The exercise programme that united Japan

ESL Lessons: True Stories

A printable worksheet for story-based English conversation classes.

Difficulty: Intermediate B1

PDF: The exercise programme that united Japan

Warm-up

Do you have a morning exercise routine?

Vocabulary Match

participate •• organized
coordinated •• transmitted
militaristic •• warlike
reintroduced •• brought back
broadcast •• join
harmony •• peace

Vocabulary Answers

participatejoin
coordinatedorganized
militaristicwarlike
reintroducedbrought back
broadcasttransmitted
harmonypeace

True Story

Listen and fill in the blanks with words from above.

Radio calisthenics, or "Rajio Taiso," is a popular exercise in Japan, introduced in 1928 from the USA to boost health and unity. This routine involves easy, ________ movements to music, ________ over the radio.

It was banned after World War II by the American occupying forces for being too ________. However, it was ________ in 1951 by Japan's Ministry of Health to promote physical health and morale in the post-war rebuilding phase.

Today, about 20 million Japanese ________ daily, strengthening community bonds and promoting health. Rajio Taiso is also practised in places like China and Taiwan, where similar programs are part of morning routines, promoting health and social ________.

Radio calisthenics, or "Rajio Taiso," is a popular exercise in Japan, introduced in 1928 from the USA to boost health and unity. This routine involves easy, coordinated movements to music, broadcast over the radio.

It was banned after World War II by the American occupying forces for being too militaristic. However, it was reintroduced in 1951 by Japan's Ministry of Health to promote physical health and morale in the post-war rebuilding phase.

Today, about 20 million Japanese participate daily, strengthening community bonds and promoting health. Rajio Taiso is also practised in places like China and Taiwan, where similar programs are part of morning routines, promoting health and social harmony.

Quiz

  1. When was Rajio Taiso introduced in Japan?
  2. Why was it banned after World War II?
  3. Where else is Rajio Taiso practised?

Quiz Answers (examples)

  1. It was introduced in 1928.
  2. After World War II, Rajio Taiso was banned by the controlling US forces.
  3. Rajio Taiso is practised in places like China and Taiwan.

True or False

  1. Rajio Taiso was introduced from the UK in 1928. T F
  2. Rajio Taiso was banned for being too peaceful. T F
  3. In China and Taiwan, 20 million people participate daily. T F

True or False Answers

  1. False
  2. True
  3. False

Conversation

A:Why are we getting out of the pool?
B:Oh, it's normal here, once every hour.
A:But I haven't finished my laps!
B:It's just for a few minutes, we'll be right back in.
A:What's happening? Why is everyone dancing?
B:It's an exercise thing. When in Rome, do as the Romans do!

Discussion

  1. Do you exercise? What kind of exercise do you do?
  2. Do you think it's a good idea to exercise as a community?
  3. What are some other ways to promote health and social harmony?

Further Reading

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_calisthenics

MORE: