Tokyo hosts unique sleep competition to address national fatigue

A sleep competition named "Matt Race" took place in Tokyo on Monday, October 5, 2026, organized by the mattress company Koala Sleep Japan. The event saw dozens of participants attempting to fall asleep as quickly as possible while lying on comfortable mattresses in a dimly lit environment. Competitors wore special sensors to track their sleep quality during a 90-minute session, with some participants bringing personal items like stuffed animals for comfort.

The winner of the challenge was awarded a cash prize exceeding two million yen (approximately 11,000 to 12,600 euros). Riichiro Nakama, creative director at Koala Sleep Japan, stated that the event aimed to raise awareness about the importance of rest in a society known for its intense work culture.

This initiative comes amid ongoing concerns regarding sleep deprivation in Japan, a country where workers often face exhaustive schedules. OECD data from 2021 highlights that the Japanese population records the lowest average sleep duration among member states, totaling just seven hours and 24 minutes per day.