IFME Promotes Children's Foot Health Through School 'Foot Measurement' Events
Children's footwear brand 'IFME' (Marubeni Consumer Link) held 'Foot Measurement Events' for 363 elementary school students at Toyosato and Nichiei Elementary Schools in Shiga Prefecture on May 7-8, 2026. Certified shoe fitters measured the children's feet and provided individual feedback, while a 'Sports Tag' class was held simultaneously to promote physical activity and the importance of choosing properly fitted footwear.
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The children's footwear brand 'IFME' (Marubeni Consumer Link) conducted 'Foot Measurement Events' for all students at Toyosato Elementary School and Nichiei Elementary School in Toyosato Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture, on May 7 (Thu) and May 8 (Fri), 2026, as part of its 'foot education' activities to support healthy foot development. Over the two days, a total of 363 children had their feet measured, and each received individual feedback. The event also featured a 'Sports Tag' class, with instructors invited from the Japan Tag Association.
Importance of 'Foot Education' for Growing Feet
Children's feet grow rapidly from preschool to lower elementary school age, often leading to children wearing shoes that no longer fit. Ill-fitting shoes can cause deformities such as bunions and hammer toes, flat feet, and poor posture, and are known to negatively impact motor skills, balance, and daily activity levels.
With rising interest in 'foot education'—learning how to choose the right shoes—IFME held these measurement events to encourage children to think about their own foot growth. After measuring 363 students, the results were printed and returned to them. This allowed children to learn about their foot size, left-right asymmetry, and width, helping them understand the importance of selecting shoes that fit them properly. Teachers noted that the numerical results made it easier to explain foot conditions to parents.
Additionally, the 'Sports Tag' class provided an opportunity for children to enjoy full-body exercise, contributing to improved physical fitness as well as the development of decision-making and teamwork skills. The class was highly popular, with many children expressing a desire to play again or try it with their families.
IFME aims to use the insights gained from this initiative to inform future product development and communication efforts, continuing its commitment to supporting children's foot health and creating environments where they can enjoy physical activities with peace of mind.
Measuring 8 Key Factors for Individual Feedback
Certified shoe fitters from the company manually measured each child's feet in a standing position. In addition to basic foot shape dimensions such as length, width, and girth, they measured the height of the scaphoid bone to assess the arch.
These measurements aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of foot characteristics—including width, thickness, and arch condition—rather than just the 'length' used as the standard for shoe selection, thereby enabling the selection of better-fitted footwear.
Individualized results were summarized on a special feedback card for each child. The card included measurement data, JIS-based girth classification (such as EEE), physical data (height/weight), a 'foot growth record graph' comparing current data to past records, and recommended shoe sizes and advice on 'how to choose shoes.' The content is designed to help children understand their own foot features and to prompt them to think about proper shoe selection alongside their parents.
About 'Sports Tag'
While tag has traditionally been seen as mere play, it is now widely recognized as an effective activity for improving children's physical fitness.
1. Effect as Full-Body Exercise
Tag involves running, escaping, and chasing, making it a full-body workout. This trains endurance, speed, and agility. Specifically, running at full effort improves cardiovascular function and overall fitness.
2. Improvement of Balance and Coordination
Frequent sudden directional changes and braking movements improve balance and body control. Collaborating with friends also fosters teamwork and communication skills.
3. Activation of Brain Function
Tag is said to be effective not only for physical fitness but also for brain activation. As the escaping side must predict the 'tagger's' movements, it trains logical thinking and decision-making. Exercise is also linked to improved cognitive function and learning outcomes.
4. Creating Opportunities for Outdoor Play
In modern society, where opportunities for outdoor play are decreasing, tag plays a vital role as an accessible activity requiring no special equipment.
Event Overview
Date: May 7 (Thu) and May 8 (Fri), 2026
Schools: Toyosato Elementary School and Nichiei Elementary School, Toyosato Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture
Importance of 'Foot Education' for Growing Feet
Children's feet grow rapidly from preschool to lower elementary school age, often leading to children wearing shoes that no longer fit. Ill-fitting shoes can cause deformities such as bunions and hammer toes, flat feet, and poor posture, and are known to negatively impact motor skills, balance, and daily activity levels.
With rising interest in 'foot education'—learning how to choose the right shoes—IFME held these measurement events to encourage children to think about their own foot growth. After measuring 363 students, the results were printed and returned to them. This allowed children to learn about their foot size, left-right asymmetry, and width, helping them understand the importance of selecting shoes that fit them properly. Teachers noted that the numerical results made it easier to explain foot conditions to parents.
Additionally, the 'Sports Tag' class provided an opportunity for children to enjoy full-body exercise, contributing to improved physical fitness as well as the development of decision-making and teamwork skills. The class was highly popular, with many children expressing a desire to play again or try it with their families.
IFME aims to use the insights gained from this initiative to inform future product development and communication efforts, continuing its commitment to supporting children's foot health and creating environments where they can enjoy physical activities with peace of mind.
Measuring 8 Key Factors for Individual Feedback
Certified shoe fitters from the company manually measured each child's feet in a standing position. In addition to basic foot shape dimensions such as length, width, and girth, they measured the height of the scaphoid bone to assess the arch.
These measurements aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of foot characteristics—including width, thickness, and arch condition—rather than just the 'length' used as the standard for shoe selection, thereby enabling the selection of better-fitted footwear.
Individualized results were summarized on a special feedback card for each child. The card included measurement data, JIS-based girth classification (such as EEE), physical data (height/weight), a 'foot growth record graph' comparing current data to past records, and recommended shoe sizes and advice on 'how to choose shoes.' The content is designed to help children understand their own foot features and to prompt them to think about proper shoe selection alongside their parents.
About 'Sports Tag'
While tag has traditionally been seen as mere play, it is now widely recognized as an effective activity for improving children's physical fitness.
1. Effect as Full-Body Exercise
Tag involves running, escaping, and chasing, making it a full-body workout. This trains endurance, speed, and agility. Specifically, running at full effort improves cardiovascular function and overall fitness.
2. Improvement of Balance and Coordination
Frequent sudden directional changes and braking movements improve balance and body control. Collaborating with friends also fosters teamwork and communication skills.
3. Activation of Brain Function
Tag is said to be effective not only for physical fitness but also for brain activation. As the escaping side must predict the 'tagger's' movements, it trains logical thinking and decision-making. Exercise is also linked to improved cognitive function and learning outcomes.
4. Creating Opportunities for Outdoor Play
In modern society, where opportunities for outdoor play are decreasing, tag plays a vital role as an accessible activity requiring no special equipment.
Event Overview
Date: May 7 (Thu) and May 8 (Fri), 2026
Schools: Toyosato Elementary School and Nichiei Elementary School, Toyosato Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture
FAQ
What was the purpose of the 'foot measurement event' that IFME conducted at elementary schools in Shiga Prefecture?
The purpose was to raise awareness about the importance of 'foot education' to support children's foot growth during their growth period and to provide children with opportunities to learn about the characteristics of their own feet.
What items were measured during the foot measurement event?
Four items were measured: basic foot length, foot width, foot circumference, and the height of the navicular bone to assess the arch condition.
How were the measurement results utilized?
After the measurements, a dedicated result card summarizing the results was returned to each participant. The card included size, foot circumference classification, growth record graphs, recommended shoe size, and shoe selection tips, which were used by parents when choosing shoes.
What effects are expected from the 'sports tag classroom' that was held alongside the measurement event?
In addition to improving physical fitness (endurance, explosive power, agility), it is expected to enhance balance, body control, coordination, communication skills, and even brain function activation through sports.
What was the scale of this initiative?
It was conducted over two days, May 7 and 8, 2026, for all students at Toyosato Elementary School and Nichie Elementary School in Toyosato Town, Inukami District, Shiga Prefecture, totaling 363 students.