It’s a cold, wet morning in Tokyo, and frigid air slips through the open doors of a college gymnasium. But the chill doesn’t faze Soichiro Kakimoto and 30 other young businessmen as they prepare for their weekend ritual: cheerleading. “Smile when times are tough!” bellows a tall man with an eager grin. Dressed in dark business suits and ties, the men raise their fists and move in unison to lively pop music echoing across the gym.
Their voices boom with chants of encouragement. “Yes you can! You can definitely do it! Go, Japan! Go Japan!” These performances are more than entertainment—they’re acts of hope. Known as “Cheer Re-Man’s,” a creative blend of “cheerleading” and “salaryman,” the group was formed in 2023 by alumni from the male cheerleading squad of the prestigious Waseda University. Their mission is to spread positivity through electrifying shows at malls and public spaces, all on a volunteer basis.
Despite their demanding corporate lives—ranging from real estate to marketing—the members find time for intense weekend training. The gym is shared with a female college cheerleading team, who generously offer their space in exchange for biscuits. During the week, Kakimoto dons his stretchy navy suit from Uniqlo for his job at a software firm. That same suit doubles as his cheer uniform. He explains that while his weekdays are mentally exhausting, weekends offer physical release. “Even if one isn’t well, the other might be, and that’s contributing to my overall mental health,” says the 23-year-old.
This blend of passion and perseverance captured public attention, landing the group a spot in an online ad campaign for their stretchy suits. Their vibrant, acrobatic routines even took them to “Britain’s Got Talent,” where they reached the semi-finals and placed third. At a recent shopping mall performance, the crowd erupted as suited men performed gravity-defying stunts and towering formations.
Among the spectators was Yasuko Yamaki, a 61-year-old housewife moved to tears by the spectacle. “In Japan, we’re all going through a lot. Watching these salarymen giving their all without giving up—it’s so inspirational,” she said.
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