In 1992, Fuji Television aired an early 5am morning exercise show called, Eikaiwa taisō Zuiikin Ingurisshu. Roughly translating as 'English conversation, gymnastic exercise voluntary muscles English', the show aimed to facilitate English-learning using synchronised exercises while also parodying the established NHK 6am gymnastic exercise program. As part of an experimental low-budget program called JOCX-TV2 that ran from 1987–1995, this show aired for 24 episodes over one season, and while passing unnoticed by most Japanese, gained an international cult following from 2005 onwards when the series was re-aired.
When I stumbled across this video during my research, it simultaneously fascinated, amused and confused me. While undoubtedly funny, it also was saying something about women, exercise and Bubble Japan that was hidden under the humour Through this paper I will explore what sport meant to young women in Japan, of the kind being parodied here, and who may have even been watching at 5am
