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Enjoy Audiobooks While Staying Active with Ear Katsu Walking 2025

In an inspiring initiative to connect fitness and literature, Otobank, the leading provider of audiobooks in Japan, is launching the 'Ear Katsu Walking 2025' campaign, set to take place from May 9 to June 8, 2025. This exciting event encourages participants to engage in physical activity while enjoying their favorite audiobooks, combining the pleasures of walking and reading.

The campaign rewards participants with up to 1550 coins to use on the audiobook.jp platform, based on the number of completed audiobooks, alongside a chance to win exclusive merchandise in a lottery. With a stellar lineup of audiobooks, this campaign not only promotes fitness but also supports cognitive health.

Rising Popularity of Ear Katsu Walking

Last year, the campaign attracted an incredible 18,299 participants, highlighting a growing interest in healthy activities that combine entertainment with wellness. The concept of 'Ear Katsu Walking' allows individuals to listen to audiobooks while walking, making exercise more enjoyable and motivating. Interestingly, research conducted by Otobank in collaboration with Kansai University of Welfare Sciences has shown that listening to audiobooks while moving can have a brain-activating effect similar to cognitive training aimed at preventing dementia.

The campaign first commenced in 2023, when it drew in over 11,229 participants. Following its success, the 2024 edition saw enthusiastic growth with 18,299 individuals taking part. As it returns for the third time, the campaign aims to further cement this healthy lifestyle habit among the community.

In September 2023, an event was held in Kashiwa City, where Otobank signed a comprehensive cooperation agreement, emphasizing the importance of mental and physical health for citizens. Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive, with many users expressing that they were able to walk longer distances and found that their reading habit significantly improved their walking frequency.

Community Engagement through the Minchalle App

In anticipation of the campaign, audiobook.jp has introduced an official challenge within the Minchalle app, a habit-forming application operated by Aten Lab, starting April 2025. Users of audiobooks can experience a 30-day free trial of the app. Participants will form teams of five, sharing the books they listen to and the distances they walk, thus fostering a community built around these healthy habits. More information about joining the Minchalle challenge can be found on the campaign's web page.

Join the Fun: 'Ear Katsu Walking 2025' Overview

Let's take a closer look at the specifics of the upcoming 'Ear Katsu Walking 2025' campaign:

• - Duration: May 9, 2025 - June 8, 2025
• - Rewards: Coins based on the number of audiobooks listened to (maximum 1550 coins) and a chance to win original merchandise.

To participate, all you need to do is play any audiobook, including the 'Listen to Nikkei' podcasts. Every 30 minutes of audiobook playback counts as one listening, and users can track their listening progress within the app. Audiobook recommendations tailored for walking are also available on the campaign site, ensuring a well-rounded experience.

The campaign's theme this year focuses on integrating audiobook listening into daily routines in a manageable way. For shorter walks, shorter chapters will be suggested, while longer, more immersive works will cater to those who prefer extended walking sessions.

_Note: Please ensure that the audio volume allows you to hear surrounding sounds while walking, adhering to traffic regulations and general safety guidelines._

What is an Audiobook?

Audiobooks have gained popularity as a versatile form of media, allowing individuals to 'read' while engaged in other activities, such as exercising, commuting, or doing household chores. With the rise in smartphone and wireless earbud usage, audiobooks have emerged as the 'third format' of reading, alongside physical and e-books, enhancing the reading experience for users.

Through the subscription model providing unlimited access to a broad range of audiobooks, major platforms like audiobook.jp are rapidly growing, appealing to diverse demographics across Japan.

About Otobank

Otobank Inc, headquartered in Tokyo's Bunkyo ward, operates 'audiobook.jp'—Japan's largest audiobook distribution service. Launched in 2018, the platform offers a vast selection of audiobooks, striving to make the genre accessible while promoting various forms of publishing culture. Recently, the platform exceeded 3 million members, marking significant growth and indicating the increasing trend toward auditory media.

For more details about the campaign, visit the Ear Katsu Walking 2025 website. Join us in enhancing your health while enjoying the adventure of audiobooks walking alongside you.