'Try anything': Japan's silver-haired cheer-dancing squad

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By Elaine Lies

TOKYO (Reuters) - Pompoms rustle and silver shoes flash as "Japan Pom Pom" practices, moving to a lively cheer dance beat. With members ages 60 to 89, they're no ordinary squad.

But don't you dare call them grannies.

"Right at the start, we weren't very happy about being called 'granny cheer dancers,'" says Fumie Takino, the bubbly, energetic 89-year-old who founded Japan Pom Pom - average age, 72 years - more than 25 years ago.

(Open https://reut.rs/3testUq in an external browser to see a picture package of Japan Pom Pom.)

At a recent weekly practice, resumed after a year off, mask-wearing members checked temperatures before stretching, then moved into their dance routines - socially distanced, of course.

Though most wore sweatpants and t-shirts with a glittery "Japan Pom Pom", for performances they don sequined, mini-skirted cheer costumes. For one routine, Takino wears a leather biker jacket and shades; in another, all sport silver wigs.

"It's dancing; moving your body is nice," she said. "And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join just so they can wear them."

Originally started with five people 26 years ago after Takino saw an overseas senior cheer squad in the news, the group now has 17 active members. Members, all older than 55, must pass auditions.

Now the group is featured in government pamphlets about active seniors, appears periodically in TV reports, and performs in popular charity shows.

Japan, one of the world's most rapidly ageing nations, with almost 30% of its population older than 65, is known for the longevity of its seniors. But acceptance of the squad took time in a nation with fixed notions about senior life.

"We went to a senior-citizens club, and they really didn't like us. They didn't smile even once. 'Japanese women, wearing things like that, at their ages!'" Takino recalls. "Now, I think about half of people are okay with us and half still can't accept us."

Members comment about the boost from practicing together and Takino's positive outlook.

"As our leader says, try anything," said Tami Shimada, 69. "If you're interested in something, forget about your age, forget about people saying it's no good for that reason ... I think that leads to a reason to live."

Takino, who has three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, with another on the way, practices what she preaches.

She's tried scuba-diving, parasailing, ukulele and sky-diving, which she calls "the greatest," and got a master's degree in the U.S. in her 50s. Now she also studies Spanish, attends a dance class for seniors and takes walks. She's obsessed with computer solitaire.

Each night, she drinks a small beer, and says an appendectomy has been her only health issue so far.

Takino can't believe she'll be 90 next year, but reluctantly confesses she doesn't think she'll still be cheering at 100, though the group wants her to.

"The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," she said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing."

(Additional reporting by Akira Tomoshige. Editing by Gerry Doyle)

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. "It
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. "It's dancing; moving your body is nice," Takino said. "And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join just so they can wear them." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members prepare to pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. Japan, one of the world
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other members prepare to pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. Japan, one of the world's most rapidly ageing nations, with almost 30% of its population older than 65, is known for the longevity of its seniors. But acceptance of the squad took time in a nation with fixed notions about senior life. "We went to a senior-citizens club, and they really didn't like us. They didn't smile even once. 'Japanese women, wearing things like that, at their ages!'" Takino recalls. "Now, I think about half of people are okay with us and half still can't accept us." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, wears a protective face mask as she stretches with other members of Japan Pom Pom during a weekly practice session, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "Right at the start, we weren
Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, wears a protective face mask as she stretches with other members of Japan Pom Pom during a weekly practice session, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "Right at the start, we weren't very happy about being called 'granny cheer dancers,'" said Takino. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom practice a dance routine during a weekly practice session amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, March 29, 2021. Picture taken March 29, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom practice a dance routine during a weekly practice session amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, March 29, 2021. Picture taken March 29, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom pose for commemorative photos before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom perform a dance routine as they are filmed for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom perform a dance routine as they are filmed for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, colours in an adult colouring book, on the day Japan declared its third state of emergency, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at her home in Yokohama, Japan, April 23, 2021. Picture taken April 23, 2021. "The last three or four years I
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, colours in an adult colouring book, on the day Japan declared its third state of emergency, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, at her home in Yokohama, Japan, April 23, 2021. Picture taken April 23, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, wears a protective face mask as she prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, wears a protective face mask as she prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, poses for a commemorative photo before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "It
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, poses for a commemorative photo before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "It's dancing; moving your body is nice," Takino said. "And the costumes are unbelievably showy. Some people join just so they can wear them." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom holds a sign bearing the team
A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom holds a sign bearing the team's name before filming a dance routine for an online performance amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, laugh after posing for commemorative photos in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, laugh after posing for commemorative photos in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Tami Shimada, 69, a member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "As our leader says, try anything," said Shimada. "If you
Tami Shimada, 69, a member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, prepares to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "As our leader says, try anything," said Shimada. "If you're interested in something, forget about your age, forget about people saying it's no good for that reason... I think that leads to a reason to live." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other Japan Pom Pom members, perform a dance routine while filming an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. Japan, one of the world
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, and other Japan Pom Pom members, perform a dance routine while filming an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. Japan, one of the world's most rapidly ageing nations, with almost 30% of its population older than 65, is known for the longevity of its seniors. But acceptance of the squad took time in a nation with fixed notions about senior life. "We went to a senior-citizens club, and they really didn't like us. They didn't smile even once. 'Japanese women, wearing things like that, at their ages!'" Takino recalls. "Now, I think about half of people are okay with us and half still can't accept us." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, look at a video of them performing a dance routine for a filmed online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, look at a video of them performing a dance routine for a filmed online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, talks to a member during a break from filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, talks to a member during a break from filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Tami Shimada, 69, a member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, walks home from the park with her granddaughter Elisa, 4, and daughter-in-law Tomoko, 44, in Tokyo, Japan, April 25, 2021. Picture taken April 25, 2021. "As our leader says, try anything," said Shimada. "If you
Tami Shimada, 69, a member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, walks home from the park with her granddaughter Elisa, 4, and daughter-in-law Tomoko, 44, in Tokyo, Japan, April 25, 2021. Picture taken April 25, 2021. "As our leader says, try anything," said Shimada. "If you're interested in something, forget about your age, forget about people saying it's no good for that reason... I think that leads to a reason to live." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, leaves the studio after filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "The last three or four years I
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, leaves the studio after filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, rides a subway as she heads to her team
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, rides a subway as she heads to her team's weekly practice session in Tokyo, Japan, April 5, 2021. Picture taken April 5, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, walks to her team
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, walks to her team's weekly practice session in Tokyo, Japan, April 5, 2021. Picture taken April 5, 2021. "The last three or four years I've started to feel tired a lot more easily. Then having to be home because of the pandemic really meant my stamina fell. I don't feel anything while I'm practicing, but then the next day I feel pretty tired," Takino said. "I forget everything while I'm dancing." REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, sets up a video camera to film the team
Fumie Takino, 89, founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, sets up a video camera to film the team's dance routine during a weekly practice session in Tokyo, Japan April 5, 2021. Picture taken April 5, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, checks her makeup before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "Right at the start, we weren
Fumie Takino, 89, the founder of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom, checks her makeup before filming a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. "Right at the start, we weren't very happy about being called 'granny cheer dancers,'" said Takino. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom prepare to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom prepare to film a dance routine for an online performance in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom have their temperatures checked before their weekly practice session during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
Members of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom have their temperatures checked before their weekly practice session during the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom wears a protective face mask as she cleans the studio floor before a weekly practice session, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A member of a senior cheer squad called Japan Pom Pom wears a protective face mask as she cleans the studio floor before a weekly practice session, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak, in Tokyo, Japan, April 12, 2021. Picture taken April 12, 2021. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

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