Shiga Prefecture's First "Kids Kenko Ambassador" Program Held, Learning with Olympians

Nagahama City, Shiga Prefecture (Mayor Nobuyoshi Asami), implemented the "Kids Kenko Ambassador Project" in collaboration with Olympians and Paralympians in fiscal year 2025, as an initiative to promote health for people of all ages. This project aims for children to experience the joy and importance of exercise and to spread health awareness to their families and communities, marking the first such initiative in Shiga Prefecture.

The lecture was held on December 8, 2025, with Daiki Ogita, an Olympian in track and field (pole vault), and Chinami Shimizu, a Paralympian from Nagahama City (wheelchair basketball), serving as instructors. They conveyed the joy of physical activity and the significance of challenging oneself to the children.

Additionally, Professor Shuya Kuno of the University of Tsukuba gave a lecture from a professional perspective on the relationship between exercise and health, emphasizing that "acquiring exercise habits from an early age leads to lifelong health."

This project also emphasizes that children themselves, as "Kenko Ambassadors," take what they have learned home and convey it to their parents and families. This new approach to health promotion, aiming to raise health awareness throughout the entire family starting with children, is highly anticipated.

Focus on Promoting Exercise Habits for Young Women

Nagahama City is also simultaneously developing initiatives aimed at resolving the lack of exercise among young women. According to a survey by the Japan Sports Agency, young women have lower exercise participation rates compared to other age groups, and future health risks such as osteoporosis are pointed out. On the other hand, it has also become clear that it is difficult for them to secure time for exercise due to work, housework, childcare, and other responsibilities.

Based on this background, Nagahama City started a health promotion exercise class in November 2025, based on the concept of "one hour, once a week for myself." This project is characterized by its integrated approach to exercise guidance, health management, and effectiveness verification, supported by the Japan Sports Agency's "Exercise and Sports Habituation Promotion Project" and in collaboration with the Nagahama Culture and Sports Promotion Foundation, Tanita Health Link Co., Ltd., and Tsukuba Wellness Research, a venture company from the University of Tsukuba.

After the recruitment started, there was a greater response than expected, with approximately 400 applications for a capacity of 150 people. A city official commented, "By setting accessible times and devising ways to disseminate information, we were able to capture the needs of women who wanted to start exercising."

Promoting NAGAHAMA as a City of Sports

Nagahama City will continue to promote health initiatives tailored to all life stages, from children to adults, with the aim of fostering a "healthy and happy" community as a whole.

The "2nd Nagahama City Sports Promotion Plan (FY2026-FY2033)" currently being formulated by the city aims to create "NAGAHAMA, a city of sports where everyone shines, is healthy and vibrant," and sets forth three basic policies: "Enhancement of sports according to life stages," "Development of an environment that supports sports," and "Promotion of sports utilizing regional resources."

Through the implementation of this project, further development is expected in "initiatives for children and women with low sports participation rates," "revitalization of sports facilities that serve as venues for this project," and "collaboration with local sports organizations, athletes, and childcare organizations."