A recent survey published by The Japan Times has revealed a concerning trend: Japanese people are exercising less than before, sparking discussions amongst health experts and policymakers about the potential long-term impacts on public health. This news puts the spotlight not only on Japan’s changing lifestyle patterns but also raises relevant questions for Thai society, where sedentary habits and non-communicable diseases are likewise on the rise.
According to the report, the survey—conducted in early 2025—highlights a decline in regular physical activity among the Japanese population, with a significant proportion indicating a reduction in daily exercise routines compared to previous years. The data suggests that busy work schedules, the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, urban living constraints, and increased engagement with digital media contribute to this drop in physical activity. These findings are particularly significant for Thailand, where similar lifestyle shifts are being observed, and where the burden of lifestyle-related health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and heart disease continues to grow (Japan Times).
In Thailand, the Ministry of Public Health has already sounded alarms over decreasing physical activity, especially among urban residents and youth. According to a 2023 report published by the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, only about 40% of Thais met the World Health Organization’s recommended level of 150 minutes of moderate-intensity activity per week—a figure which trails behind pre-pandemic levels and mirrors the trend unfolding in Japan (Thai Health Promotion Foundation). Dr. Virasakdi Chongsuvivatwong, an epidemiologist at Prince of Songkla University, notes, “Thailand is facing an exercise crisis that parallels what we see in other developed Asian societies. Urbanization, long working hours, and a digital-first lifestyle are all contributing factors.”
The Japanese survey results illuminate factors that are just as relevant in the Thai context. The rise of work-from-home arrangements and increased digital consumption—from binge-watching dramas to extended mobile gaming—have amplified sedentary tendencies across East Asia. In Thailand, these trends are particularly visible among teenagers and office workers, who report higher screen time and lower physical activity since the onset of COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020. Recent studies in the Thai Journal of Public Health also suggest that social isolation and stress during the pandemic have led to less motivation to exercise, potentially reinforcing unhealthy habits (Thai Journal of Public Health).
Expert perspectives from both Japan and Thailand stress the urgency of the situation. Professor Yuko Kimura, a health policy expert at Tokyo University, told The Japan Times, “Reduced exercise not only raises healthcare costs but also diminishes productivity and quality of life.” In Thailand, health campaigners are echoing these worries. “If Thais continue down this path, we will face higher rates of chronic diseases at younger ages,” warns Dr. Supamas Sirikulchai of Ramathibodi Hospital.
The implications extend beyond individual health. Culturally, Thais have long valued activities like ว่ายน้ำ (swimming), วิ่งออกกำลังกาย (running for exercise), and traditional group sports. But with rapid urban development, safe public spaces for recreation are diminishing, particularly in cities like Bangkok and Chiang Mai. A 2024 Bangkok Metropolitan Administration survey found that over 60% of Bangkokians cited a lack of parks and green areas as a barrier to regular exercise—an infrastructure problem Japan is now debating as well (Bangkok Metropolitan Administration).
Historically, both Japanese and Thai societies promoted active, communal lifestyles—whether through school sports, community walking groups, or temple fairs. However, this communal spirit has been eroded by modernization and changing work-life dynamics. The erosion of accessible, communal exercise reflects not just shifting preferences but also deeper social and economic transformations.
Looking ahead, experts predict that without intervention, more Thais—like their Japanese counterparts—will face increased risks of obesity, cardiovascular illnesses, and mental health challenges. Prevention requires a multi-pronged approach, from government investment in public exercise infrastructure to workplace wellness programs and nationwide awareness campaigns. Already, initiatives like “Bike for Dad” and สวนสาธารณะประชารัฐ (Public Park Initiatives) aim to re-inspire active lifestyles, but uptake remains uneven, especially among the working-age demographic.
For ordinary Thai readers grappling with busy schedules and urban constraints, the Japanese survey serves as a timely wake-up call. Adopting small, consistent habits—such as walking half an hour daily, choosing stairs over elevators, or joining neighborhood exercise groups—can make a significant difference over time. Families can also play a vital role by encouraging children to engage in physical activities, protecting the next generation from the health risks of inactivity.
In today’s fast-paced, digitally-driven world, the cost of physical inactivity is a silent epidemic, threatening the wellbeing and productivity of both Japanese and Thai societies. By learning from international trends and taking proactive steps—at both the individual and community level—Thailand can chart a path toward healthier, more active living.
For those interested, more information about recommended activity levels can be found through the World Health Organization’s physical activity guidelines (WHO guidelines). Local resources, such as the Thai Health Promotion Foundation, also offer tools and community programs to help get moving (ThaiHealth).