Higashikurume City is putting together a health promotion plan with the goal of creating a city where everyone can take charge of their lives for greater health and happiness. As part of these efforts, we’re trying to create an environment that makes it easy for every resident to make healthier choices, which in turn makes our entire community stronger and more resilient.
The stated goal of the exercise portion of our plan is to create a city where opportunities for movement are nearby and readily available to people—and one of the ways we’re doing that is by helping people make walking a habitual part of their daily lives.
First, we created walking maps with local routes that go by natural springs, old-growth forests, and other points of interest in the city. We then held fun events to encourage community members to take advantage of the map. These initiatives are helping more people make walking a regular part of their daily lives, which in turn is promoting the health of the entire city.
| Higashikurume Walking Map | |
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We worked with Higashikurume health promotion ambassadors to create a walking map featuring daily health tips as well as fun walking routes that showcase the best parts of the city.
・We packed each route with beautiful nature spots and other points of interest and then grouped them into maps with different concepts, like 2–3 km routes perfect for daily walks and great routes for beginning walkers to try.
・We ended up with a total of eight routes, which were published across four themed maps and one comprehensive guide. 
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| Walking campaign | |
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We also held a walking campaign to take advantage of the new walking maps. In 2020, our campaign focused on independent walking activities to maintain social distancing during the pandemic. We had people of all ages participate—from kids to seniors—creating a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved in walking. The feedback from participants was incredibly positive.
■2020 events 【About the campaign】《Date》 October 1 through November 30, 2020 (optional extension through March 31, 2021) （STEP 1） Get your comprehensive guide at City Hall and other locations around Higashikurume! （STEP2） Try walking the routes! （STEP3） Record your walks! （STEP4） Exchange for pin badges for each route at the Health Section! Walk three more routes (or the same one)for pin badges or other commemorative rewards! Note: We held the same campaign in 2021 
Pin badges (four types) |
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| Walking workshops | |
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Higashikurume is also holding walking workshops three times a year for city residents, using the city newsletter and other means to get the word out. The workshops are designed to encourage people to make walking part of their daily lives—by having fitness educators teach proper stretching and walking techniques, for example.
■2020 events 《First workshop》September 29, 2020 (12 participants) Route：Uenohara course 《Second workshop》 October 14, 2020 (15 participants) Route：Shimosato course 《Third workshop》 October 31, 2020 (29 participants) Route： Ochiai River course Note: The workshops were canceled in 2021 due to the pandemic 
Scene from a walking workshop
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| Health ambassador activities | |
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Our health ambassador activities included creating group learning opportunities like having fitness educators teach proper walking and stretching techniques. Our health ambassadors are taking a leading role in activities that help create a healthier community. |
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Walking campaigns