## Part 1 The “Zest for Living” and the Mind-Body Connection

In today’s rapidly changing society, the practical skills that self-sufficient individuals need to socialize and cooperate with others, i.e., a “zest for living,” must be fostered from childhood in a balanced manner.

Among the more prominent facets of this “zest for living” are “a healthy body,” “a well-rounded character” and “solid academic prowess.” Manifesting themselves in such forms as athletic ability, a sense of justice, and mental agility, these elements do not function independently but instead complexly intertwine within the day-to-day activities of children. The “zest for living” is hence deeply connected with both mind and body.

Just as tangible volunteer activities are predicated on dedication to helping other people, the qualities and skills inherent in the “zest for living” are rooted in the workings of the mind. Curiosity about the “what” and “why” of things as well as the desire to know and learn to do are factors that underpin all activities, intellectual or otherwise. At the same time, engaging in suitably meaningful activities on a continuing basis requires good health, and improving physical fitness through proper exercise, a balanced diet and adequate rest/sleep is therefore essential. Physical fitness is a crucial ingredient in human development/growth and creative activity, and a key force supporting a “zest for living.”

Activities entailing physical fitness are closely tied to mental development. Playing with friends, for instance, provides children with a foundation on which to build their intellectual capacity and character by improving their physical abilities and enabling them to acquire naturally the skills for interrelating with others. Interacting with nature and with their playmates, adhering to good sportsmanship, and practicing and striving toward specific goals—all experiences that children can acquire through participation in sports—have an important role in teaching children to get along and cooperate, to play fairly by the rules, to have compassion for others, and to exercise self-control. At the same time, the fun, exhilaration and sense of achievement they gain from athletic activities motivate children to develop their physical abilities, the mind and body again working in synergy.

Experiences in natural and social contexts are vital for enhancing mental and physical capacity. Children gain a hearty “zest for living” through both mind and body as they undergo moments of excitement, surprise, frustration, and success during their interactions with nature and society.

The mind and body thus together sustain the “zest for living,” and a key mission for communities, schools, and families is that of creating an environment that contributes to the development of sound minds in sound bodies.

## Part 2 Children’s Mental and Physical Health at Present

The rapid development apparent across society in recent years, even while generating benefits for the public, has diluted interpersonal relations, increased mental stress, led to a lack of exercise and caused various other problems. This has impacted the day-to-day lives of both children and adults in a number of ways.

A diminished sense of connectedness and a decline in the educational functions of communities are among the consequences of spreading urbanization. These have adversely affected the mental and physical health of children, changing the way children approach play and reducing the everyday opportunities children have to exercise their bodies and interface with nature and society, experiences considered essential to forming a well-rounded character (Diagram 1).

Although certain circumstances such as children who fall ill during morning assembly and children who slump over their desks do not show up in numerical figures, the situation of children at school has clearly changed. Other mental and physical problems such as refusal to attend school, bullying, drug abuse, and communicable diseases have also been noted.

There has been a tangible decline in the educational functions of the family—the result of family nuclearization and a declining birthrate, the reduced presence of fathers in households, and low self-