Hey there, fellow Nagoya enthusiasts! Today we’re diving into the hyperlocal scene of Nittaiji Temple Radio taiso exercises in Kakuouzan, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya. These Japanese fitness routines are a hit with the older crowd and are a staple all year long. We’ve got the inside scoop from Soh Nakajima-san, a local guy who knows this area like the back of his hand. He’s gonna take us on a tour of this vibrant and quirky community, sharing all his insider knowledge along the way. 

*Please note that the opinions expressed in this article are solely our own!

This is the place where a new morning begins!

– Radio taiso at Nittaiji Temple is such a culturally rich experience, isn’t it?

It’s actually quite commonplace for the locals, but I agree that the name “Nittaiji” has a nice ring to it.

– And your daughter is joining us today. I think it’s great to expose children to this kind of cultural activity from a young age, don’t you?

Definitely! This is her debut, so I’ve advised her to relax and enjoy it. I hope she’ll feel the excitement of starting a “new morning” from this place. haha.

– Are there other kids participating as well?

Last month when I joined, there was only one grandchild who joined in. Since most of the participants are elderly, they’re thrilled when kids come to join them!

– (Local Guide and daughter arrive at the temple) Hey, Nakajima-san! Your daughter is already getting a warm welcome from the taiso group!

It’s great to see that the elderly folks are happy about it. When young people join any community, it livens things up! Also, every time we do the taiso, they announce the number of participants and introduce the kids. I get a little nervous when I think my daughter will be introduced!

– Nakajima-san, today we have over 200 participants, a record high! And your daughter’s debut was amazing too!

I’m so happy, I ended up doing the second radio taiso routine with double the energy! I think my “stretches” and “spins” were especially good. The taiso group even invited me to come back tomorrow! Haha.

Be proud, keep your knees acute!

If you’re too embarrassed to do the second exercise of radio taiso with a proper knee angle, then you don’t qualify to come to radio taiso at all!

– But it seems like everyone quickly leaves once the taiso is done.

Well, they do this every day, 365 days a year! But it’s still great, right? You come here every morning, meet acquaintances, move your body, and start a new day. And you can even go have a morning coffee at Komeda’s too.

– Shall we go to Komeda’s for breakfast then?

Definitely! My daughter came along with that in mind, actually. Haha.

*Komeda’s is a popular Nagoya coffee shop chain known for their breakfast options.

– A morning of radio taiso at Nittaiji Temple followed by breakfast at Komeda’s, that’s such a Nagoya thing to do! It could even be a new tourist route!

Let’s promote it to preserve this culture!

Kakuozan Nittaiji Temple （日泰寺）

1 -1  Hoocho, Chikusa-ku, Nagoya