Japan’s Extremely Weird New Memes

If you’ve recently seen a person running across your timeline like a particularly motivated crab, don’t worry, your algorithm isn’t broken. That’s Ooba Katsunori, also known as Ooba Kamon, the researcher responsible for turning the Edo period running technique into one of Japan’s most unlikely sensations. his Instagram The reel has racked up over 13 million views, proving that nothing captures the imagination of modern Reiwa like a historically accurate ninja shuffle.

Screenshot of Ohba Katsuno showing Edo period running style (right, image via Instagram)

Who is Daye Shengze?

Ohba Katsunori has spent the past decade studying how people actually moved during the Edo period. While most scholars work quietly with archived texts, Ohba prefers a more dynamic approach that involves walking outdoors, turning his body sideways, and reenacting the burning of a 17th-century postal courier on the Tokaido Road.

Since 2014, he has been digging through historical paintings, ukiyo-e and old manuals at the National Diet Library to carefully piece together forms of walking and running, such as Next (the arm and leg on the same side move together) and the lesser-known lateral movement Hengqiao. His videos are carefully crafted and intended to be educational, but have garnered attention on the internet for their quirkiness and unintentional comedy.

The Science Behind Edo Period Running Techniques

During the interviewOhba explained that many Edo period techniques simply relied on not using too many muscles. By relaxing the body, keeping the head level, and rotating the arms and legs inward and outward rather than front to back, runners can conserve energy and reduce stress.

He even held workshops across Japan, including Nagoya and Osaka, to help those struggling to learn how to move like common people during the Edo period.

Why “Edo Walk” became popular

this breakout clip In the Edo Hashira trend, Ohaba demonstrates sideways running inspired by depictions of ninja sports. He assumes a half-length pose, raises his arms outward, and rotates his limbs cartoonishly, gliding in a frictionless crab pose that feels both scientifically sound and overtly comedic.

The internet has naturally lost its mind.

Comments run the gamut from “I’ll use this to dominate the corner of my office” to “This is my new commuting trick” to “I tried this in football and was immediately scolded.” One viewer swore it would increase their stolen base rate. Another promised to use it for his next marathon. People post their own Edo running entertainment such as comedy trio on social media platforms Ski resorts in Geraldon The cafe staff performs a Namba-style shuffle.

But behind the humor lies real charm. Many spectators were surprised to see that the Edo runners did not wave their arms; They use rotational motion and gravity to accelerate. Others appreciate that the technology can take pressure off the knees and even work in mud, sand or snow, making it arguably more practical than modern sprinting.

Ooba didn’t stop at viral fame. His goal was to build a historically accurate, scientifically proven model of Edo running—one that could be preserved as a cultural heritage for the next century. He even plans to test the method on a full run from Edo to Kyoto, tracing the famous Tokaido route. sideways.

If he succeeds, it could become Japan’s most determined historical study in a long time.

For now, though, Oba Shonori’s greatest achievement is giving the world a precious gift: the knowledge possessed by the people of the Edo period weird Real, and a good laugh.

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