Thursday, March 26, 2026
20 minutes filled with laughter
On Wednesday, March 25th, a gymnastics class was held at the group home Hekisui, operated by the specified non-profit organization Respect, with instruction from Aki Shiraishi, a member of the Hokuryu Town Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team.
The group home, Aomizu, is divided into Building A and Building B, and approximately 20 minutes of exercise were conducted in each building. Seven residents participated in Building A, and eight residents participated in Building B.
Thanks to Aki Shiraishi's energetic personality, everyone enjoyed the exercises in a cheerful and fun atmosphere. It was a full-body workout that made everyone break a light sweat. The 20 minutes flew by in no time.
Full-body exercises using a ball
The exercises mainly involve using soft balls and are simple movements that engage the muscles of the entire body using the arms and legs. You will sit in a chair and move your whole body slowly and gently without straining yourself.
Gripping, pulling, pushing, pinching, lifting. Transforming everyday movements into exercise, this program engages the entire body, from hand grip strength to the muscles of the chest, back, abdomen, and legs.
"Gripping and squeezing the ball tightly," "stretching your armpits to reach high places," "lifting both legs using your abdominal muscles"—each of these movements has meaning in supporting our daily lives.
"Let's have a competition for lunch!"
Laughter is an essential element in gymnastics classes.
"If I win, I'll take all of your lunch!" Shiraishi declared, and a game began where everyone had to hold onto a ball between their feet for 10 seconds without dropping it. Everyone put all their strength into keeping the ball. "You all win! You're lucky your lunches weren't taken away," said Shiraishi. Laughter echoed throughout the home stadium.
There were also moments where they threw and caught a ball like in dodgeball. Every time Shiraishi-san exclaimed, "You're all so good! Amazing!", smiles spread across everyone's faces. They also incorporated a finger-counting challenge as a mental exercise, getting both their bodies and minds moving.
To protect everyday movements
"I focus on strengthening the muscles needed for everyday movements so that I can live my daily life as independently as possible, such as being able to get out of bed smoothly or reach high places," Shiraishi says with a smile.
Exercises such as pushing a ball against your back to correct your posture, squeezing a ball between your legs to strengthen your inner thighs, and lifting a ball with both feet to strengthen your abdominal muscles—each of these seemingly simple movements contributes to an independent lifestyle.
Finally, Shiraishi encouraged everyone to take a deep breath to regulate their breathing, saying, "You all got a lot of exercise today. Enjoy a delicious meal and get some good rest." With these warm words, the gymnastics class came to a close.
Who is Aki Shiraishi?
Aki Shiraishi was born in Hokuryu Town. After attending Hokuryu Junior High School and Asahikawa Commercial High School, she went on to Tokyo Women's College of Physical Education (Kunitachi City, Tokyo). She dedicated herself to table tennis until university, and participated in the Inter-High School Championships and the Intercollegiate Championships. After graduation, she worked as an instructor at a gym in the Tokyo metropolitan area.
In May 2025, I took up my second position as a member of the Hokuryu Town Regional Revitalization Cooperation Team. Currently, I am based at the town's Rural Environment Improvement Center and am developing a wide range of exercise support activities for local residents and children.
Shiraishi's Main Activity Schedule
- "Kids Ball Play Class" at a nursery school
- "Kids Fit" is an after-school exercise class for elementary school students (upper grades).
- Support for junior high school club activities (table tennis club)
- "Fitness Support" program aimed at promoting health and community building (Every Thursday, 12:00-20:30, Rural Environment Improvement Center)
- Home-visit training (for those on the verge of needing care services, or those who have no means of getting to a classroom)
- Support for Board of Education projects and various events
"Fitness Support" is held every Thursday in the Improvement Center Training Room. In addition to three classes—stretching, machine exercises, and cardio—there are programs tailored to your goals, such as "Start Fit 15," "Active Fit 30," and "Balance 30." No reservation is required, and late arrivals are welcome. For inquiries, please contact the Board of Education (TEL: 34-2553).
For the health of all townspeople
Gymnastics classes are held once a month at Group Home Aosui. Not only residents, but also local residents living nearby are welcome to participate.
"Based on supporting the health of the townspeople, I would like to challenge myself with new things as well," says Aki Shiraishi enthusiastically.
Young people born and raised in Hokuryu Town are supporting the smiles and health of the people of their hometown.
With boundless love, gratitude, and prayers, we extend our heartfelt support to Aki Shiraishi's "Health Promotion Support" activities, which are bursting with energetic power and guiding the residents of Hokuryu Town towards health, vitality, and smiles!
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