What's Happenin' In Japan

Random Video: The Algorithm March

2007-06-20

posted by Akemi

Those who follow internet trends no doubt saw these videos when they were the it thing on YouTube for a day or two, but for those who might have missed them, the Algorithm March.

The march was originally shown on an NHK (Japan's public broadcasting network) educational show as a group exercise for children that also helps teach the Pythagorean Theorem. This first video compiles a few variations of it (including one with a troupe of ninjas), with the addition of English subtitles.

When the march caught on internationally, it somehow ended up being used a group activity at a prison in the Phillipines. This second video shows nearly a thousand prisoners participating in the world-record-sized march. It was apparently part of a birthday celebration for a politician which also included some dance numbers preformed by the prisoners.

Labels: education, random video