Core Rhythms › Japan Today: Japan News and Discussion

Saturday 24th May, 07:46 AM JST

“Core Rhythms” Finnish dancer Jaana, left, comedian Rie Kuwabata, 32, center, and Russian dancer Julia demonstrate the “diet dance” on Friday in Tokyo. Kuwabata said she has slimmed down from 63 kg to 56.5 kg, after practicing the dance for six weeks.
PHOTO BY TARO FUJIMOTO

14 Comments

some14some at 07:56 AM JST - 24th May

Arms seem strong but chests need little more oxygen.
rjd_jr at 07:58 AM JST - 24th May

All three look scary.
Sarge at 08:32 AM JST - 24th May

The comedienne has the best body.
SushiSake3 at 12:46 PM JST - 24th May

Are they just starting the diet?
Azrael at 05:11 PM JST - 24th May

I saw the TV commercial ad for Core Rhythms; they should have chosen someone else for that ad. During the scene practicing the dance, that lady had no difference between hip and waist! When dressed up of course it was different, but without the layers... Kanashii. Is it far fetched to ask why are these type of exercises considered a good choice to cater to Japanese ladies?

Japanese consider a toned body is not kawaii. Japanese seem to like women slightly squishy (that is, ultra thin and without any muscle definition on the skin), with straight limbs like dolls. Also, the beauty of a Japanese torso modeled into a kimono calls for a straight, tube-like figure that bends gracefully like a willow in the breeze, with a long torso and a graceful neckline. Asking Japanese women to have large chests is hidoi enough - but asking now for a noticeable ratio difference between hip and waist is not very respectful. Again, most fashion trends are not known for being intelligent choices.
timeon at 05:23 PM JST - 24th May

I think the Russian has a hot body. she-s not exactly a great poser though
namabiru4me at 05:36 PM JST - 24th May

People buy the DVD, watch it and exercise a few times, then it is shelved. When the next infomercial exercise DVD comes out, they buy it and follow the same pattern. Meanwhile, Shopjapan sits back and rakes in the money! These same people likely already have Bootcamp too!
Zaphod at 06:05 PM JST - 24th May

"Kuwabata said she has slimmed down from 63 kg to 56.5 kg, after practicing the dance for six weeks."

Sure, but wouldn`t she have had the same effect practicing any old dance for that time, or doing any exercise? Just running around the block would do, if she just sticks to it.

The only people who win with this gimmick are the ones who sell the video or the book or whatever they are a hawking.
SushiSake3 at 06:24 PM JST - 24th May

Just looking at this bunch and I lost 5 pounds :-)
Apsara at 08:46 PM JST - 24th May

The kimono might call for a straight up and down body, but that isn't necessarily what most Japanese women aspire to, most of them not having a lot of call to wear kimono in their every day lives. I have seen a lot of exercises (hot yoga, belly dance etc.) recommended in magazines here because they increase the "kubire" of one's waist, i.e. give you a more hourglass shape, so it is something that Japanese women themselves are hoping for.
Apsara at 08:49 PM JST - 24th May

Re. the "oxygen" comment above, anyone who thinks their boobs aren't big enough, for most women it isn't possible to be very toned and have a big bust, not without surgery at least. Apart from a very few genetically gifted women, you either get one or the other, you can't have it both ways.
Sarge at 09:33 PM JST - 24th May

Sushi - I lost 5 pounds just looking at the comedianne. xD
Wottock_Hunt at 01:05 AM JST - 25th May

The comedienne looks like a bag full of smashed arseholes, but I'd certainly be happy to slip ether of the other two a length.
rjd_jr at 03:27 AM JST - 25th May

This is the only time where I will concede that there are hundreds more hotter walking along a busy shinjuku street.