We all know that synchronized swimming is pretty common, but apparently, synchronized walking is a thing as well, at least in Japan. In fact, synchronized walking has been a popular discipline over there since 1966. It originates from Japan’s Nippon Sports Science University and is called ‘Shuudan Koudou’, which loosely translates into ‘collective action’.
Recently, a video has surfaced of a synchronized walking act in action. The start is pretty simple, but then all men put on their suits and proceed to steal the show.
The entire routine – which lasts a bit over eight minutes – is seriously impressive and pretty mind-blowing.
Aside from not bumping into each other, the entire act has a very high entertainment value and even manages to incorporate some humor! A massive crowd of 11,000 people absolutely adored it and gave them a massive applause.
There were 77 students in total who performed in the synchronized walking act. You could compare the start of the routine to synchronized military walks, but their timing is truly impeccable and astonishing. All of them move with an utmost precision that you have to see to believe.
A lot of preparation was necessary, as all of the students trained three days in a week for five straight months.
They even received regular cardio training so they wouldn’t get exhausted.
Keiko Suzuki is the captain of the team and wants to prove to people that youngsters in Japan can work together.
“People say Japanese youngsters these days lack the ability to work collectively in a group, but we just proved that we don’t. We all mastered this highly disciplined training and made it our habit to stick to strict rules.”
The captain also mentions that their acquired skills to perform this strictly coordinated act will be beneficial to them in their lives after school.
“I believe this experience will be an asset as we enter into the job market,” the 23-year-old captain concluded.
Synchronized walking is quite popular in the land of the rising sun and the festivities at Nippon Sports Science University are held in high regard. The discipline is comparable in popularity to cheerleading in the US.
The science university has a notable amount of graduates, including celebrities, sumo wrestlers, politicians and even Olympic athletes, including a gold medal winner.
Be sure to check out this amazing display of synchronized walking in the video below.
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