Sagamihara City launches 2026 health and walking challenge

Sagamihara City has launched the fiscal year 2026 ‘Ken-katsu! Challenge,’ a health promotion initiative designed to encourage physical activity through walking. The program offers incentives to participants who meet specific activity goals.

Individuals aged 18 and older who live, study, or work in Sagamihara can participate in the individual category by using the ‘My ME-BYO Karte’ smartphone app. To qualify for the lottery to win prizes, participants must maintain an average of at least 6,000 steps per day. A new high-effort category, the ‘Sagamin no Totteoki Award,’ is also available for those averaging over 8,000 steps per day.

A group category allows teams of five or more people to compete based on average step counts, with top-performing groups receiving certificates and commemorative gifts. The program aims to foster better health habits, such as weight management and improved sleep, by providing motivation through rewards and social interaction.