The Art of Doing Nothing: Japan’s Championship
Japan Hosts First Ever Space-Out Competition
In a bizarre turn of events, Japan recently hosted the world’s first relaxation championship where participants were prohibited from doing anything at all. The event, which was organized by the Space-Out Competition, saw over 100 participants, ranging from teenagers to 60-year-old residents of Japan, competing in the tournament.
The rules of the competition were simple yet challenging. Contestants were required to sit motionless or lie down with their eyes open for an hour and a half. Laughing or closing their eyes could result in immediate disqualification, and the use of smartphones, reading, talking, or even checking the time were strictly prohibited.
The winner of the championship was determined by pulse, with organizers checking the participants’ heart rate every 15 minutes. The goal was to maintain a low but stable heart rate throughout the competition. Surprisingly, three dancers from the same team emerged as the finalists of the tournament.
One of the most fascinating aspects of the competition was the presence of an audience that closely watched the proceedings and even had the chance to compete with the participants in idleness.
The Space-Out Competition originated in South Korea in 2014, created by local artist Woopsiang. The goal behind these unique competitions is to combat burnout and promote relaxation. Over the years, the event has gained popularity, attracting participants from around the world. In addition to South Korea and Japan, similar events have taken place in the Netherlands and China.
As the concept of relaxation championships continues to capture the interest of people globally, it remains to be seen how these events will evolve in the future.
Photo: spaceoutcompetition.com
