Innovative Promotion to Tackle Exercise Shortages on Rainy Days

Addressing Exercise Deficiency on Rainy Days

As climate patterns shift, the frequency of heavy rain episodes in Japan has seen a dramatic rise, with short, intense storms nearly doubling in occurrence since the late 1970s. According to Japan's Meteorological Agency, the annual count of severe downpours exceeding 50mm per hour has escalated from an average of about 226 instances between 1976 and 1985 to roughly 334 instances from 2015 to 2024. This shift in weather significantly influences urban dwellers, complicating their commute and impacting daily routines, including opportunities for exercise.

The Japan Meteorological Corporation forecasts that summer 2026 will be characterized by an early rainy season, extreme heat, and increased rainfall compared to 2025. The forecast warns of prolonged rain and potential typhoons later in the year. Consequently, not only rainy days but also excessively hot days will make outdoor physical activities increasingly challenging.

A survey by the Japan Sports Agency reveals that only 51.7% of individuals over the age of 20 engage in sports at least once a week, falling short of the agency's goal of roughly 70%. Despite a genuine desire to stay active, many people find themselves opting to skip exercise due to work commitments, household responsibilities, adverse weather, and the burdens of travel. Creating an environment that encourages regular physical activity, even amid challenging circumstances, has become essential.

SMART GOLF's Rainy Day Promotion

In light of these challenges, SMART GOLF is taking the initiative to relieve commuting stress on rainy days and introduce residents to indoor golfing as a viable exercise option. To achieve this, the company has launched a special promotion that involves distributing original umbrellas near Meguro Station during inclement weather.

SMART GOLF operates uniquely equipped indoor golf practice facilities featuring private rooms, 24/7 access (with some restrictions), availability of rental clubs, and convenient locations. On rainy days, the initiative aims to showcase the advantages of indoor golf, emphasizing that it allows users to stay dry, comfortable, and unimpeded by the weather while being easily accessible.