The Future of Pilates: Bubble or Culture?
On December 10, 2025, Shouhei Kata, a director at hacomono, took the stage at a talk session organized by the company to share insights on the rapidly growing Pilates industry. This session sparked dialogue around a pressing question: Is the Pilates boom merely a bubble, or is it evolving into a lasting cultural shift?
In recent years, Pilates has seen explosive growth, with studios opening up nationwide. However, the key takeaway from the session was the belief that Pilates should evolve beyond a transient trend and integrate into people's daily lives as a cultural activity. Aiming for a lifestyle where practicing Pilates is as natural as breathing, the belief is that this practice is essential for sustaining true health and enhancing the quality of life.
From Trend to Culture
The talk addressed the urgent need to shift perception and drive home the idea that Pilates should be considered a culture, not just a fleeting trend. Instead of a passing fad, we envision Pilates becoming a staple in people’s daily routines. This is essential for long-term physical and mental health, and to elevate overall life quality.
To achieve this, it is imperative for practitioners and studios to commit to pursuing the highest standard of training and to engage deeply with the health needs of each individual client. As the industry expands, it's crucial not to be swayed by trends but to focus on delivering genuine value and establishing Pilates as a cultural practice.
Inclusivity Across Generations
The current demographic at hacomono's studios consists of health-conscious individuals seeking to better understand their bodies. Their dedication to improving their physical wellbeing is a source of pride for the staff. The mission is to widen this cultural circle to include all generations, providing elderly clients with a lifestyle that encourages movement and offering younger generations a solid foundation for a healthy mindset and body.
Our aim is to build spaces that resonate with all age groups, allowing everyone to experience the benefits of Pilates. This approach reinforces our commitment to fostering a future where Pilates enriches the lives of individuals, regardless of their background or life stage.
Passion for Instructor Development
The cornerstone of establishing Pilates as a culture lies in the presence of instructors—individuals who accompany clients on their journey through life. In the session, Shouhei Kato highlighted the importance of education and a deep understanding of the customer’s perspective. Teaching correct movements is only part of the equation; what truly matters is supporting clients in achieving long-lasting healthy lifestyles.
Instructors must blend technical know-how, rooted in anatomy, with the ability to perceive clients' physical and emotional needs. Ultimately, instructors should be seen not just as guides but as invaluable partners in enhancing clients' wellbeing, committed to mutual growth. This philosophy is our educational aim and promise to our students and clients alike.
As this session concluded, the inspiring exchanges with industry leaders about the future of Pilates invigorated our vision. The ongoing goal remains to promote health globally through top-notch techniques, being a consistent partner in people's lives.
About Machine Pilates Studio 'Luluto'
Machine Pilates Studio 'Luluto' offers a unique Pilates experience conceptualized by professional physical therapists. Our motto, 'Transform Your Body (Lu), Shortest Route (Route) to Pilates,' underscores the personalized lessons tailored to each individual. Each session focuses on improving posture and movement based on anatomical insights, enabling members to build a healthier body in a short time.
Change Your Body in 3 Months!
Our Pilates program, designed around the premise of gaining results in three months, is tailored to meet individual goals—improving posture, enhancing flexibility, strength training, and overall body shaping. This customized approach allows participants to feel significant changes in their bodies.
For more on 'Luluto,' visit our official site:
Luluto Official Site
Company Overview
Founded in July 2018, ‘Rigaku Body Inc.’ aims to improve the quality of care for clients suffering from pain through effective methods pioneered by its founder, Takumi Kijima. Concurrently, it advocates for better treatment conditions for physical therapists. With a commitment to achieving results within three sessions, they have established a network of 105 clinics nationwide by November 2025. Since 2022, they have expanded into Pilates with ‘Luluto’ to provide and promote health to a broader audience.
- - Company Name: Rigaku Body Inc.
- - Location: Shibuya, Tokyo
- - Phone: 03 6712 6473
- - Website: Rigaku Body
- - Founder: Takumi Kijima