The worms of Japan better watch their backs: The country's early birds are out in force as the "morning activities " trend takes root. Asakatsu, the practice of getting up early to pursue hobbies, has followers among office workers and unemployed people alike who are looking for a way to establish a fixed time for personal interests and self-improvement.
An asakatsu survey this spring by the JMA Research Institute found that one in seven people (out of 1,000 men and women, age 20-50) was actively pursuing some kind of morning activity. Not bad for mere mortals. On the other hand, brand new company hires were a different species altogether: 82% said that they were doing morning activities or, um, said that at least they really wanted to.
A "businessman" survey by Asahi Beverages (which happened to include a section on the "power of canned coffee") reported that about 17% of the people they surveyed were working toward some kind of degree or studying languages in the morning. Language schools in Tokyo with early morning classes include Linguuaphone Language Plaza's "Early Bird Morning Challenge" at 7 and "Asakatsu English" lessons with Pan Nations at 7:30. An asakatsu book group meets at restaurants near Tsukiji market for sushi breakfast talks with authors. Rikkyo Business Creator "cram school" holds morning seminars to increase skills important in business.