#Shinjuku #Kokoro Osteopathic #Wampaku Sumo #Traditional Sports

Reviving Traditional Sports to Improve Children's Core Strength

On May 17, 2026, the Kokoro Osteopathic Group, which operates 125 clinics across the nation and has 2 overseas locations, will sponsor the "48th Wampaku Sumo Tournament" at the Shinjuku Cosmic Sports Center in Tokyo. Founded 20 years ago by CEO Yasuhiro Aki, the group aims to tackle the decline in children's core strength and flexibility as highlighted by Japan's Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology.

The tournament will feature 1,000 elementary school students competing in traditional sumo, a sport recognized for its value in building strength, coordination, and balance. Kokoro will send a team of sports care professionals, including judo therapists and acupuncturists, to provide on-site support,
which includes taping, first aid, physical check-ups, and body care advice.

Addressing the Declining Physical Abilities of Children

Recent surveys conducted by the Japanese government indicate a consistent decline in the core strength and flexibility of elementary school students. Factors such as urbanization, increased screen time, and decreased outdoor play have contributed significantly to this trend. At Kokoro, which sees around 800,000 patients annually, parents often express concerns about their children’s posture, frequent falls, and lack of focus. These issues highlight a growing social concern about child development, emphasizing the necessity for effective solutions.

Traditional sports, particularly sumo, have gained renewed interest as a potential remedy. The fundamental movements involved in sumo, including shiko (stomping), koshi-wari (hip-splitting), and suri-ashi (sliding feet), are ideal for enhancing balance, body awareness, and flexibility. These exercises are believed to optimally develop the neurological and physical systems of children, particularly during an age when their nervous systems are maturing.

Valuable Insights from Joint Research with Tohoku University

The knowledge gained from the collaborative research with Tohoku University has been published in the international academic journal PLOS ONE. This research informs the development of the Kokoro’s proprietary method, GIFT. The philosophy behind this method is rooted in the idea of