The 10-minute morning exercise workout that millions of Japanese people wake up to do

This is how much of Japan wakes up. It is called Radio Taiso – Exercise Radio in English – a simple yet dynamic way to start the day.

Every morning at 6.30am, Japanese radio plays music accompanied by basic callisthenics instructions. Millions perform the movements in parks, workplaces, schools – and at home.Radio Taiso has an almost 100-year history. It was formally introduced in 1928, coinciding with the enthronement of Emperor Hirohito. The tradition endures because the exercises are suitable for all ages and capabilities, and easily accessible.

We are talking about basic exercise movements: reach to the sky to limber up, twist at the torso, bend at the hips, swing the arms and get the shoulders loose, or jump or run in place.

Exercisers can make it as strenuous as they wish. It is over in just 10 minutes, all done to the rhythm of a soft piano melody.