The Walking Challenge was launched in June 2018 by the Healthy Campus Kyoto Network under the vision of “Creating physical and mental well-being for people and society, starting from universities.”The initiative aims to promote and foster a culture of health among people from all walks of life.

Since 2021, the Walking Challenge has expanded nationwide, co-hosted by the Japanese University Health Association (JUHA) and supported by the National Federation of University Co-operative Associations, spreading the movement across Japan through universities nationwide.

If 2,000 people walk 8,000 steps a day for 30 days, together they will cover a distance equivalent to reaching the Moon.

The Walking Challenge initially began with a goal of 2,000 participants. By 2025, participation had grown to 8,500 people, whose combined steps were equivalent to two round trips to the Moon!

In 2026, we are aiming even higher:10,000 participants — enough steps to make 2.5 round trips to the Moon!

Reaching 8,000 steps a day can be surprisingly difficult in everyday life. The Walking Challenge makes it easier—and more fun—to build healthy habits through opportunities to win prizes, walk together with friends and colleagues, and enjoy friendly competition with other participating organizations.

For one month, let’s walk together, have fun, and make it all the way to the Moon and back!