Why do People Become Amateur Runners? The Process of Acquiring a Physically Active Lifestyle in Japan

  In Japan, the New Course of Study for elementary and junior high school was announced in March 2017. In this revision, the goals of (health and) physical education were to develop physical quality and ability to realise a... [ view full abstract ]

  In Japan, the New Course of Study for elementary and junior high school was announced in March 2017. In this revision, the goals of (health and) physical education were to develop physical quality and ability to realise a physically active lifestyle through various sports. The theory of pedagogy of physical education in Japan is important for achieving these goals to learn physical performance, cognition, and interaction in physical education class. Although this theory has been accepted by Japanese researchers, little evidence has been revealed so far, indicating that the process of acquiring a physically active lifestyle in Japan is under-researched. Consequently, constructing the theory using qualitative data offers the key to solving this preexisting gap in the literature.

  The purpose of this study was to examine the process of becoming an ‘Amateur Runner’. An ‘Amateur Runner’ is defined as ‘a person who runs 1 or more times a week for more than 30 minutes, and participates in marathon festivals at least once a year’. Results of this study contributed to forming a baseline of acquiring a physically active lifestyle in Japan.

  For this study, data was collected using the semi-structured interview method, and analysed using the Grounded Theory Approach. Here, the researchers found at least 2 major categories: ‘Use of SNS’ and ‘Formation of Community’ in order to become an Amateur Runner. First, people use SNS to do research on running communities; then, join a community. Second, people get further information about running from members of the community. Finally, after a period time within the community, people become Amateur Runners. On the other hand, it was also revealed that the idea of ‘Improvement of Record’ is not so important. These results have potential to reexamine the last theory in pedagogy of physical education in Japan.