeezing in some yoga at lunch, people are always finding ways to stay active.
But here’s something cool: a TikTok post blew up recently, showing how Japanese office workers are getting their exercise game on during work hours.
The 8:20 AM Workout: Radio Taiso
The viral post, shared by user @tinggai.kat.jepun, showcased a glimpse into the daily routine at Hioki City Hall in Japan, courtesy of Yuza, an External Relations Officer.
At precisely 8:20 AM, employees stood up from their desks in unison, ready to partake in a collective exercise known as “Rajio Taiso” or “Radio Taiso.”
Radio Taiso is a classic Japanese morning workout where everyone does synchronised moves to wake up their minds and bodies.
Watching those employees get into it, you could see how much it’s part of Japanese culture. One person even mentioned how everyone knows about it.
Checking out the comments on the viral post, there were loads of stories from TikTok users who’ve actually tried Radio Taiso themselves.
‘Lots of companies have their employees do Rajio Taiso every morning before work‘
Speaking to WeirdKaya, Yuza told us that he began working at Hioki City Hall as the Coordinator for International Relations in August 2023.
When asked if Radio Taiso is a daily routine for workers in Japan, Yuza shared:
“Rajio Taiso (Exercise Radio) is a huge part of Japanese culture. Kids start doing it in school as a warm-up, and it sticks with them into adulthood. Lots of companies have their employees do Rajio Taiso every morning before work.
They use the same audio guidance that’s been around forever, so the routine never changes. That’s why so many people, even outside Japan, know about it. It’s like how ‘Taichi’ is for Chinese people—Rajio Taiso is just a daily habit for a lot of Japanese.”
‘You automatically feel refreshed’
When asked about his first reaction when he encountered it, Yuza explained:
“As a Malaysian, of course, I felt a bit strange or shy at first, but once you get used to it, it’s really great because you automatically feel refreshed. The Japanese people also automatically get up once they hear the radio because they are so used to it.
If it’s in a factory or a company, we’ve heard about it often, but what amazes me is that even at my workplace, City Hall—like a Municipal Council—they also practice it.”
Nostalgic memories from former employees
A bunch of them talked about their days working in Japanese factories or companies where doing this morning exercise wasn’t just suggested—it was a must-do.
“I used to do this exercise before,” reminisced one user.
“Back then, I worked at a Japanese factory, and before starting work, it was mandatory to exercise like this. Memories.”
Another shared, “Taiso. Morning exercise. Former automotive worker.”
Watch the clip here:
