On January 5th, Kumamoto Prefecture held a launch event at Magazine House headquarters in Chuo Ward, Tokyo. This commemorated popular character Kumamon—who serves as the prefecture's Sales Director and Happiness Director—appearing on the cover of the magazine "Tarzan" released that same day. Additionally, an exercise dance video titled "Kumamon 4U Method" was released on YouTube that day.
Kumamon has been working on countermeasures against metabolic syndrome since autumn 2014, when Governor Ikuo Kamashima pointed out he was overweight.
Appearing in the same red Adidas tracksuit featured on the "Tarzan" cover, Kumamon wrote "I'll lose weight" on a signed card, declaring his commitment to dieting. Tarzan Editor-in-Chief Toru Otawara commented, "I heard he was feeling down after the governor called him 'metabo,' so I wanted to support him. We usually only feature models with incredibly fit bodies, so (being able to feature Kumamon) is deeply moving."
Kumamon performed light-footed steps to the music of the "Kumamon 4U Method." This innovative exercise combines the "4U Method"—where one movement pattern is performed over 4 seconds—with choreography set to music. The video, available on YouTube, features Kumamoto Prefecture staff and local residents, highlighting how the dance makes maintaining health enjoyable.
In response to Kumamon's diet challenge, adidas Japan will release limited-edition related products, including the "Kumamon × adidas 24/7 Original Jersey," starting January 17. Additionally, Nippon Columbia will release a DVD featuring the "Kumamon 4U Method" and other fun exercises to get healthy with Kumamon on March 12, Kumamon's birthday.
■Kumamon 4U Method Video URL
http://kumamoto-red.com/
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