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Grab your sports gear and let's get active because it's Health and Sports Day in Japan on October 14! This public holiday, also known as Taiiku no hi, was first held in 1966 - two years after the 1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics opened. It’s an exceptional day that was created to help promote an active lifestyle and fitness culture among the Japanese population. Health and Sports Day is a wonderful opportunity to not only celebrate Japan's Olympic spirit, but also invite everyone, regardless of age or fitness level, to appreciate sports and strive for a healthier lifestyle. It's a day full of activity, positivity, and lots of fun! Let's celebrate fitness, health, and the vibrant spirit of the Olympics!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1964</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Tokyo Summer Olympics</div><div class='timeline-text'>Japan hosted the Summer Olympics in Tokyo, marking the first time the Olympics were held in Asia.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1965</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Government Proposal</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Japanese government proposed the creation of a public holiday to promote health and sports, inspired by the successful hosting of the 1964 Summer Olympics.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1966</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Health and Sports Day</div><div class='timeline-text'>The first Health and Sports Day (Taiiku no hi) was held, encouraging Japanese citizens to actively participate in sports and commit to a healthier lifestyle.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2000</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Date Change</div><div class='timeline-text'>To encourage a long weekend break as part of the Happy Monday System, Health and Sports Day was moved from October 10 to the second Monday of October.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2020</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>COVID-19 Adjustments</div><div class='timeline-text'>Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many activities on Health and Sports Day moved to virtual or socially-distanced formats, highlighting the necessity for keeping fit even in times of crisis.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Participate in a sports festival</h3><p class='facts-text'>Join in on a local sports festival or event in your community. It's not just about competition, it's about having fun and working as a team which is what Health and Sports Day is all about!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Try traditional Japanese sports</h3><p class='facts-text'>Why not take this opportunity to try out some traditional Japanese sports like sumo wrestling, martial arts, or archery? You'll experience a unique link between fitness and Japanese culture.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Invite friends for an active day outdoors</h3><p class='facts-text'>Invite friends or family members for a hike, run, or bike ride in the local park. Bring some healthy snacks for refueling and enjoy the fresh air together.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Stage an Olympics at home</h3><p class='facts-text'>In honour of Japan's Olympic history, organize mini Olympic events at home. Kids will love competing in track and field events, gymnastics routines, or homemade obstacle courses.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Join a health and wellness workshop</h3><p class='facts-text'>Find a local health and wellness workshop to learn about nutrition, exercise, or mindfulness. You might find something new that you love and it's a wonderful way to celebrate the spirit of the day.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Promotes Active Lifestyle and Fitness Culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Health and Sports Day promotes a lifestyle of physical activity for boosting fitness and overall health. It emphasizes the importance of incorporating physical activities into everyday life, leading to a healthier and potentially longer life.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Celebrates Japan's Olympic Spirit</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>This day is a commemoration of Japan's remarkable Olympic history. It throws light on Japan's contributions to international sports, taking it as an opportunity to celebrate the country's spirit and accomplishments in the world of sports.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Encourages Participation in Sports and Fitness Activities</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>The best part about Health and Sports Day is that anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, can participate. It invites one and all to engage in various sports, fitness activities or wellness workshops, and appreciate the importance of an active lifestyle.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Health and Sports Day was originally held in October to avoid the Summer Heat</h3><p class='facts-text'>The initial date was October 10th, one of the milder months in Japan, hence promoting outdoor physical activity without the risk of heatstroke, which often occurs during the severe summertime.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Schools play a major role in Health and Sports Day celebration</h3><p class='facts-text'>In Japan, many schools hold a sports meet, or 'Undokai' in Japanese, on this day. It's an event filled with various sporting competitions, engaging both students and parents.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Parades and Martial Arts Exhibitions are common during the Health and Sports Day</h3><p class='facts-text'>Many communities organize parades with traditional Japanese drum music and martial arts exhibitions showcasing Judo, Kendo, and Karate among others.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>It was the first holiday in Japan to be moved by the Happy Monday System</h3><p class='facts-text'>In 2000, as part of the Happy Monday System, which moved a number of national holidays to Monday to promote long weekends, Health and Sports Day was the first one to be moved.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Health and Sports Day witnessed special attention in 2020 owing to the Olympic Year</h3><p class='facts-text'>Originally, due to the Tokyo Summer Olympics 2020, Health and Sports Day had been moved to July 24th for the year 2020 coinciding with the opening ceremony. Despite the postponement of the games due to the pandemic, the holiday remained on July 24th for that year.</p></div></div>
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