Some companies are ramping up efforts to maintain and improve the health of their employees, such as sending them to remote health resorts where they can learn beneficial exercise techniques and other strategies to improve their daily lives.

In late July, 16 employees of Sompo Japan Nipponkoa Himawari Life Insurance Inc. in their 20s to 40s with differing lifestyle habits and exercise experience attended a walking program in the city of Kaminoyama, Yamagata Prefecture.

The program is called "Kurort health walk." "Kurort" is the German word for a health spa where many people go to recuperate and improve their health. In Germany, "climate therapy," where patrons can exercise and relax in natural environments, such as the mountains or in forests, is popular.