Leading sporting goods manufacturer Mizuno Corp., based in Osaka, is promoting an original exercise program at public elementary schools in Vietnam. The program, called Hexathlon, aims to address three of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) advocated by the United Nations.
Yomiuri Shimbun Sports Writer Kazuhiko Hirano interviewed Mizuno President Akito Mizuno, 70, who spoke of the program's objectives and his expectations for the SDGs.
Mizuno developed Hexathlon in 2013 to enhance the fundamental motor skills of running, jumping and throwing for Japanese children, who tend to lack exercise.
Hexathlon is uses five different kinds of equipment, including polyurethane air rockets, hoops and mini hurdles. In combination with six athletic ability tests such as a 25-meter hurdle run and an air rocket throw, the leveling up of children's athletic ability is promoted. Hexathlon combines the Greek words "hexa," meaning six, and "athlon," indicating athletics.
Children at schools that adopted the program have shown improvement in their athletic abilities. "Even when they are encouraged to 'do some exercise,' children don't know what to do. A program that systematically teaches them the right kind of movements was needed," Mizuno explained.
-- Exporting exercise
Vietnam has achieved marked economic growth in recent years, but childhood obesity has become a public concern. As Mizuno expanded its business in Asian countries, it came to learn that Vietnam does not have a well-developed environment for children to exercise as playgrounds are small. So the sporting goods maker introduced Hexathlon, which does not require a large space. It began to promote the program six years ago after the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training -- the equivalent of Japan's Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry -- gave the program its seal of approval as one "in which children can have fun while exercising."
About 200 schools have already adopted Hexathlon. Aiming to get the program adopted at all 15,000 public elementary schools, the company regularly holds short training courses for local teachers. Mizuno said hopefully: "Having people maintain their health and lead their life comfortably has been our corporate philosophy since the company was founded. We hope our program can form the basis for helping to generate excellent athletes from Vietnam in the future."
For Mizuno, exporting the program could lead to the creation of new business opportunities.
"If we are able to produce good results in Vietnam, it is highly likely our program will draw attention from other countries, too. It is necessary to examine such data as that comparing children who have experienced the program with those who haven't," he said.
Due to the impact of the coronavirus, people have been forced to exercise self-restraint in their daily lives. But it was in this situation that Mizuno said he "perceived some hints" for how the SDGs could be achieved widely in the future.
Japan adopted a moderate approach to containing the virus by asking people to avoid going out instead of forcing cities into lockdown.
"It has been pointed out as the 'Japanese spirit of conformity,' but I think we have a common awareness that 'we have no choice but to do so,'" Mizuno said.
"With regard to the SDGs, you also cannot do anything big if you act alone. The key to realizing the SDGs is for us to believe that the future can be different and to share a desire to contribute no matter how small our efforts may be."
Mizuno's Hexathlon can contribute to three of the 17 SDGs, which are the goal No. 3 "Good Health and Well-being," No. 4 "Quality Education" and No. 17 "Partnerships for the Goal."
-- Prevention of disease
It is said that if someone learns to enjoy exercise in their childhood, they will acquire the habit, thus helping prevent them from developing lifestyle-related illnesses.
"Once the call for self-restraint was lifted, many people were seen enjoying jogging or walking. I suppose many people might have wanted to do some exercise [during the period of the self-restraint]," Mizuno said. "Enjoying sport through programs such as Hexathlon could lead to prolonging the healthy life expectancy of people. I do hope that this way of thinking spreads around the world," he stressed.
-- WHO warns of obesity
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded an alarm bell on childhood obesity and lack of physical exercise, saying it is "one of the most serious public health challenges of the 21st century." WHO said in 2016 that the number of overweight children under 5 totaled more than 41 million, about half of whom are in Asia. Moreover, it found in a survey last year that among those aged 11 to 17, "about 80% exercise less than one hour a day."
In Vietnam, the rate of childhood obesity is said to exceed 40%. The Ministry of Education and Training places importance on improving physical education programs at schools by advocating the "promotion of understanding the brilliance of physical exercise and sports."
Expectations for improving the situation have been high since 2018 when the ministry concluded a memorandum of cooperation with Mizuno Corp., on the introduction of the Hexathlon program and having the program take hold in the country.
The physical strength of children in Japan has also been on the decline. According to the nationwide physical strength test conducted by the Japan Sports Agency last fiscal year, male fifth-grade students in elementary schools registered record low scores. The agency cited factors such as "an increase in hours spent using smartphones and online games."
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