The survey was conducted by Cosmo Health, which runs the senior-oriented market research service Cosmo Lab. It targeted people aged 50 and over and received 1,524 responses. The most common daily walking time was 10 to 30 minutes, at 31.5% of respondents. That was followed by 30 to 60 minutes at 29.8%, while 17.5% walk for an hour or more. Taken together, nearly half of respondents walk 30 minutes or more every day. At the other end, just over 20% hardly walk at all or walk less than 10 minutes a day. The source describes this as a clear divide between regular walkers and those who keep walking to a minimum.
When asked what they keep in mind while walking, 61.0% said 'keeping my back straight.' Next came 'being careful not to fall' at 49.7% and 'taking long strides' at 34.4%. The source says this emphasis on posture and avoiding falls seems to reflect a desire to remain as youthful as possible. Future concerns were led by 'an injury from a fall' at 50.7% and 'not being able to walk long distances' at 50.1%. Just over 20% were concerned about each of 'not being able to travel anymore' or 'needing a cane or mobility aid.' More than half said they 'exercise and stretch' or 'go for walks' so they can stay active in the future.
For readers in, working with, or visiting Japan, this is a snapshot of how many older Japanese approach everyday mobility. It does not offer travel advice, nor does it predict what any individual visitor will encounter. But it does suggest that a large share of older Japanese are habitual walkers, while a significant minority are not. For people working with older clients or designing services, the focus on posture and fall prevention is notable. For visitors, the survey is a reminder that older Japanese may be active pedestrians, but the evidence does not measure tourist experiences or accessibility. The source provides no information about how these habits vary by region, income, or urban and rural settings.