The Japan Society

Radio Taiso

Subject: Physical Education / Other Topics
Level: Key Stage 1 / Key Stage 2 / Key Stage 3
Age: 5-7 years / 7-11 years / 11-15 years
Resource Type: Activities / Lesson Plans / Schemes of Work / Other

Japanese Exercise Routine

Radio Taiso is a 3 minute exercise routine that has been practised for nearly 100 years in Japan. Fun for children and adults alike, Radio Taiso is commonly used for group warm-ups in Japan and the whole school will participate in the excercises at the beginning of school Sports Day. Watch our Radio Taiso videos.

You can also download our Radio Taiso Illustrated Movements Card to practice without the video. 

The Radio Taiso unit of work, introduces students to Radio Taiso and its benefits over three lessons as they practice, evaluate, and improve their performance. 

Curriculum links for Physical Education met through this unit of work:

  • Students develop competence to excel in a broad range of physical activities
  • Students are physically active for sustained periods of time
  • Students lead healthy, active lives

The routine can also be used as starter activity, warm-up, or to break up periods of written work.

More information about Radio Taiso can be found in the Background Notes and the Scheme of work provides an overview of the three lessons. 

Radio Taiso Background Notes
Radio Taiso Scheme of Work

See the lesson pages for individual lesson plans. 

Lesson 1: Understand and Experience Radio Taiso
Lesson 2: The Benefits of Radio Taiso
Lesson 3: Evaluate and Improve Performance