Everyone knows that synchronized swimming routines can be incredibly beautiful, but did you know that there is such a thing as synchronized walking as well?

It turns out that synchronized walking is a very popular activity in Japan, and it’s now taking the world by storm!

In the video below, you’ll see forty men who have spent months preparing this elaborate routine. The sport below is known in Japan as “Shuudan Koudou,” which translates to “Collective Action” in English. The routine the men perform took lots of practice, and their hard work definitely shows!

Shuudan Koudou was created 47 years ago at Japan’s Nippon Sports Science University (NSSU), and the routines have only gotten harder and harder since it’s inception.

Shuudan Koudou bares a strong resemblance to American cheerleading competitions. Those who pursue it must have the ability to focus, maintain their body position and have good teamwork skills. Winning a Shuudan Koudou competition is considered to be a great honor in Japan, and many of the participants you see below will go on to be trainers to help others develop these skills!

We’d love to see this sport make it’s way to the U.S.! It’s so beautiful to watch, and you can really tell that those participating in it are enjoying what they are doing. The video below has quickly gone viral, as people all over the world are being exposed to the art of Shuudan Koudou!

Watch the performance for yourself, and please SHARE this story so your friends and family can see it as well!