Frequently asked questions
Everything people ask about Radio Taiso, answered briefly.
What does "Radio Taiso" mean?
It's Japanese for "radio calisthenics" (ラジオ体操): rajio = radio, taisō = calisthenics or physical exercises. The name comes from the daily NHK radio broadcast that has guided the routine since 1928.
How long does the routine take?
About 3 minutes and 10 seconds for the full 13-movement routine, including the deep-breathing finale.
What time of day should I do it?
Tradition says 6:30 a.m., matching the NHK broadcast — but any consistent time works. The habit's power comes from doing it at the same time daily, not from the hour itself.
Do I need any equipment or special clothes?
No. Radio Taiso is designed to be done in whatever you're wearing, in an arm-span of space, with no equipment at all. That's the point.
Can I do Radio Taiso sitting down?
Yes — seated Radio Taiso is an official, widely-practiced adaptation. Every movement on this site notes how to adapt it; swing the arms fully and keep the rhythm with your feet.
Is Radio Taiso suitable for children?
Very. Japanese children learn it in school, and the summer-morning stamp-card gatherings are a childhood institution. The movements are safe, rhythmic, and easy to copy.
Is this the official NHK Radio Taiso?
No. radiotaiso.org is an independent tribute site, unaffiliated with NHK, Japan Post, or the Japan Radio Taiso Federation. The exercise sequence follows the traditional public routine.
What's the difference between Radio Taiso No. 1 and No. 2?
No. 1 (1951) is the gentle, universal routine this site teaches — for all ages and fitness levels. No. 2 (1952) is faster and more vigorous, designed for working-age adults. Learn No. 1 first; it's the one Japan does together.
How do the stamps and streaks work?
Finish the full routine and the site offers you that day's stamp on your digital attendance card — one stamp per day, stored privately in your browser. Miss a day and the streak resets, exactly as the summer-vacation cards worked. No account, no tracking.
Can I slow the music down while I learn?
Yes. Use the tempo control on the radio — the music, the counts, and the stick figure all slow down together. It works the other way too, if you're in a hurry to be calm.
Is three minutes of exercise really worth anything?
As a daily floor, yes. Three minutes every day outperforms an hour that never happens: it maintains joint mobility, posture, and a movement habit you can build on. It complements — not replaces — longer exercise.