Fitness trends come and go, and Japan is no exception. Japan has a long history of incorporating movement into daily life, blending traditional and modern fitness trends that promote both physical and mental well-being.
Growing Fitness Trends in Japan in 2025
Despite its focus on traditional disciplines such as martial arts, kyudo, and sumo, what fitness trends are becoming increasingly popular in Japan today?
Radio Taiso
If we go back in time, probably the most successful fitness trend that continues today is “Radio Taiso” or ” Radio Calisthenics,” which has been a part of daily life since the 1920s.
This short, guided stretching and exercise routine is broadcast every morning at 6:30 a.m. on NHK Radio 1 and performed in workplaces, schools, and parks. Designed to be accessible to people of all ages, it promotes flexibility, circulation, and overall mobility. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity and emphasis on daily movement rather than intense workouts.
This simple and accessible exercise routine is designed for all ages and fitness levels, requiring no equipment and only three minutes to complete. Movements are gentle, easy to follow, and set to music, making it both engaging and enjoyable. It can be performed standing or seated, alone or in a group, and in any small space.
Hot Yoga
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Hot yoga has become a widely embraced fitness and wellness practice in Japan, offering a balance of physical exercise, relaxation, and detoxification. Inspired by Bikram yoga, this form is practiced in a heated room, typically around 35-40°C with high humidity, helping participants improve flexibility, relieve stress, and promote circulation.
Many studios across Japan provide structured sessions tailored to different skill levels, making them accessible to beginners and experienced yogis alike. The heat allows muscles to stretch more easily, reducing the risk of injury while encouraging deep relaxation. Sweating also plays a significant role, as it is believed to aid in detoxification, leaving participants feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Hot yoga is particularly popular among those seeking weight loss, stress relief, and skin benefits. Major cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto have numerous studios, many of which offer women-only classes and additional wellness services such as aromatherapy and meditation. Combining mindful breathing, intense sweating, and controlled movement aligns with Japan’s broader focus on holistic health and self-care.
High-Intensity Workouts
Imagine an indoor workout that feels more like a dance party than traditional exercise. Set in a dark room illuminated by LED lights, participants pedal or kickbox to the rhythm of high-energy music, following an instructor who leads them through a 45-minute, full-body session. The workout goes beyond just cycling or boxing—the workout incorporates upper-body movements like push-ups, core work, and even light dumbbell exercises, creating a dynamic blend of cardio and strength training.
Each session is designed around different music genres, from pop and rock to electronic beats, making every class a unique experience. Each class is clearly labeled with a music genre or style, so there is no need to workout listening to a music genre you hate.
The choreography matches the tempo of the music, turning the workout into an immersive and sweat-inducing experience. This approach maximizes calorie burn and enhances endurance, coordination, and muscle tone. The high-intensity intervals ensure an efficient fat-burning session, while the group energy and high-volume music keep participants engaged and inspired.
Since there are not particular fitness prerequisites to join the classes – and you can take a break anytime -, this workout is ideal for those looking to boost their stamina, improve cardiovascular health, and enjoy a fun, music-driven exercise experience.
With studios in various cities, FEELCYCLE and b-monster are becoming popular alternatives to traditional gym routines, attracting those who have a hard time finding a fun fitness routine.
Weightlifting
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Weightlifting – or kintore in Japanese – has gained significant popularity in Japan, with an increasing number of people incorporating resistance training into their fitness routines for strength, endurance, and overall health. Traditionally, Japanese fitness culture emphasized lighter exercises such as bodyweight training, calisthenics, and martial arts, but in recent years, weightlifting has become more mainstream, especially in urban areas.
Modern gyms in cities like Tokyo, Osaka, and Fukuoka offer a wide range of strength-training facilities, from large commercial gyms to boutique fitness studios specializing in personal training. Many Japanese gyms focus on machine-based training, as it is seen as safer and more beginner-friendly, but free-weight areas with barbells and dumbbells are becoming more common, especially in 24-hour gyms and Western-style fitness centers.
Weight training in Japan is often associated with functional fitness, aesthetic goals, and longevity, rather than just bodybuilding.
Despite the growing popularity, gym etiquette in Japan remains strict. Many gyms prohibit loud noises, dropping weights, or excessive sweating, and some still have policies restricting heavily tattooed individuals.
However, with the increasing influence of global fitness culture, more weight-training facilities are adapting to international trends, offering more flexible training environments.
Embracing Japanese Fitness Trends
Japan’s modern fitness culture offers a variety of ways to stay active, whether through gentle movements like Radio Taiso, high-intensity cycling, and boxing workouts, or the mindful practice of hot yoga.
From serene public parks to cutting-edge fitness studios, Japan provides accessible and sustainable options for all lifestyles.
As fitness trends continue to evolve, the core principles of balance, consistency, and holistic well-being remain at the heart of Japanese exercise culture, making it an inspiring model for both locals and visitors looking to stay active.
More reads:
- What Should I Do If I Have Tattoos in Japan?
- Cycling in Japan 101: Everything You Need to Know
- Basics of Japanese Gym Etiquette
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