#Japan #Yokosuka #NIFCO #HAJICHECK #Shonan Institute of Technology

Collaborative Development of Foot Grip Training Game

In a bid to improve health and safety, Nifco Co., Ltd., headquartered in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, has embarked on an exciting venture. They are partnering with Shonan Institute of Technology to develop a training game that focuses on foot grip strength, aided by a device known as "HAJICHECK."

What is HAJICHECK?

HAJICHECK is an innovative tool designed to visualize and train foot grip strength, which is essential for maintaining physical stability and preventing falls in daily life. A year-long study conducted on healthy seniors revealed that those who fell had an average grip strength that was 20% weaker compared to their counterparts who remained steady. Furthermore, another study indicated that elderly individuals participating in foot grip training experienced a significant reduction in their fall risk, underscoring the rising importance of foot grip strength for health and safety.

This product not only measures foot grip strength but also incorporates engaging training games. By making the training enjoyable, HAJICHECK aims to foster a greater awareness of health among its users while encouraging continuous improvement in grip strength through gamification.

Project Overview

The collaborative project involves five students from Professor Mutsuhiro Nakashige’s laboratory within the Faculty of Information Science at the Shonan Institute of Technology. They harness digital technology and the creative, flexible ideas of the Gen Z generation to develop a training game specifically for HAJICHECK.

The project seeks to create a more enjoyable and sustainable gaming experience for foot grip training, with the overarching goal of changing health awareness and addressing the challenges related to falls within an aging society.

• - Project Name: "From Feet to Health! HAJICHECK Game Development Project"
• - Collaborative Partner: Shonan Institute of Technology (Professor Mutsuhiro Nakashige's Laboratory)
• - Activity Period: April 2025 - October 2025
• - Final Presentation: October 2025
• - Objective: To develop a foot grip training game themed around "Health x Gaming" using the innovative ideas of Gen Z, ultimately aiming to transform health awareness and tackle fall-related issues in an aging society.

In the coming months, the project will evolve into developing prototypes based on selected game ideas, conducting user tests, and refining the designs, with the final presentation scheduled for October. Additionally, the developed product will be showcased at the Tokyo Game Show 2025 in September and at the H.C.R. 2025, the 52nd International Welfare Equipment Expo & Forum in October.

Nifco remains dedicated to its purpose of creating a pleasant lifestyle and sustainable society by connecting small insights with technology. Riding on this principle, the company is committed to thoughtfully addressing societal issues and advancing health and safety themes through the development of easy-to-use products and services. Furthermore, Nifco actively collaborates with universities and research institutions to tackle various social challenges.

For more details on HAJICHECK, feel free to visit their website or check their ongoing projects. You can also get in touch with the Nifco management office for further inquiries or collaborations.

Contact Information

Nifco Co., Ltd.
General Affairs Department
TEL: 03-5476-4850
Email: soumu@jp.nifco.com

Stay tuned for updates on this innovative project that aims to change the landscape of foot health and safety, especially within our aging population.