Terry Ito Column Vol.64 Morning Walk Feels Good

I like morning walks. I usually travel by car a lot, so I tend to not get enough exercise. So, for the past 30 years or so, I've made it a routine to go for a walk about twice a week. When I'm in Kamakura, I walk along Route 134 along the coast via Inamuragasaki and stretch at Yuigahama Park. I enjoy a walk that takes about two hours. When I'm in Setagaya, I go to Kinuta Park, and in Meguro, I go to Rinshi-no-Mori Park. Although the locations are different, I still enjoy walking. I love moving my body, but I've never been good at sports, so I'm not good at competitive sports. Even when I was at Waseda Jitsugyo, I was surrounded by people who were in sports clubs. I never won a running race at the sports festival and was always fighting for last place. It was a sad time as a student.

That's why "moving my body alone" is so relaxing and enjoyable. Parks are filled with elderly people in the morning. I encounter all kinds of people as I walk. Someone my age is limping along, but I'm sure he's rehabbing a stroke. Since it's a circular route, I bump into him many times. I don't call out to him, but I always think to myself, "Good luck!" At every park, after 7:30, tai chi groups take center stage. They number 30 to 40 people. The majority are women over 60. The men are probably on their way to work. They're incredibly energetic. The other day, I was passing by a park and someone kindly invited me in: "Terry, there aren't many men here, so why don't you join us?" Since I prefer walking alone, I politely declined.

On Saturdays and Sundays, the atmosphere at the park changes completely, and young families flock in. It's not uncommon to see fathers teaching their sons, around 5-7 years old, how to play soccer. They're not just playing, they're really serious about it. Perhaps they're aiming to become professional soccer players one day. It's a heartwarming scene. On Kamakura's beach, newlywed couples are catching the eye with their commemorative photos. Around Inamuragasaki, they take photos with Mount Fuji in the background, while some adventurous couples get right up to the water's edge to get the best shot. A hilarious example is the Enoshima Electric Railway's "Kamakura High School Station," a familiar sight from the manga "Slam Dunk" that has become a global landmark. They forcefully take photos in their wedding dresses at a crowded railroad crossing. The sturdy newlyweds keep a cool head despite complaints from those around them.

I'm a big fan of walking, and the other day I set a new personal best! I managed 95 consecutive push-ups. This beat my previous personal best of 87, and I'm one step away from my dream of 100 consecutive push-ups. Looking back, I thought I could do just five more, but at the time, I was at my limit. I hope I can achieve it this year.
People around me have warned me that if I try too hard, I'll end up damaging my health.
For that reason, I will do my best in secret without pushing myself too hard.
If you're not getting enough exercise, why not try taking a morning walk?

Terry Ito (director)

Born in Tsukiji, Tokyo in 1949. After attending Waseda Jitsugyo Junior and Senior High School, he graduated from Nihon University's School of Economics.
In March 2023, he completed the Master's program at the Graduate School of Media and Governance at Keio University.
He joined the television production company IVS Television, where he worked on variety shows such as "Tensai Takeshi's Genki ga Deru TV" and "Neruton Benikujidan."
He then went independent and worked on planning and directing a number of television programs, including TV Tokyo's "Asakusabashi Young Clothing Store."
His book "Comedy North Korea" became a bestseller, and he subsequently made numerous media appearances under the name Terry Ito.
In addition to his work as a director, he is also active in a variety of fields as a producer, entertainer, and commentator.
YouTube channelTerry Ito's Comedy Backdrop'
Currently writing a column in LALALA USA
https://lalalausa.com/archives/category/column/terry