Synchronized walking doesn’t really seem like a sport at first glance, especially to the untrained eye. But this group of Japanese walkers will make you rethink any of your preconceptions towards walking… as an art form or as a sport.
In what appears to be a school gymnasium, a large group of Japanese walkers form into a coherent assembly, ready to perform. They start out at a brisk pace, featuring plain white shirts and what appear to be dress pants.
Within a matter of seconds, a loud command is given on an intercom. The group reacts by taking a sharp turn, still in perfect sync. The group continues walking forward until they hear another command, turning left yet again. Eventually, they take one more left, basically walking along the perimeter of an invisible square.
The assembly retains a robotic walking cadence with insane precision. Things seems pretty routine until the group comes to a complete halt, proceeding to put on formal black jackets, to the surprise and delight of the viewers.
The group gives a quick bow before a new command is given. The unit, now in a new, rectangular formation, begins to walk forward at a brisk pace. Another unique expression makes its way across the intercom, dispersing the group into separate factions, walking in opposite directions.
The two factions walk into separate corners of the gym before being told another command, whereby they turn and reverse their direction. They soon walk through each other in the formation of an “X,” perfectly, without breaking stride, ending up on opposites sides of the gym. Then, they reverse their direction and start walking backwards through the same “X” formation.
Eventually, everyone takes a seat in the center of the gymnasium, starting a surprising new style of choreography.
Different members then take separate turns standing and bowing. Some of the formations are idiosyncratic, with only a handful of members standing, asymmetrically.
A harsh new command is given, breaking the group up, forming a rectangular unit. Soon, a rather unique visual effect is achieved, with some members standing and others sitting, and a few somewhere between.
After a few more unique intercom commands, the group breaks into a fully-fledged, ever-changing figure eight, weaving in and out of each other with ease.
The unit performs a few more unique variations leading into a wonderful finale. The group comes to a standstill at the center of the gym, with each member facing outwards in a different pose.
This group demonstrates the power of walking as an art. It’s somewhat reminiscent of a marching band performance, but without the music and with arguably deeper choreography. Anything given practice, coordination, and intention can be turned into an art form, including walking.
Please SHARE this with your friends and family.
