Dance Team with Oldest Member Aged 78 Promotes Active Living: Health Awareness Event Held in Kagoshima Prefecture

On Thursday, May 21, 2026, a public awareness event on health and crime prevention was held at Kanoya Grand Hotel in Kagoshima Prefecture, featuring Ryoichiro Sugi, Special Health Measures Director at the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare; Natsuko Godai, Special Ambassador for Hepatitis Control; and Joji Yamamoto, Special Supporter of the "Know About Hepatitis Project."

On stage, they engaged in health-focused discussions together with members of the GOLD dance team "HOUEI GOLD."

## Opening Performance by GOLD Dance Team "HOUEI GOLD"

The event opened with a vibrant performance by "HOUEI GOLD," a dance team based in Miyazaki City, Miyazaki Prefecture, with an average age of 75 and the oldest member aged 78, perfectly embodying the concept of "dancing for health."

After the performance, Mr. Sugi introduced the growing popularity of dance among the GOLD generation. He mentioned the annual dance competition for those aged 65 and over, "FIDA GOLD CUP," saying, "If people see 80- and 90-year-olds dancing hip-hop and street dance and think, 'I want to try that too,' I’ll be delighted."

He also commented on HOUEI GOLD’s costumes and makeup: "They dress up beautifully because they’re on stage. The members themselves put a lot of thought into it," drawing warm applause from the audience.

## Godai and Yamamoto Share Tips for Staying Healthy and Emphasize Importance of Check-ups

In the following talk session, members of HOUEI GOLD asked Ms. Godai and Mr. Yamamoto questions centered on "health."

When asked, "Do you have any health routines?" Ms. Godai introduced her practice of "oshambo"—enjoyable walking. "I combine it with my hobby of photography, so I can keep walking with joy," she said, encouraging others: "The key to consistency is moving your body through your hobbies."

Mr. Yamamoto was asked, "What do you keep in mind to stay mentally and physically healthy?"

With a smile, he replied, "Nothing special," but shared that he regularly practices knee-focused exercises. He demonstrated movements on stage to convey key points for maintaining health.

Drawing from personal experience, he added, "I hope everyone makes it a habit to understand their own health. More importantly, don’t overlook small changes in your body. Make sure to go for regular check-ups. Please take health and cancer screenings seriously. And if you’ve never had a hepatitis virus test, I strongly encourage you to get one."

## Dance Connects Mental and Physical Well-being

Ms. Godai further presented findings from five years of research under the "Health First Project," confirming that dance improves cognitive and physical functions. She explained that particularly "mimicking and dancing along with a model" deeply activates the brain, and dancing joyfully with others contributes significantly to "mental health."

Toward the end of the event, members of HOUEI GOLD, who won a special award last year, expressed their determination to participate again in this year’s "FIDA GOLD CUP."

Ms. Shimizu, the oldest member, smiled and said, "We’ve been practicing once a week, all year long."

Ms. Godai cheered, "You already won a special award together as a team—you’ll be just fine!" Mr. Yamamoto added, "Good luck!"

The "Know About Hepatitis Project," launched in 2012, aims to clearly communicate knowledge about hepatitis and the importance of hepatitis virus testing, empowering all citizens to gain accurate understanding and take proactive steps toward early detection and treatment. The "Health First Project" is a part of this initiative, promoting health practices that enable people to live actively and disease-free as they age, while leveraging public interest in health to effectively promote hepatitis prevention.

## What is the "FIDA GOLD CUP"?

Ryoichiro Sugi, Honorary President of the Japan International Dance Federation FIDA JAPAN, established the "Dance Health Club" within FIDA JAPAN as one initiative to support seniors’ physical and mental well-being. The club registers dance teams nationwide composed primarily of the GOLD generation※, providing dance music, choreography, and performance opportunities. The FIDA GOLD CUP is a dance contest organized by FIDA JAPAN, designed as a goal event for these registered GOLD-generation members.

※What is GOLD?

Within FIDA JAPAN, seniors aged 65 and over are referred to as "GOLD," a term embodying the meaning of "Good OLD"—growing older in a positive and valuable way.

## Event Overview

Event Name: Know About Hepatitis Project / Health First Project Special Talk Event

Date: Thursday, May 21, 2026

Venue: Kanoya Grand Hotel (12-3 Kyo-ei-cho, Kanoya City, Kagoshima Prefecture 893-0005)

Attendees: Ryoichiro Sugi, Special Health Measures Director, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Natsuko Godai, Special Ambassador for Hepatitis Control, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Joji Yamamoto, Special Supporter, "Know About Hepatitis Project," Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare

Dance Team HOUEI GOLD