Pokemon's Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits
The ministry has been collaborating with the Pokemon Company. PHOTO: TAKAMARO FUKUOKA/ FACEBOOK
Pokemon's Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits
TOKYO - In a charming and strategic move to encourage healthy sleeping habits, Pikachu and Snorlax — two beloved characters from the globally popular Pokemon franchise — have officially been appointed as 'sleep support ambassadors' by the government.
The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry spearheaded this initiative, which leverages the appeal of these iconic figures to encourage people, especially children, to develop better sleep habits.
The characters are expected to participate in various public awareness events, adding a fun, recognisable element to the important message that everyone needs to get enough sleep.
The ministry recommends nine to 12 hours of sleep for elementary students, and eight to 10 hours for junior and high school students, to maintain good health.
Since last fiscal year, the ministry has been collaborating with the Pokemon Company, which publishes 'Pokemon Sleep,' a smartphone game that tracks the user's sleep. Together, they have created brochures and other materials to encourage adequate sleep.
On June 26, the day of the announcement, Snorlax and a nightcapped Pikachu visited the ministry and received their letters of appointment from Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Takamaro Fukuoka.
'We hope to continue working with the health ministry to positively change sleep habits,' said Pokemon Company Representative Director Takato Utsunomiya. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIAN NEWS NETWORK
Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Straits Times
2 hours ago
- Straits Times
Malaysian injured while climbing Indonesia's Mount Rinjani
This is the second incident involving a foreigner within a week on the famous volcano. PHOTO: ADVENTURE QUESTS LOMBOK – A Malaysian climber became the latest victim of an accident on Indonesia's Mount Rinjani after reportedly falling while heading towards Lake Segara Anak on June 27. According to Malaysian newspaper Sinar Harian, the victim sustained serious injuries, including a fractured hip and head wounds, after falling approximately 200m before reaching the bridge to the popular site. Mr Yarman, head of the Mount Rinjani National Park Centre, confirmed the incident, which occurred around 2.20pm local time, and stated that a rescue operation was launched immediately upon receiving initial information. 'Initial information indicates the victim was still able to walk slowly despite injuries to the leg and a head impact. Our team was dispatched to the location to provide emergency treatment and conduct the rescue operation,' he told the media on June 28. He stated that the rescue procedure was carried out according to established safety standards, including providing initial treatment at the location before the victim was transferred to the nearest control post, such as the Sembalun Post. If further treatment is required, the victim will be referred to health facilities like Bhayangkara Mataram Hospital or the Community Health Centre in the Sembalun area. Mr Yarman also advised all climbers to be more cautious and not to underestimate the challenges when climbing Mount Rinjani. 'Rinjani's topography is very challenging. Climbers need to be careful, not push themselves if tired, and rest or seek help immediately if they encounter difficulties,' he stressed. This is the second incident involving a foreigner within a week on the famous volcano. On June 21, a Brazilian climber, Ms Juliana Marins, 27, died after falling while climbing to Rinjani's summit, raising concerns about the safety of the climbing routes. 'Safety must be the top priority in every journey,' Mr Yarman added. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Straits Times
7 hours ago
- Straits Times
Pokemon's Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits
The ministry has been collaborating with the Pokemon Company. PHOTO: TAKAMARO FUKUOKA/ FACEBOOK Pokemon's Pikachu and Snorlax named Japan's ambassadors to encourage better sleeping habits TOKYO - In a charming and strategic move to encourage healthy sleeping habits, Pikachu and Snorlax — two beloved characters from the globally popular Pokemon franchise — have officially been appointed as 'sleep support ambassadors' by the government. The Health, Labour and Welfare Ministry spearheaded this initiative, which leverages the appeal of these iconic figures to encourage people, especially children, to develop better sleep habits. The characters are expected to participate in various public awareness events, adding a fun, recognisable element to the important message that everyone needs to get enough sleep. The ministry recommends nine to 12 hours of sleep for elementary students, and eight to 10 hours for junior and high school students, to maintain good health. Since last fiscal year, the ministry has been collaborating with the Pokemon Company, which publishes 'Pokemon Sleep,' a smartphone game that tracks the user's sleep. Together, they have created brochures and other materials to encourage adequate sleep. On June 26, the day of the announcement, Snorlax and a nightcapped Pikachu visited the ministry and received their letters of appointment from Health, Labour and Welfare Minister Takamaro Fukuoka. 'We hope to continue working with the health ministry to positively change sleep habits,' said Pokemon Company Representative Director Takato Utsunomiya. THE JAPAN NEWS/ASIAN NEWS NETWORK Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
New Paper
9 hours ago
- New Paper
Sure, take MC - but stay home or else: Certis Cisco's new rule sparks debate
Paid medical leave is a statutory right. But if you're a Certis Cisco auxiliary police officer, there's a catch: stay home, or risk disciplinary action - even if you have a valid medical certificate (MC). And if officers are not at home during unannounced supervisor visits, they will be required to send their live location via WhatsApp or get on a video call. The lack of a valid reason for stepping out would lead to a warning or other disciplinary measures, including dismissal. According to Mothership, the new policy started in March. An employee told Mothership that the news had raised concerns among staff, and speculated that the new policy was implemented to discourage officers from taking medical leave for minor ailments, and to reduce the overall amount of medical leave taken. Certis, however, says that's not the case. Speaking to Mothership, a spokesperson said the organisation's MC guidelines were "designed to support rest and recovery", and that managers may check in on employees who were on medical leave through home visits with "small care gestures". The spokesperson did add that they have also implemented safeguards to ensure the medical leave system "is used appropriately". "As a people-first organisation, we remain committed to building a culture of care, trust and accountability," added the spokesperson. Online reactions on Mothership's Facebook page as well as on a Reddit thread were divided, with some defending the policy. "As a former Certis employee, I can safely say that this policy is, unfortunately, likely a result of 'people spoil market'," said one Redditor, using the colloquial expression meaning the system was abused. Most of the comments, however, were critical of the measures. "So untrusting," said a commenter. "Culture of care, trust and accountability? I don't know what they smoking right there," added another. "What will they do next? Install CCTV to ensure their employees have at least seven hours of sleep each night to ensure their safety and well-being?" joked one. The issue also touched a nerve with readers who recalled a Straits Times piece earlier this week about how employees shouldn't feel guilty for taking MC. That article encouraged better communication between bosses worried about MC abuse, and workers too scared to rest. One commenter felt that while malingering would continue to exist, not everyone on medical leave should be placed under house arrest. "MC abuse should always be a case by case basis and not dealt with by treating everyone like they are guilty until proven innocent," the Redditor said.
