#Japan #Tokyo #New Year #aruku& #ONE COMPATH

Introduction

The walking application "aruku&", managed by ONE COMPATH, recently conducted a survey among 12,801 users from across Japan. This study focused on the walking habits and preferences of individuals during the New Year's holiday period, spanning from November 25 to December 9, 2025. In addition to this, the application organized a special event called the "Unofficial Walking Competition", where users were divided into three groups: those who travel, those who relax at home, and those who return to their hometowns to compete in a step count challenge.

Survey Results

The results indicated that a significant majority (75.5%) identified as the "Stay-at-home Relaxers", highlighting a trend for people to prefer relaxing during the prolonged holiday season. While the step count was highest for the "Travelers" at an average of 13,147 steps per day, all groups exceeded 11,000 steps on average.

Insights on Walking Preferences

When participants were asked how they planned to spend the New Year period, 75.5% stated they would relax at home, while only 13.1% indicated they would return to their hometowns and 11.4% planned to travel. Comments from those preferring to stay home included sentiments about avoiding crowded travel during the holidays or simply enjoying some well-deserved downtime after a busy work year. Conversely, the "Hometown Returners" expressed their excitement about reconnecting with family and friends, with comments reflecting affection for their hometowns. The "Travelers" shared a desire to explore different places while they still had the energy to do so.

Daily Step Count Across Groups

Although the "Travelers" recorded the highest daily average, there wasn't a drastic difference across groups, indicating that even the "Stay-at-home Relaxers" maintained a commendable step count of 11,834, and the "Hometown Returners" followed closely at 11,557 steps.

Activities Enjoyed by Stay-at-home Relaxers

Among the top activities enjoyed by those relaxing at home were watching TV and movies, visiting shrines for the New Year, and shopping during the initial sales. Additionally, many expressed a desire to enjoy quality time with family and engage in activities such as cooking or reading, which they often lacked the time to pursue amidst their busy lifestyles.

Eating Habits and Exercise Awareness

When prompted about overeating during the New Year period, a striking 82.6% admitted to either overeating or sometimes doing so. Notably, 59.4% of respondents articulated a commitment to maintaining their exercise routines, whether by ramping up exercise ahead of the holidays or staying active throughout the season.

Walking as the Preferred Exercise

A remarkable 81.3% of respondents indicated walking as their preferred exercise to combat the holiday-related lack of activity, significantly outranking other options such as running or weight training. The survey reveals a trend towards engaging in low-impact activities that are less intimidating for those less active, emphasizing the simplicity and accessibility of walking.

Goal Setting for Health

When asked about setting health-related goals for the New Year, only 40% reported having such goals, albeit many expressed intentions focusing on health and dieting. A notable characteristic among the users of aruku& was the tendency to establish specific walking targets, indicating an ongoing commitment to healthier lifestyles.

Conclusion

This survey sheds light on how individuals manage their walking habits during one of the busiest times of the year, revealing a balance between relaxation, family time, and maintaining physical activity. The trends observed signify a collective awareness regarding health and fitness, even amidst the festive spirit of the New Year.

Survey Overview

Survey Conducted by: aruku&
Participants: 12,801 users across Japan
Survey Period: November 25 - December 9, 2025
Method: Internet research (in-house survey)